dxc6

dxc6 is a chess notation that describes a pawn capture on the square c6 by a pawn from the d-file. In algebraic notation, the letter d indicates the capturing pawn’s file, the x signals a capture, and c6 is the destination square.

Usage and examples:

- If White has a pawn on d5 and Black has a piece on c6, White can play dxc6, moving the pawn from d5 to c6 and removing the piece on that square. The result is a White pawn on c6.

- If Black has a pawn on d7 and White has a piece on c6, Black can play dxc6, capturing on c6 and placing a Black pawn there.

- En passant: if a pawn moves two squares and passes adjacent to an enemy pawn on the d-file, the capturing move may be recorded as dxc6 e.p. in some notations, indicating an en passant capture on c6.

Notation and scope:

- dxc6 uniquely identifies a pawn from the d-file making a diagonal capture to c6; if only one d-file pawn can reach c6, the notation is unambiguous.

- The captured piece can be any opponent piece occupying c6 (pawn, knight, bishop, rook, or queen in principle).

Context:

- dxc6 appears in many chess openings and middlegame situations, often as part of a structural exchange that changes pawn structure and open lines or diagonals.

- It is a standard element of algebraic (modern) chess notation used in games, databases, and problem composition.