Notation
Read a short notated sequence and answer where the game stands. Algebraic notation should feel like reading prose — not a translation exercise that breaks every time you encounter "Nbd2" or "exd5 e.p.".
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6
4. Ba4 Nf6
Fluent reading of algebraic notation.
Every chess book is in notation. So are most online lessons, game scores, and analysis. If you can't read it fluently, every chess resource is twice as slow as it should be.
- Disambiguated moves: Nbd2, R1e2, Nxd5+
- Special moves: en passant, castling, promotion, check, mate
- Recognising openings from their first few moves
Anyone who finds chess books harder than they should be.
You can play tactics fine, but reading a notated game forces you to slow down and translate each move. This drill removes that overhead.
- Players who study from books or written annotations
- Tournament players who need to keep score live
- Anyone preparing to teach chess to others
Inside one drill.
Each session is short, repeatable, and built around a single skill.
A short sequence is shown in algebraic
Two to eight moves, sometimes from a real game opening, sometimes generated.
You read it, then answer a question
"What opening?" / "Whose turn?" / "What's the threat?" / "Which piece moved last?" / "Was that a capture?"
Mistakes show the board played out
You can scrub move-by-move. The notation you misread gets highlighted.
Optional dictation mode
You hear moves spoken aloud and type them. Reverse of reading — useful for keeping score.
Pick where you start.
Difficulty isn't only "harder squares". It changes time pressure, hints, and the variation between sets.
Short
Two- to three-move sequences. Common openings.
Standard
RecommendedSix-move openings with disambiguation. Mixed difficulty.
Game scores
Read a fragment from a real recorded game. Tougher.
Notation becomes invisible.
At first you'll mouth each move. After two weeks you'll see Nf3 and feel where the knight lives. After a month, openings recognise themselves in your head from move three.
- Tracks reading speed (moves per minute)
- Common-opening recognition graded separately
- Achievement: "Score keeper" — pass a 15-move dictation set
Run one set right now.
Intermediate · standard · 5 min. The fastest way to know if Pawnther is for you.