284 Houdini Help
E5. The eight ranks( from bottom to top for White and from top to bottom for Black) are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively. Consequently, in the initial position the white pieces and pawns are placed on the first and second ranks; the black pieces and pawns on the eighth and seventh ranks.
E6. As a consequence of the previous rules, each of the sixty four squares is invariably indicated by a unique combination of a letter and a number.
E7. Each move of a piece is indicated by( a) the first letter of the name of the piece in question and( b) the square of arrival. There is no hyphen between( a) and( b). Examples: Be5, Nf3, Rd1. In the case of pawns, only the square of arrival is indicated. Examples: e5, d4, a5.
E8. When a piece makes a capture, an x is inserted between
( a) the first letter of the name of the piece in question and( b) the square of arrival. Examples: Bxe5, Nxf3, Rxd1. When a pawn makes a capture, not only the square of arrival but also the file of departure must be indicated, followed by an x. Examples: dxe5, gxf3, axb5. In the case of an " en passant " capture, the square of arrival is given as the square on which the capturing pawn finally rests and " e. p." is appended to the notation.
E9. If two identical pieces can move to the same square, the piece that is moved is indicated as follows:( 1) If both pieces are on the same rank: by( a) the first letter of the name of the piece,( b) the rank of the square of departure, and( c) the square of arrival.( 2) If both pieces are on the same file: by( a) the first letter of the name of the piece,( b) the rank of the square of departure, and( c) the square of arrival.( 3) If the pieces are on different ranks and files, method( 1) is preferred. In the case of capture, an x must be inserted between( b) and( c). Examples:( 1) There are two knights, on the squares g1 and d2, and one of them moves to the square f3: either Ngf3 or Ndf3, as the case may be.( 2) There are two knights, on the squares g5 and g1, and one of them moves to the square f3: either N5f3 or N1f3, as the case may be.( 3) There are two knights, on the squares h2 and d4, and one of them moves to the square f3: either Nhf3 or Ndf3, as the case may be. If a capture takes place on the square f3, the previous examples are changed by the insertion of an x:( 1) either Ngxf3 or Ndxf3,( 2) either N5xf3 or N1xf3,( 3) either Nhxf3 or Ndxf3, as the case may be.
E10. If two pawns can capture the same piece or pawn of the opponent, the pawn that is moved is indicated by( a) the letter of the file of departure,( b) an x,( c) the square of arrival.
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