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| How do I play a game at IGS? | ||
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1. You need a configured IGS account. If you don't have one, follow the instructions under "What is an IGS account?" here. 2. The Telnet connection must be running. If it is not, press <F6> (or select "Open Telnet Connection") and wait until it starts. If you do not succeed connecting, check your Internet connection and revise your account settings as explained here. 3. You can only play games in the main goban. It is the top-left-most of all gobans. Select it. If it is observing a game, unobserve it first. (Press <Ctrl>+<F7>) 4. Press <F10> (list of players). This will show the list of players in the spreadsheet-like window. 
When the list shows up for the first time, it will be sorted according to the option "Sort players list by" set in "Telnet options". If you click on the column headers (Info, (observing), ..), the list will sort by the values of that column. If you click again, in reverse order. Being open for playing is a very important subject. You can only match open players. If you start a match, this will automatically set you as open. If you are open for matches, anyone can challenge you at any moment. To be open for matches, type (at the Telnet prompt): toggle open on For not being open, type: toggle open off To check if you are, type: stats To understand the info in the players list, type: help who 5. Press <F8> (or select "Play a game"), the players list window shows a red line at the last player you (simple-)clicked. When you have chosen the player you want to play with, double-click on him/her. This starts the challenging procedure. 6. The challenging procedure takes you to the following dialog:  The normal function is: New challenge. Select it. When you start a new challenge, choose:
This will throw a challenge to your opponent. He/she may accept or decline it. You will be informed by a message in the output console. If your opponent accepts, the game starts. You can start placing stones (if you are playing Black) or wait until Black does, and then, answer.
The end of the game: At the end of the game, (The end is produced by three consecutive pass moves.) GoKnot will ask the engine for the dead stone list. GoKnot will send the stones asking you at each group. If you agree, follow the automatic scoring procedure by clicking [Yes] at all dialogs. If you do not agree with the analysis, click [No] and you will be "abandoned on your own". :-) Please, bear in mind that the Telnet protocol is designed to be used with clients in text mode only. It is not difficult to read what the server is indicating and to answer in accordance. Follow IGS's instructions. Talk to your opponent if necessary. Adjourned games: If one game has been adjourned, or one player disconnected, you may reload the game to finish it. Between two players, IGS can only store a maximum of two games: one with black and one with white (for each). If you start a new challenge with the same opponent and the same colors, this will destroy previously adjourned games. So, to identify a game you only have to select with whom and what color you were playing. Unlike new matches, a player cannot decline a reload (unless he/she is not connected or not open). As soon as IGS reloads, the time is counting, play. If your opponent reloads, you will be informed (not asked) by a dialog. Close the dialog and start playing if it is your turn. Automatch: The most complicated type of match is automatch. You don't need to use it, if you don't want. In automatch, you do not choose color, board size, time, etc. Everything is decided by IGS according to both players' preferences. (See "help automatch" at IGS.)
If you experience any problems, follow the Troubleshooting guide at the end of this page. | ||||||||
