Chess Score Sheet: Printable PDF + Digital Scoresheet

Print a free chess score sheet for your next tournament, club night or chess class, or save it as a PDF. The sheet has the header fields tournaments ask for (event, date, section, round, board, both players' names and ratings, and the result), 60 numbered moves in two columns like a US scholastic score sheet, and signature lines for both players. Choose Letter or A4 paper, a 100-move version for long games, or two half sheets on one page to save paper.

Prefer to keep score on a phone or tablet? The digital scoresheet on the same page records a game played on a real board: type each move or play it on the board, and illegal moves are refused, so the record is always a legal game. When the game is over, download or copy the PGN, or open it in the analysis board to see where it was won or lost. Everything is saved on your device as you go.

Most rated tournaments don't allow phones at the board, so use the paper score sheet there and the digital one for casual and club games, or to type in your paper score sheet after the round. Both are free and need no account.

How to write a chess score sheet

  1. Fill in the header before the game starts: event, date, section, round and board number, and both players' names and ratings. White's name goes on the White line even when you are playing Black.
  2. Write each move in algebraic notation: the piece letter (K king, Q queen, R rook, B bishop, N knight; no letter for a pawn) and the square it moves to, such as Nf3 or e4. Add x for a capture (Bxe5), + for check, # for checkmate, O-O for castling kingside, O-O-O for castling queenside and =Q for a promotion.
  3. Write White's move in the White column and Black's reply in the Black column of the same numbered row: move 1 is e4 and e5, move 2 is Nf3 and Nc6, and so on.
  4. Know when to write. Under FIDE rules you make your move on the board first and then write it down; writing a move in advance is not allowed. US Chess rules let you write your move down before you play it, but the score sheet may never be used for notes or reminders. If you are not sure which rules your event uses, ask the tournament director.
  5. When the game ends, mark the result, check that both score sheets agree, sign both, and hand them in if the event asks you to. In a sudden-death time control you can usually stop writing once you have less than five minutes left, unless there is a delay or increment of 30 seconds or more.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a printable chess score sheet?

Right here, for free. Choose Letter or A4, 60 or 100 moves, or two half sheets per page, then press Print / Save as PDF. In the print dialog, pick your printer, or choose Save as PDF to keep a file you can print as many copies of as you need. There is no account to create.

Do you write your move before or after you make it?

It depends on the rules your event uses. FIDE rules say you make the move on the board first and then write it; writing a move in advance is not allowed. US Chess rules allow writing your move before making it, which many scholastic coaches teach as a way to double-check a move, but making notes on the score sheet is never allowed. When in doubt, ask the tournament director.

Do I have to keep score in every game?

In classical tournament games, usually yes, under both FIDE and US Chess rules, at least until you are short of time in a sudden-death period. Blitz games, most rapid games and many sections for young children don't require it. The tournament's announcement or the director tells you what applies.

What is the 100-move score sheet for?

Long classical games, especially ones that reach a slow endgame, can go past move 60. The 100-move sheet fits four columns of 25 moves on one page, so you never need a second sheet. For most club and scholastic games 60 moves is plenty, and a longer game can continue on a second sheet.

Can I keep score on my phone instead?

For casual, club and practice games, yes: the digital scoresheet on this page checks every move and saves the game as PGN. Most rated over-the-board tournaments don't allow phones at the board, so bring a paper score sheet and a pen there, and type the game in afterward to analyze it.

How do I turn my paper score sheet into PGN?

Enter the moves in the digital scoresheet, either by typing them (e4, Nf3, O-O) or by playing them on the board. A move that is illegal in the position is refused, which also helps you find writing mistakes. Then download or copy the PGN, or open the game in the analysis board.

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