exd4

exd4 is a standard chess notation indicating that a pawn from the e-file captures a piece on the d4 square. In algebraic notation, the file of the moving pawn (e) is shown, followed by "x" to mark a capture, and the destination square (d4). The capturing pawn can belong to White or Black, depending on the position, and the exact starting rank is implied by legality.

In practice, exd4 means the pawn on the e-file moved diagonally to d4 and captured an opponent’s piece on that square. For White, this often occurs when a White pawn sits on e3 and captures on d4. For Black, it commonly occurs when a Black pawn sits on e5 and captures on d4.

Examples:

- 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4. Black’s pawn from e5 captures the White pawn on d4 and lands on d4.

- 1.e3 d5 2.exd4. White’s pawn from e3 captures on d4, replacing the captured piece.

Notation nuances:

- If the move gives check, it may be written exd4+; if it delivers checkmate, exd4#.

- If the capture is en passant, the notation includes e.p., for example exd6 e.p.

See also:

- Other pawn captures such as cxd5 or exf6.

- En passant rules and their notation variations.

- General principles of algebraic notation and move annotation in chess.