Chess symbols in Unicode facts for kids

The software GNU Chess uses chess characters from Unicode. It shows the characters on a board.

Imagine being able to type chess pieces like you type letters! That's what Unicode helps us do. Unicode is like a huge library of all the characters and symbols used in writing around the world. It gives a special code to each character, so computers can understand and show them correctly.

This means that instead of using pictures of chess pieces, we can use special text symbols for them. For example, when you write down chess moves using algebraic notation (which is a way to record where chess pieces move), you can type ♘c6 instead of Nc6. The ♘ is the Unicode symbol for a white knight. This makes it easier to share chess games and puzzles as simple text!

Meet the Chess Symbols

The special chess symbols you see below are part of the Unicode library. Some are found in a section called "Miscellaneous Symbols," and others are in a dedicated "Chess Symbols" section. These symbols let computers display chess pieces clearly, whether you're playing a game online or reading about chess.

See also

In Spanish: Símbolos de ajedrez en Unicode para niños