On the internet there are many free chess servers active, the function of a chess server is to bring two people together in play a game, moves send by one player are passed on to the other player. A chess server has many more functions, It can keep track of your ELO rating, allows you to observe other people games, you can see who is online, challenge people for a match etc. To make maximum use of a chess server you have to register yourself, you will get a nickname and a password. If you are not registered on most chess servers you can still play games but they won’t get rated.
To start using a chess server you must take the following steps:
| • | Create or open an Internet console, the Internet console contains all the settings to communicate with a specific chess server. The program contains a number of pre-configured Internet consoles. The Internet console has two panes, the top large one contains the responses received from the chess server, the bottom small pane allows you to send you own commands. |
| • | Connect to the Chess server using the Connect button from the Internet console. Fill in your name and optional password. When connected you should see the welcome screen of the chess server. Note: If you have never logged in before, leave the password field blank. |
| • | Now you can use the various commands from the Internet menu. You can find out who is online, which games are playing, challenge someone for a game etc. |
| • | Be prepared, someone may challenge you as well, if this happens a popup dialog appears with all the challenges received so far. You can accept or decline a challenge. If you accept you can just start playing the game. |
| • | When your finished, use the disconnect button to disconnect from the chess server. |
