Ka3

Ka3 is the standard algebraic chess notation for moving the king to the square a3. The 'K' denotes the king, and 'a3' identifies the destination square on the a-file, third rank.

The move is legal if the target square is empty or occupied by an opposing piece (in that case it would be written as Kxa3 to indicate a capture). A king may not move into check, and a legal Ka3 must not leave the king in check after the move.

The starting square could be a2, b2, a4, b4, or b3, depending on the position on the board.

In game scores, the move may be followed by a check or mate indicator: Ka3+, or Ka3# if it delivers check or checkmate.

Ka3 is one of many possible king moves and is part of standard chess notation used to record and study games.

See also: Chess notation, Algebraic notation.