descriptive notation in British English noun. chess. a method of denoting the squares on the chessboard in which each player names the files from the pieces that stand on them at the opening and numbers the ranks away from himself or herself. Compare algebraic notation. Collins English Dictionary.
When was algebraic notation invented?
In 1737, however, a Syrian-born player/author named Philip Stamma introduced the shorthand notation that we now call “algebraic” in his book of composed problems, published in France. In 1745, he issued an expanded edition in English that included opening analysis and retained the algebraic notation.
When was descriptive notation introduced in chess games?
Descriptive notation. Descriptive notation is a notation for recording chess games, and at one time was the most popular notation in English- and Spanish-speaking countries (Brace 1977:79–80) (Sunnucks 1970:325). It was used in Europe until it was superseded by algebraic notation, introduced by Philipp Stamma in 1737.
When was descriptive notation replaced by algebraic notation?
It was used in Europe until it was superseded by algebraic notation, introduced by Philipp Stamma in 1737. Algebraic notation is more concise and requires less effort to avoid ambiguity, but much older literature uses descriptive notation.
What are the names of the squares in descriptive notation?
Each square has two names, depending on the viewpoint of White or Black. Each file is given a name corresponding to the piece that occupies the first rank at the start of the game. Thus, in English descriptive notation the queen ‘s file is named “Q” and the king ‘s file is named “K”.
Which is the numerical rank in descriptive notation?
From White’s left to right along the first rank this yields: TD, CD, AD, D, R, AR, CR, TR. The dash, which in English descriptive notation symbolizes the word “to”, is omitted. The numerical rank is identified before the file, e.g. “4R” is equivalent to “K4” (e4 in algebraic notation). In Spanish descriptive notation the Sicilian Defence ( 1.
