Descriptive notation uses a different scheme for identifying locations on the board. Each file is named for the pieces at it's top and bottom ends as the game begins. The board is divided into King's side and Queen's side. The files are KR, KKt, KB, K, Q, QB, QKt, QR. These are known as a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h in Algebraic notation.

The ranks are counted from the player's point of view, from their back row to the far row. Consequently, white's row 1 is black's row 8. White's Q1 is Black's Q8; Black's KB5 is White's KB4.

The notation has the following format:

piece [( file rank )] move [ file rank ][ note ]

The symbol for the piece to be moved is one of p, B, N, R, Q, K.

If capturing, the move is x, followed by the symbol of the captured piece. Examples: pxp, NxQ. A search is required to determine which piece can be taken.

If not capturing, the move is -, followed by file rank to name the square moved to, from the perspective of whoever is moving, black or white

If 2 pieces are both be described by a move or capture, write the location of the intended piece in parentheses. Examples: p(Q4)xR means pawn at queen's rook four takes Rook, N(KB3)-K5 means knight at KB3 moves to K5

Special moves include king's side castling, designated O-O, Queen's side castling, designated O-O-O.

Notes. If a pawn captures en passant or in passing it is designated ep in the note . A move resulting in a check of the king is followed by ch in the note . ! means good move; ? means bad move in the note .

If the pawn in front of the king is moved forward two spaces, it is described as P-K4. If the pawn in front of the queenside knight is moved forward one space, it is P-QN3. If a knight at K5 captures a rook on Q7, it would be NxR or if clarification is needed, NxR(Q7) or N(K5)xR.