What does the symbol x mean in chess notation?

A capture.

Start playing free

  1. A capture ✔
  2. A draw
  3. A check

Why: An x before a square shows that a piece captures there.

Huh, didn't know that: An x before a square shows that a piece captures there.

The dad joke
X marks the capture spot!
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: A capture. An x before a square shows that a piece captures there.

  1. Chess en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess
    If the move is a capture, "x" is usually inserted
    Checked 2026-11-07.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.