Rule 16 in The Password Game throws players straight into the deep end of chess logic, asking them to include “the best move in algebraic chess notation” as part of their ever-growing password. It sounds simple—until you see the board.
♟️ What Is Algebraic Chess Notation?
Algebraic notation is the system used to record and describe chess moves. Each piece is represented by a letter:
-
K – King
-
Q – Queen
-
R – Rook
-
B – Bishop
-
N – Knight
-
(no letter) – Pawn
Moves are written with the piece letter followed by the target square (e.g. Bc5 for Bishop to C5). If it’s a capture, it includes an x (e.g. Nxf6). If the move gives check, it ends with +.
🧩 How to Solve Rule 16
Because the board shown in the game changes every time, there is no universal answer to Rule 16. The “best move” is calculated based on the unique chess position you see.
To find it:
-
Take a screenshot of the board from the game.
-
Go to NextChessMove.com or use a chess engine like Stockfish.
-
Set up the board to match what you see.
-
Run the engine to find the top move.
-
Convert that move into algebraic chess notation (e.g., Qh5+, Rxd4, Nc6).
-
Paste that move into your password to satisfy Rule 16.
📝 Example: If your best move is moving the Knight to f3, you would input Nf3. If it checks the King, it becomes Nf3+.
⛔ Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
❌ Don’t type the move in long form (e.g., Knight to F3)—only algebraic notation is accepted.
-
❌ Don’t guess the move. The game validates that it’s the best move on that exact board.
-
❌ Avoid using illegal or ambiguous notation (e.g., Nf3 without context if two Knights can move there).
🔗 Bonus Tip: Tools That Help
-
Next Chess Move: Best user-friendly tool to paste your board layout and get a ranked move.
-
Lichess Board Editor: Lets you drag and drop pieces into place before analysis.
-
Chess.com Analysis Board: Another strong chess engine platform.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Rule 16 may be one of the most frustrating parts of The Password Game, but it’s also one of the most satisfying once you get it right. Don’t rush it—take the time to find the right move using a chess engine. The best move, correctly notated, will let you move forward in the game without breaking previous rules. Just don’t forget about Paul the chicken while you’re playing grandmaster.
