You’ve undoubtedly seen chess players in competitions taking notes on a piece of paper after each move. So you may wonder, what do chess players take notes on?Chess players keep track of their moves in the scoresheet. The scoresheet is a sheet of paper with empty columns where chess players can record the relevant information about the game they’re playing. Both players’ scoresheets are signed after the game is completed.
The algebraic notation is the most often utilized technique of recording chess moves. I’ll go through it in more depth below, but first, I’ll present the steps for proceeding using the standard procedure. This section will explain how to put down the moves as outlined in the conventional method.
However, even before that, you may wonder why chess players write down their moves while using a digital chessboard?
Chess players keep a written record of their moves since it is defined in the rules to document their actions. It serves as a written chronicle of their game, allowing them to argue before an arbiter, raise claims before him, and analyze their matches after the event.
The arbiter is the referee of a chess match. This is just an easy explanation. If you’re curious about the reasons behind chess players’ habit of recording their moves in detail along with the standard process of entering them down, keep reading.
Let’s look at the top 5 reasons why chess players keep notes.
The regulations require it
FIDE is the international chess organization in chess. As laid down in FIDE’s regulations of chess, all recognized chess norms are upheld. In FIDE-rated competitions, players need to record their moves as stated in the FIDE laws of chess.
There is a dedicated chapter in the FIDE laws of chess on recording chess moves. Assistants are assigned to write the moves on the scoresheet on behalf of a player if he or she is unable to do so.
Furthermore, after each game, each chess player signs their score sheets. So you may see how crucial writing down the moves on the scoresheet is.
The only exception to this rule is if the player has less than 5 minutes left on their clock and does not have any more than 30 seconds added to each move, and in rapid chess matches with a duration of 10 minutes or longer but less than 60 minutes as defined by FIDE.
You don’t need to keep track of your moves in casual play. However, it is recommended practice to do so.
Helps You Obtain A Draw By 50 Move Rule
In a nutshell, a 50 move rule dictates that if no pawn movement and no capture has occurred in the last 50 moves, the game can be declared a draw. According to FIDE Article 9.3.1 and 9.3.2, the simple technique to utilize this regulation is straightforward.
When a player makes a move, he must write it down on a scoresheet and then notify the arbiter that the 50-move rule was invoked, or that 50 moves have been completed without any pawn movement or capture.
The arbiter can follow the moves on a scorecard and determine whether to accept or reject the claim. As a result, a written record is essential for a player to file a draw claim in this instance.
Another factor to bear in mind is that the game does not automatically terminate according to the threefold repetition rule and the 50 move rule. The player must claim it.
The new 75-move restrictions (no pawn movement and no capture has been made during the previous 75 moves), as well as the five-fold repetition rule (the same position repeated at least five times), however the arbiter (referee in a chess game) is authorized to declare the match as a draw. There is no need for claimants.
This can be used to show that the time limitation has not been exceeded
A player in sure chess matches must make a specific number of moves within a given period. If the player exceeds the time limit, they are penalized.
If you follow the instructions, how will you demonstrate it? By written records, right?
Writing down moves in a scorecard can help you show that you followed the regulations and outright the required number of moves in the designated time frame.
Assists in preventing cheating
Let’s say you’re taking part in a chess tournament. Now that the game is underway, you’ve placed your opponent in such a position that they might lose. The opponent has changed the board’s positions or committed an illegal action after you moved out.
When the opponent disagrees, you may continue to claim. You only have the written account of actions as proof at that point.
The arbiter will look at your scoresheet. You’ll receive the verdict in your favor. As a result of this practice, cheating is avoided.
After a game, it’s helpful to evaluate the competition
When you record the moves on a scorecard, you’re recording the complete game on paper. Later, as the game progresses, you may review your mistakes and opportunities for improvement. Therefore it’s therefore critical to practice writing the moves to better self-analyze your game later on.
Furthermore, you can utilize the chess moves in your chess engine to evaluate and analyze any mistakes it finds. You just have to input all of the pieces in one at a time, and the chess engine’s software will analyze your game based on its enormous database after that.
The game has been played for millennia, and players have learned to rely on these written results to handle things like studying the game, cheating prevention, and more. The arbiter will have no trouble seeing the game’s written record once the match is done.
These individuals know what to look for on the scoresheet and how to help decide a draw. Another disadvantage of an automatic draw is that a player can’t stop and record their card draw, which is a significant failing. Even though the technology is continuously developing, electronic game recording is not yet utilized in all chess tournaments. Learn to record your moves quickly not to affect your level of play if you consider switching to competitive chess.

Hi Guys, I am Natalie K. Domenico and I am the author of this website. I am a chess expert. If you have any questions related to chess, feel free to contact me.