Notation
What is a Portable Game Notation ("PGN") in chess?
- Notation
- Review
- Records
Portable Game Notation ("PGN") is a notation term: this is a popular computer-processible ASCII format for recording chess games (both the moves and related data). There are import and export versions: the import version is lax, while the export version is not. This matters because clear notation lets you replay, review, and share chess positions without confusion.
Portable Game Notation ("PGN") FAQ
What is a portable game notation ("pgn") in chess?
Portable Game Notation ("PGN") is a notation term: this is a popular computer-processible ASCII format for recording chess games (both the moves and related data). There are import and export versions: the import version is lax, while the export version is not. This matters because clear notation lets you replay, review, and share chess positions without confusion.
How do you get better at using a portable game notation ("pgn")?
Good notation makes review possible. Use the term to understand or reconstruct the game accurately.
Train this pattern on your own games
Reading a definition is not the same as spotting the pattern with a clock running. Chessiro's free game review runs Stockfish 18 over every move you play, names the concept behind each mistake, and turns the positions where it cost you into training puzzles. You can also see the idea in action in the classic games collection, where the greatest players in history demonstrate it.
Free game review
See where portable game notation ("pgn") decides your games
Chessiro reviews your games with an AI coach that names the concept behind every mistake, then drills you on the exact positions where it happened until you stop repeating them.
