How long after getting into chess should one try to master algebraic notation?

I'm defining "mastery" of algebraic notation as the point when you can move pieces on the board following algebraic notation without having to look at the markers (1-8, a-h) on the side of the board. In addition, for mastery, one should be able to visualize at least 2 or 3 moves using algebraic notation without looking at the board.

Thanks

I think that if you work at it it should take about a year if your a kid but as a adult I reccomend figuring it out before 3 months becuase if you dont you wont be able to play competivly.

The only function (as I see it) of "mastering" notation is that is facilitates studying the game.

If you want to study, then learn it.  You can't do it too early, it could be on day 1.

Conversely you could play and love the game for your whole life without "mastering" notation, but let's say you probably wont be a strong tournament player

Which is one way I learned notation... I played in tournaments.  After each move I had to glance at the side of the board for the letter and number.  I think passive learning like this is how most people "master" notation.  Recording moves from a tournament game, and playing moves from a book on a board, after some time, it just happens on its own.

I'm not sure of the answer to this...not that I'm personally brilliant or anything(I wish ) but I learned the coordinates and squares just automatically, it was never something I had to even think about.  I didn't even know that this was a task for some until I saw someone in a thread request for the coordinates to be added in the diagrams that people were posting(2000 player too).  And I have a horrible memory!  Do most people have to put time into the memorization of the squares?  I really don't mean to sound arrogant or anything but it just seems like natural geometry and counting to me.  

I would assume that if you're having difficulties with the visualization of the squares, that it would come naturally just by going over games. 

Generally if you don't have a working knowledge of it within days, chess is perhaps not for you.  Mastering it and being able to follow high level analysis may take a few weeks longer. 

Well yes, but needing the notation is still what I don't understand.  If you're 2000 then you shouldn't need notation or to be informed on which side is white or black, these are things that are realized subconsciously.  

I wouldn't worry about it, that comes naturally as you progress in other areas that are far more important for your games.

Tactics and general principles will get you far.

I never knew algebraic notation was something to be "mastered".

You should use algebraic notation immediately [as the first notation you use]

when playing a corresponance game look at the motation  to your moves-makes  it pretty easy to learn

Don't just look at the notation... from now on, every game you play (just like the FIDE rules in a real tournament) you write down your move and your opponents move. If you want to make sure you get it right, use the longer notation ea: e2-e4. Or make sure when you move a rook or knight to look if that is the only knight/rook that can move to that square. You'll get it down in no time. It's really not that hard, you just need to do it. When you pick a piece here on chess.com say the name of the piece in your head, the starting location and where it moves. If it captures a piece, say that too. Doesn't have to be out loud. 

One should start by learning basic coordinates in 2 dimension plane in school.

This is a prerequisite I would say. If you are not familiar just go to the internet and try to understand. No need to be able to know how a matrix works for coordinates on a plane just familiarize yourself with the notation.

There are only 64 squares not a big thing to remember. If you practice say 15 minutes a day I would say that within a week you will know it.

ASAP. The sooner you learn algebraic notation the sooner you can discuss the moves and learn more efficiently. I actually introduce algebraic notation as I'm teaching a newbie the moves. It's part of learning how the pieces move, and how the board is laid out.

I always use a board that has the letters and numbers on the sides in my first lessons. I teach the students to set up the board with the White pieces on the first rank.  Yeah, it's that basic.

+1

Just use it yourself and start reading books using it, you will get used to it automatically. It's not rocket science.

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