Basic ICC Chess Commands

 When playing on the Internet Chess Club (ICC) using a non-graphical (console or terminal-based) chess client, you can use a variety of text-based commands to create and manage games, interact with other players, and configure settings. Below is a list of useful ICC commands that can be used in a non-graphical interface.

Basic ICC Chess Commands

1. Creating a Game Table:

   • seek [time] [increment] – Seek a game with the specified time control.
     • Example: seek 5 0 (Seeks a 5-minute game with no increment)
   • seek adjourn – Seek an adjourned game.
   • unseek – Cancel your game request (if you no longer want to play).

2. Joining a Game:

   • accept [handle] – Accept a challenge from another user.
   • match [handle] [time] [increment] – Challenge another player.
     • Example: match johndoe 5 0 (Challenge johndoe to a 5-minute game with no increment).
   • observe [handle] – Watch a game in progress by another player.

3. Game Management:

   • abort – Request to abort the current game.
   • adjourn – Request to adjourn the game (pause and resume later).
   • draw – Offer a draw to your opponent.
   • resign – Resign from the game.
   • takeback [number] – Request a takeback of the specified number of moves.
   • flag – Use this command if your opponent’s flag falls (time runs out).

4. Time Control:

   • time [minutes] – Set the time for the game.
     • Example: time 5 (Set a 5-minute game).
   • settime [minutes] – Set the time for a game in progress (used by administrators or in special circumstances).

5. Setting Game Preferences:

   • style [style_number] – Set the display style for games.
     • Example: style 12 (to display the game in standard algebraic notation).
   • set minseek [time] – Set the minimum time control you are willing to accept in a seek.
   • set maxseek [time] – Set the maximum time control you are willing to accept.

6. Playing Against the Computer:

   • play computer – Challenge the computer to a game.
   • match computer [time] [increment] – Match the computer to a game with specific time control.

7. Observing and Interacting with Other Players:

   • who – List all players currently logged in.
   • finger [handle] – Get detailed information about a player.
   • tell [handle] [message] – Send a private message to another player.
   • say [message] – Say something to everyone at the current table (if you're playing or observing).
   • whisper [message] – Send a message only to those observing the game.
   • shout [message] – Send a public message to all logged-in users.

8. Game Commands:

   • sought – See the list of available game challenges.
   • history [handle] – View the game history of a player.
   • games – List all games currently being played on ICC.

9. Administrative and Miscellaneous Commands:

   • pause – Pause the game (typically used in adjourned games).
   • resume [handle] – Resume an adjourned game with a specific player.
   • kibitz [message] – Send a comment while watching a game.
   • seekgraph – Show the list of players looking for games in text mode.

10. Ratings and Information:

• ratings – View your rating or another player's rating.
• rank [handle] – View the ranking of a player.
• best [handle] – View the best ratings a player has achieved.

11. Other Gameplay Options:

• set shout off – Disable receiving shouts from other players.
• set shout on – Enable receiving shouts from other players.
• set kibitz off – Disable kibitz messages in observed games.
• set kibitz on – Enable kibitz messages.

12. Adjourned Game Management:

• adjourned – List your adjourned games.
• resume adjourned [handle] – Resume an adjourned game against a specific player.

Examples of Common ICC Commands:

• Create a table for a 5-minute game: seek 5 0
• Sit at a table where someone is seeking a game: accept [handle]
• Offer a draw: draw
• Resign a game: resign
• Challenge a specific player: match [player] 5 0
• Set time for a game: time 5

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How to Use These Commands

To use these commands, simply type them into the command line or terminal of your non-graphical chess client that supports ICC, such as xboard or a terminal-based ICC client.

These are just some of the commands available on ICC. You can always check for more specific ones based on your client version or preferences.