I N   M E M O R I A M
                   Bruce Moon (b.  d. Jan 5, 1997)
            a highly respected participant of the CHESS echo
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                This Weekly 'How To' Guide was written and
               generously donated to this echo by Bruce Moon.
1. IS THIS ECHO FOR PLAYING CHESS GAMES OR JUST DISCUSSING CHESS-RELATED
   TOPICS?
   Both, actually.  There are people here who play very little chess within
   the echo, but participate in most of the discussions.  Conversely, there
   are those who play chess and leave the discussions to others.  We also
   have many people who play chess and discuss topics.
2. ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON DISCUSSION TOPICS?
   Well, in general, the topics should chess-related without being
   mean-spirited or offensive.  For a more complete run-down, post a message
   to "Moderator", asking for a copy of the ECHO GUIDELINES.
3. HOW MANY GAMES CAN I PLAY AT ONCE?
   As many as you can handle without feeling "crowded".  The important thing
   is to be willing to finish any game(s) you start.  Should you decide to
   stop playing, or if circumstances make it difficult to continue, you
   should notify your opponents of your intent to discontinue.  (Notify them
   individually if at all possible, as a message to "All" may get
   overlooked.)
4. HOW DO I TELL MY OPPONENT WHAT MOVE I MADE?
   Moves are transmitted by writing them in some form of CHESS NOTATION.
   The three main forms of notation used in this echo are Algebraic
   Notation, Coordinate Notation, and Descriptive Notation.  Because many of
   the players in this echo reside in non-English-speaking countries, it is
   strongly recommended that you use Algebraic or Coordinate notations for
   your games here.  Descriptive simply doesn't "translate" well.  Ask the
   moderator for a "how-to" sheet on Algebraic Notation.
5. HOW DO I MAKE DIAGRAMS?
   Although a few people use special software programs to generate diagrams,
   most of the players do without unless they are discussing a chess problem
   or some specific position.  If you want to use diagrams, and you don't
   have the software, the easy way is to find a diagram format someone else
   is using you like and then "capture" it.
6. HOW DO I FIND AN OPPONENT?
   The usual way is to post a message to "All" stating your desire to play.
   Alternatively, you can send messages to other people who request
   opponents, or ask specific people already playing games if they can
   handle one more opponent.  PLEASE BE PATIENT!  Most of the players here
   are NOT in your local area, and some are even on other continents.  It
   will probably be at least 7-10 days before you can expect to get replies.
   If you don't hear anything within 2-3 weeks, it means there is a
   communication problem somewhere -- just post your request(s) again.  (If
   you are also new to BBS-ing in general, check with the sysop of your
   local BBS to make sure you understand how to receive messages.)
7. ARE THE GAMES THAT ARE PLAYED HERE RATED?
   No, but many of the players here are rated OTB (over-the-board) in their
   native countries, or carry ratings from various correspondence chess
   organizations.  (But see also the note following the answer to #8.)
8. ARE THERE ANY ORGANIZED TOURNAMENTS ON THIS ECHO?
   Not right at the moment.  But that doesn't mean there won't be.  Such
   things are dependent on player interest, player commitment, and someone
   willing to accept the headaches of organizing and/or directing such
   events.  (NOTE: A rating system could be worked out for such events.)
9. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T HEAR FROM AN OPPONENT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS?
   Bear in mind that FIDONET is not a perfect system -- messages do get
   lost.  Also, other things happen that prevent communcation -- satellite
   problems, regional snafus, individual BBSs go on the fritz or leave town
   or stop carrying the echo, players have equipment problems, etc.  It is
   also true that players desert the echo and leave their opponents hanging.
   In general, though, most players reply to a move within 48 hours of
   receiving it, so if the usual flow of messages from a given opponent
   suddenly grinds to a halt, it means either your opponent never got your
   last message, or his reply never reached you. If you have
   difficulties establishing or maintaining communication with another
   echo participant, send a netmail or echomail message TO: MODERATOR
   requesting assistance in isolating the communication problem.
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