If no parameters are given, "games" lists all the games currently being played on the server. The games are listed in order of the ratings of the players involved. If a number is supplied as a parameter, only the game matching that number is displayed. If a word (or even a single letter) is supplied, only games involving players whose names begin with that word are displayed. For example, "games ol" will show all games involving players whose names begin with "ol".
Here is a sample games display and what the symbols mean:
28 ++++ TryMe 1737 Jack [ su 30 20] 22:27 - 23:17 (29-30) W: 16
2 2274 OldManII ++++ Peshkin [ bu 2 12] 2:34 - 1:47 (39-39) B: 3
29 1622 Vman 1609 PopKid [ sr 10 10] 1:14 - 5:10 (21-22) B: 18
32 1880 Raskapov 1859 RoboDweeb [ br 2 12] 1:04 - 1:26 ( 9-10) B: 34
1 1878 Roberto 1881 baraka [psr 45 30] 30:35 - 34:24 (22-22) W: 21
5 games displayed (of 23 in progress)
Reading from left to right: (i) game number; (ii) rating of user playing White; (iii) handle of White, (iv) rating of user playing Black; (v) handle of Black; (vi) type of match and time controls, (vii) current clock times for both players; (viii) current material strength for both players, (ix) who is on move and what move number it will be, and, lastly (x) the number of games listed in the display and how many in progress. Ratings are ++++ for unregistered players and -- for registered players without a rating in this category.
TYPE OF MATCH - The format will be [Private] | [Category] | [Rated].
Private - If a "p" is given, the game is private and not open for observation. If not private, the space will be blank. (See the "variables" help file.)
Category - The possibilities are:
| b | blitz |
| B | bughouse |
| l | lightning |
| n | nonstandard game, such as different time controls |
| s | standard |
| w | wild |
| u | untimed, such as simul-matches |
Rated - The possibilities are "r" for rated and "u" for unrated.
See also: blitz, match, variables