September 2001
Presented by:
The FICS SR Team
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Server Tip

Usage Manuals

The 'usage' manuals can be very useful as a reference as to the function of each command. It's intended function is to show a user what message will be received if he or she misformats a command. The general structure of each 'usage' entry is as follows:

Command: <command>
Purpose: <purpose>
Usage: <usage>
Examples: <example>

The proper format for this command is: 'help manual_usage'.

This will display the usage manual which gives a brief description of the function of most of our commands. For example:

Command: abort
Purpose: to request that the game be cancelled
Usage: abort
Examples: abort

'Manual_vars' is a similar command used to show the usage of the various variable commands. It is a brief listing of each variable and it's function. For example:

v_autoflag

If your 'autoflag' variable is non-zero (whether a number, 'true' or 'on') the server will automatically flag your opponent (that is, claim a win when your opponent runs out of time) when he/she tries to make a move but his/her clock reads 0:00 or less.

SPECIAL NOTES:

(a) Autoflag occurs "BEFORE" any move increment is added (see 'help v_inc'). It is based on the game clock at the time of the move, not the clock after the move.

At the end of each description there is a 'See Also' listing of commands which you may find useful along with the one you are currently researching.

These commands, 'help manual_usage' and 'help manual_vars', will cover the majority of the commands in use. They are quite handy to use when you wish to see the usage of many commands, rather than individual commands.


If you would like to look through previous server tips to see what other helpful information you can find, please see the Previous Issues page.

 
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