Notation
Several different notation systems have been used for Chinese Chess, but at present only two are widely encountered. The algebraic system used in this leaflet is easy to learn and is preferred by many western players. But more common is a descriptive notation based on the traditional Chinese system, which almost all Chinese players use.
If you take up Chinese Chess you can choose either of these notations for your own purposes, but you will need to be 'bi-lingual' when playing through games in books or magazines. So here is an explanation of the Chinese system:
Only the files are numbered (see diagram)[not printed here], and these files are numbered 1 to 9 from right to left at both ends of the board. Note that both players count the files from right to left as they each look.
All moves are represented by exactly four symbols: (1) the initial of the piece moving, (2) the number of the file on which it stands, (3) the type of movement the piece is about to make ('+' denotes any type of forwards movement, '=' denotes sideways, and '-' denotes backwards), (4) the number of the file the piece is moving to (or, if it is moving to another point on the same file, then the number of points forwards or backwards is given instead).
Example of notation of moves:
1. C2=5 N8+7 2. N2+3 P3+1
3. P3+1 N2+3 4. R1=2 R9=8
(In the leaflet, the complete moves from the Hann v Donovan game page 3 were given)
Captures and checks are not usually indicated. Occasionally there may be two pieces of the same kind on the same file and, to avoid any ambiguity, f or r (front or rear), or something similar, will be added at the start. This is from the viewpoint of the player who is moving. And, to preserve the four symbol notation, the actual file number will then be dropped, e.g., fC+2 (or rC+2) shows that the front (or rear) cannon has moved up two points on the file.
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