Algebraic notation
Algebraic notation is the standard language for recording chess moves. Files are labelled a to h and ranks 1 to 8, so every square has a name; a move is the piece letter plus its destination, as in Nf3. Captures add an x (Bxc6), checks a plus sign and checkmate a hash; pawns carry no letter, so e4 is simply pawn to e4. Every game on this site, every book and every database speaks this notation.
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1. 2.
e4: pawns carry no letter — the file of departure is implied and the destination square says the rest.
Nf6: the piece letter N (knight) plus the destination square — no two knights could reach f6 here.
d4: White stakes the centre. Captures add an x (Bxc6), checks a plus and mate a hash.