VASSAL Tutorials

Getting Started with VASSAL

Table of contents
Getting Started with VASSAL
Installation page 2
Taking the Tour
Connecting to the server
Adding new modules
Loading a module/basic controls
Pbem - making a LOG file
Setting your preferences

Go up to FILE > Edit Preferences to bring up the preferences for this module

Most are obvious, but the preferences that we'll concentrate on are under the GENERAL tab:

-Auto Report moves will send to the chat window a notice when pieces are moved (module dependant):

-Center on Opponent's moves will center the focus on the map to where the piece is that your opponent is moving.  This one you'll want to check.

-Use combined application window is up to your preference.  I have a dual monitor set up, so I like to seperate my windows by placing the map on one screen (optimized) and having the controls on the other.  Thus you see my preference that would recombine my windows.

-Smooth image scaling, no idea to be honest, but sounds like something that I'd want.  Perhaps uses more memory for the application though.

-Use arrow keys to scroll, this is obvious and up to you.

-Use CTRL-space to view stack details, is again up to you.  This will turn on/off the mouse over stack viewer:

This could also be used as a FOW enhancement, preventing you from accidently viewing the contents of your opponents stack.  Note though that some modules have "hidden stacks" and other FOW enhancements added.

Conclusion

I hope that this helps get you started using VASSAL, a wonderful program created by Rodney Kinney.  If you have additional questions, or wish to contribute by creating your own modules, I would invite you to join us on the Vassal Engine group, run by Yahoo!.

Table of contents
Getting Started with VASSAL
Installation page 2
Taking the Tour
Connecting to the server
Adding new modules
Loading a module/basic controls
Pbem - making a LOG file
Setting your preferences