PGN (Portable Game Notation) is a standardized text format used to record and share chess games, capturing both the moves played and key game information such as players' names, date, and result.
PGN uses algebraic notation to describe each move, with metadata stored in header tags enclosed in brackets. A typical PGN file begins with tags such as [White "Smith"], [Black "Jones"], [Result "1-0"], followed by the move list: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 .... This format is the universal standard recognized by all chess software and game databases worldwide.
In practice, PGN makes it easy to import or export any game into platforms like Lichess, Chess.com, or analysis engines. Simply paste a PGN text to replay the game move by move, run engine analysis, or share it with a training partner.