Getting Started

Getting Started with chess.net for java

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The following is a very basic introduction for users using chess.net for Java once connected to chess.net. On connection, chess.net for Java will be in "Chat Mode", or chat window, by default. In this window you will be able to utilize the the server commands and features.

Chatting and Server commands:

To "chat" directly to a specific player, find him or her in the players' list from the right side window. Once the player is highlighted, the chat command will be set to speak directly to that user on the chat line bottom left.
To speak to an entire room, choose "shout to everyone" listed in the players' list. This will allow you to shout in the room you are currently visiting.
To speak to your last opponent, use the command for opponent tell, "ot". This will automatically go to your last opponent played. Remember "ot" is a server command and must have the forward slash to direct the server to command mode. Example: "/ot thank you for the game".
To utilize the many server commands used at chess.net (ex: assist, messages, seek, match, etc.) use the forward slash "/" before typing the command in the chat line bottom left. The forward slash will direct the server to command mode for that typed command. Example: "/help commands" would first direct the server to command mode then issue the command "help" for the list of commands used at chess.net
Also, all server commands have their own help files including the chat commands. To access the specific help files you would use the "help" command (again, remember to use the forward slash to access command mode). Example: "/help tell" would give you the help file for using the "Tell" command.

Playing a Game:

To get started playing right away, simply choose the "Play" option top left. There you will find a list of players available for challenge requests on the bottom half of the screen. To change the challenge parameters (game length of time, rated/unrated, etc.) for your challenge requests choose "options" on the "Play" window bottom right. You can either choose one of the seeks issued by another player (top half of the screen) or challenge a specific user from the list below. Just highlight the your choice and choose "accept" if a seek or choose "challenge" if issuing a specific challenge.
Chess.net also offers another method of offering a game by using the server command "seek". Seek will offer all users available for match requests your challenge. This seek should include the time you specify for the match and whethor or not a rated game. This is done by typing the "seek" command at the chat window bottom left. Server syntax is "seek" <time> <increment> <rated unrated>. Example for issuing a seek for a 5 minute game rated: "/seek 5 0 r". Remember to include the forward slash to issue any server commands.

Alright, I'm ready... Let's PLAY!