Chess Basics

# Algebraic Notation
e4 # pawn to e4
Nf3 # knight to f3
Bc4 # bishop to c4
O-O # kingside castling
O-O-O # queenside castling
x # captures (Bxe5)
+ # check
# # checkmate

K # King
Q # Queen
R # Rook
B # Bishop
N # Knight
no letter # pawn moves

# Italian Game
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4

# Sicilian Defense
1.e4 c5

# Queens Gambit
1.d4 d5 2.c4

# French Defense
1.e4 e6

# Ruy Lopez
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5

Fork # attack two pieces at once
Pin # piece cannot move safely
Skewer # attack valuable then less valuable
Discovered Attack # move reveals attack
Double Attack # threaten two pieces
Sacrifice # give up material for advantage

Control the center # e4, d4, e5, d5
Develop pieces quickly # knights and bishops
Castle early # protect your king
Dont move same piece twice # in opening
Connect your rooks # clear back rank
Dont bring queen out early # can be attacked