Standard Reversi notation uses a column letter (a–h) and row number (1–8) for each move — for example, d3 means column d, row 3. Black always moves first. A complete game is recorded as a sequence of coordinates in order: d3 c5 f4 e3... with passes written as PA. This simple system allows games to be replayed, shared, and studied.
The Board Coordinate System
The 8×8 Reversi board uses a coordinate system identical to the standard used in competitive Othello worldwide:
a b c d e f g h
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
1 | | | | | | | | |
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
2 | | | | | | | | |
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
3 | | | | | | | | |
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
4 | | | | W | B | | | |
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
5 | | | | B | W | | | |
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
6 | | | | | | | | |
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
7 | | | | | | | | |
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
8 | | | | | | | | |
+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+
Columns: a (leftmost) through h (rightmost) Rows: 1 (top) through 8 (bottom)
The starting position shows:
- d4: White (W)
- e4: Black (B)
- d5: Black (B)
- e5: White (W)
A square is written as column letter + row number: d3, f6, a1, h8.
How to Write a Move
Each move is simply the coordinate of the square where the disc is placed:
d3— disc placed at column d, row 3f5— disc placed at column f, row 5a1— disc placed at the top-left cornerh8— disc placed at the bottom-right corner
No additional symbols are needed to indicate which discs are flipped — that is determined by the rules of the game and can be reconstructed from the sequence.
Notation for Passes
When a player has no legal moves, they must pass. This is recorded as:
PA— the standard notation (short for “Pass”)- Some systems use
--or simplypass
Example: if White has no legal moves on their third turn, the record reads:
d3 c5 f4 PA e3 ...
(Black’s move, White’s move, Black’s move, White passes, Black’s move…)
Recording a Complete Game
A game record is simply the moves listed in order, separated by spaces or listed one per line:
Inline format (compact):
d3 c5 f4 e3 f6 c4 d6 b5 c6 c3 d2 e2 b6 c7 b7 a7 a6 b4 a5 a4 a3 b3 a2 a1 b1 b2 a8 b8 c1 d1 e1 f1 c2 g1 h1 h2 g2 f2 f3 g3 h3 e7 f7 g4 g5 h4 h5 g6 h6 h7 g7 g8 h8 f8 e8 d8 c8 d7 e6
Numbered format (easier to read):
1. d3 2. c5
3. f4 4. e3
5. f6 6. c4
7. d6 8. b5
9. c6 10. c3
...
In both formats, odd-numbered moves are Black’s and even-numbered moves are White’s (since Black always moves first).
Reading a Game Record
To replay a game from a record:
- Set up the standard starting position (d4:W, e4:B, d5:B, e5:W)
- Black places a disc at the first coordinate listed
- Flip all bracketed discs (reconstruct from the rules)
- White places at the second coordinate
- Continue alternating, handling any PA entries as passes
Many Reversi software programs and websites can import game records and replay them automatically. This makes studying historical games straightforward.
Why Notation Matters
Notation matters most when analysing games with software — see Reversi software tools for how to load game records into analysis programs. It is also essential for participating in tournaments where game records are kept.
Keeping a record of your games — even just the sequence of moves — allows you to:
- Replay the game exactly as it was played
- Find the specific move where a mistake was made
- Use computer analysis to see the best move at each position
- Track how your decision-making evolves over time
Studying Expert Games
World Othello Championship games and other competitive records are publicly available in notation form. Replaying these games — following each move and trying to predict the next one before looking — is one of the most effective ways to improve.
Sharing Positions
Notation provides a universal language for discussing specific positions. “Look at this position after move 12 — what would you play?” can only be communicated precisely with notation.
Notation Variations
Most competitive Reversi uses the lowercase letter + number system described above (d3, f6, etc.). You may occasionally encounter variations:
Uppercase letters: Some older records use D3 instead of d3. Both refer to the same square.
Numeric-only notation: Occasionally used in some software: d3 → 34 (column 4 = d, row 3). Less intuitive; rarely used in human-readable records.
Bracketed moves: Some records surround the coordinates with brackets: [d3][c5][f4]... for easier parsing in databases.
The standard lowercase coordinate system (d3, c5, a1) is understood universally in the competitive community.
Tournament Score Sheets
In competitive tournament play, players record their moves on a score sheet during the game. A typical competitive score sheet includes:
- Player names and colours (Black/White)
- Tournament name and round number
- The move record (completed during play)
- Final disc count and result
Players are expected to record their move immediately after placing their disc. Some tournaments require completed, legible score sheets as part of the official game record.
Software and Databases
Several tools use notation for Reversi game management:
- WZebra / Saio: Strong Reversi programs that can import/export game records and analyse positions
- World Othello Federation databases: Archived competitive games in notation format
- eOthello.net: Online platform with game record export
- Reversi Pro: Online play with game history
When downloading or sharing game records, the most common file format is plain text with one game per file and moves listed in sequence — simple enough to read in any text editor.