The CD-ROM version has most of the features as the online version of the network. For example, you can click on the chess board to move a piece, as well as select from a list of moves. There is even a "game playing mode" if you want to leave the opening book to experiment with what would happen. (You have to play both sides -- Javascript isn't powerful enough to play chess!)
One of the unique features of this site is that any user can add a move or moves into the network. Simply by making a move on the chessboard that is not already in the menu, you will be given instructions on how to submit this move (via e-mail) to the editor. (See below for details) Soon, your move will be grafted into the site. I offer my heartfelt thanks to those who have already contributed their pages to the network.
To enter the opening moves network, go here.
For an index of all openings, go here.
Q) How do I contribute to this cool site?
A) By making a move on the chess board that is not in the opening book, the program will ask you if you want to submit this move via e-mail. If you select this option, you will be given a small form to fill out, and instructions for filling out the form. I have a C program will convert the e-mailed form to a new file, and update the other files as needed. All that I ask is that you try to maintain the guidelines that I used in making this network:
Reason: This makes transpositions much easier to follow. It also allows the user to go directly to any board position via the index.
Reason: If there is only one reasonable option for the next move, it can be included on the same page, eliminating the need for another name. In this case, the "To be continued" option can be selected on the form.
Reason: This allows one to reconstruct the moves leading to a given board position. Since even the transpositional moves are bi-directional, one can find all the ways a given position could have been obtained.
Q) I am just a beginner to chess, and found the site useful. But how can I contribute to the site?
A) Anyone can help with this site by using the same source that I use -- the internet! For example, to find the possible responces to the Two Knights - Attack Variation, search the internet for
"1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5"
(Spacing is important here. You must also include the quotation marks. Note that the abbreviated algebriac notation is used.) The search will reveal different tournament games played with these opening moves. By looking at the NEXT move in the game, you will see possible responces. As long as the move doesn't have a "?" by it, it is a bonafied move. Sometimes there will even be a comment about an unusual move. By adding your findings to the site, others will benifit from your research.
Q) How do I add a transposition?
A) I have a program that scans the pages, and finds any possible transposition which is not already included. It even will modify the pages to include the transposition. So in time, if a transposition is possible, it will show up. (The program takes a long time to run, so it is not run very often.)
Q) How do I bookmark a particular page of the opening book?
A) In the previous version, each page had its own file, such as "ch000336.htm", so a simple bookmark will mark your place. However, with the frames in the new version, a simple bookmark will only send you to the beginning position.
However, there is a way to go directly to a given page, by adding a "?" and the page number after the "chess.htm" in the Location window. For example, "chess.htm?336" will send you directly to page 336. If you then create a bookmark, the bookmark will correctly mark your place.
The only problem, then, is knowing what page you are on. On most browsers, the page number will appear on the status bar at the bottom of the screen, but sometimes the page number is obscured by the message "Document: Done" By clicking on the list of moves, the page number will re-appear in the status bar.
Q) Where do I send comments?
A) Send comments or corrections to wpaulsen@astate.edu.
Q) What other games have you written?
A) Check out my other Javascript based games.