Notation
What is a SAN in chess?
- Notation
- Review
- Records
SAN is a chess abbreviation. In practical terms, it refers to an abbreviation for standard algebraic notation or short algebraic notation (e.g. 1.Nf3), as opposed to long algebraic notation (e.g. 1.Ng1-f3). If you see it in a database, book, or tournament page, treat it as shorthand and check the surrounding context.
SAN FAQ
What is a san in chess?
SAN is a chess abbreviation. In practical terms, it refers to an abbreviation for standard algebraic notation or short algebraic notation (e.g. 1.Nf3), as opposed to long algebraic notation (e.g. 1.Ng1-f3). If you see it in a database, book, or tournament page, treat it as shorthand and check the surrounding context.
How do you get better at using a san?
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 san 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.
