Game Window

The game window has 4 areas:    Toolbar    Playing board    Kibitz/Analysis area    Information center   Each area is described below.

The toolbar is described on the toolbar setup page.

The playing board and pieces can be customized by visiting Board Layout in the settings menu. If you want a bigger game board, tips can be found here.

In examine mode, the board and pieces have advanced features, allowing you to use built-in lecturing tools.

Beneath the game board is the kibitz area, where you can communicate with others who are at the board:

In addition to chatting with players at the board, you can also interact with players with player pop-up menus. Some players do not allow kibitzing during games and all kibitzes turn into whispers. More information can be found here: allowkib At the top of the game board, you have the option of asking for analysis of a game you are observing or examining by clicking the analysis icon: You can setup additional engines in the Analysis setup on the General tab of the Settings Window.

Information center To the right of the game board is the game information center. Here you will find information about each player in the game. Each player has a clock, showing time remaining and an arrow to show which player is on the clock. Between the clocks is the move list and above the move list are the quick arrows, which can be used to quickly replay the moves in the move list. You can also get statistics on game lag below the move list. To see the material count, game type and time control, look in the titlebar of the game window. If you have the game window maximized, this information goes to the main titlebar. Did you know? You can right-click on each player's handle or any of the usernames in the kibitz area to get a handy Player Popup menu. View the players profile. View the players Variables in the console. Assess how your rating would change if you played the player. Follow the player's games and analysis. Observe the players games. Match a player to a game. Open a Chat Window with the player. Add the player to your Friends list. You can also create your own handy commands by visiting the Context Commands menu in settings. Each time you right click on a handle, your new command will be available. FAQ Q: How do I examine the game I just finished playing or observing? A: After your game ends, press the button in the toolbar. This will place you in examine mode. If you would like to automatically enter examination mode each time your own game ends, click: set examine 1.   Q: How do I stop captured pieces from flying off the board (animating)? A: To turn off all move animation, uncheck Animation Options in the Playing tab of the Settings dialog. There is currently no way to turn off just the animation of captured pieces.   Q: Does Dasher have material count? How do I turn it on? A: Yes. It is always on and shows in the titlebar of the game window, along with the wild type and time control.   Q: How do I make the board larger? A: Uncheck "Border" in the Board Layout tab of the Settings dialog. More tips can be found HERE.   Q: Can I change engines? A: Yes, as long as it's a winboard II compatible engine. Consult your engine documentation to determine if it is compatible with Dasher. To change engines, visit the analysis setup page.   Q: Can I use my DGT chess board with Dasher? A: Yes! Dasher has built-in support for DGT chess boards. See the Device options page to setup Dasher to use your board.   See Also: Lecture tools Playing the game Navigating the client