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ChessWorld - Conditional Moves FAQ's

Conditional moves (also known as 'If-Then' moves) are a powerful feature in correspondence chess that allows you to save time by pre-entering replies to expected opponent moves. This guide explains how to set up these automated sequences to keep your games moving efficiently during forced lines.

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ChessWorld Conditional Moves (AKA If-then moves)

*** The full functionality of the Conditional, ('If ... then'), Moves feature is only available to Full Members. ***
Q. What are Conditional moves?

They are moves that you can enter, when you have finished your current move, which anticipate your opponent's reply.

For example, if you have just played Nxp and you think your opponent will play an obvious recapture, then you could create a Conditional, ('If ... then'), move sequence as an immediate response.

Q. How do I create Conditional moves?

Before you can use the Conditional Moves feature there are three important steps to configure your Play page.

 – Make sure that you are using the Tabbed style interface.
   If necessary, configure your display from the My Stuff ... My Interface page.

 – Go to the My Stuff ... My Moves page, and select up to 5 rows for Conditional moves.
   We recommend starting with just one or two Conditional moves.

 – On the same page uncheck the I do NOT want to receive or send conditional (if-then) moves option.

After making and confirming your move, you will see, under the

 Conditionals  tab (or the
 If  tab if you're using the smaller message box option), your pre-set number of Conditional moves entry rows.

Click on the

 . . .  box at the end of the chosen row, which will pop up a mini-chessboard. The board will show [color] to move, indicating your opponent's perspective. Click a piece, then the target square to create the move. You can enlarge the board by dragging any corner.

Enter your proposed moves and press

 OK . The row will show your moves highlighted with a pink background. Repeat for other anticipated replies. To clear a row, use
 Clear .

Once you're satisfied, click

 Submit  to save them. The pink shade will revert to default, and your Conditional moves will remain visible.

Note: The notation used on the mini-board differs from that in the Conditional rows and the main move log. These formats are fixed and cannot be changed.

When your opponent makes a matching move, your conditional move triggers automatically, and the rows will reset for your next input.

Q. What does each new Conditional row represent?

Each row represents a different variation.

For example, after you play 1.e4, you might prepare:
– c5 Nf3 on row one (anticipating a Sicilian)
– c6 d4 on row two (anticipating a Caro-Kann)

Q. How will I know if my opponent has submitted a Conditional move?

If your move is anticipated, the board will auto-refresh and display a message such as:
 Your move has triggered the following conditional reply from your opponent: b8c6

Q. What happens if I play a move that my opponent has anticipated?

Once you submit your move, the board will refresh and present new empty Conditional move rows — ready for your use. The number shown depends on your configuration as described earlier.

Q. Can my opponent see the moves that I have planned before they make their move?

No. Your anticipated replies are only visible to you. They will only know you had planned something if their move matches your expected move and your conditional response is triggered.

Q. How can I make sure that I don't receive, or send, any Conditional moves?

You can do this by visiting the My Stuff ... My Moves page and checking the box labeled I do NOT want to receive or send conditional (if-then) moves.

To use the Conditional move feature it is essential that both players have unchecked that box. It is not possible for a player to make unilateral conditional moves.

Q. What will happen if I decide I don't want Conditional moves during a game?

Nothing — you can stop receiving Conditional moves at any time. Simply go to the My Stuff ... My Moves page and check the I do NOT want to receive or send conditional (if-then) moves box.

The game will continue as normal, but your opponent will no longer be able to see the Conditional moves boxes on their game board.

Q. Can I enter moves that will checkmate my opponent?

No. You can enter and submit a sequence of moves that will lead up to checkmate. However, when your opponent replies with your anticipated move, the final checkmating move will not be invoked.

Once notified that it is your move, you can then manually play the final move and gain the win.

Q. Why can't I make the Conditional Moves feature work on my computer?

The Conditional Moves feature works on all current browsers using their default configuration. However, if you have made any changes or installed pop-up blocking software, you may need to revise your settings.

If you still cannot use the Conditional Moves feature, and you are sure that you have followed the steps in Q. How do I create Conditional moves? above, please contact the HelpDesk for further advice.