The "play" command is how you respond to a user's ad for a chess match. You can select an ad either by its ad number ("index number") or by the handle of the user who placed the ad. For example, if the ad were displayed as:
4 1163 killhatz 2 8 unrated Suicide 0-9999you could respond to the ad by typing either (a) "play 4" or (b) "play TheDane".
When you respond to an ad, a check is made that your rating is in the range specified by the ad. If the ad asks for a formula check, the user's formula is also examined. If you meet these criteria, your response is forwarded to the user who placed the ad.
If the ad calls for auto start, the game begins at once. If the ad calls for a manual start, the other user will be notified that you are challenging him/her to a match; he/she then can accept or decline your offer to play that match.
When you respond to an ad, a check is made that your rating is in the range specified by the ad. If the ad asks for a formula check, the user's formula is also examined. If you meet these criteria, your response is forwarded to the user who placed the ad.
If the ad calls for auto start, the game begins at once. If the ad calls for a manual start, the other user will be notified that you are challenging him/her to a match; he/she then can accept or decline your offer to play that match.
Special Notes:
If you respond to an an ad and you receive the message Bad index given; no such ad. it probably means that the ad has been removed, either by unseek or by starting a match.
See also: match, seek, sought, unseek