Re: [XBoard-devel] Promotion and piece menus

[Eric Mullins]

On 4/7/2011 5:58 PM, Arun Persaud wrote:
> ... my problem with placing it on the board is
> that the size might be an issue... I wouldn't like to have a big piece
> there and if your board is not big to begin with, adding a piece
> inbetween that is is say a quarter of a square might become tiny...
> that's why I think it would be better to put it next to the notifiaction
> area...

The reason I want them to appear on the board itself is to prevent 
confusion about the purpose.  Thee only appear when legal, and their 
placement clarifies the move that will be made.  I realize if the board 
is too small, there may not be room.  I think that's unlikely to be a 
problem for people who are actually playing as opposed to watching, 
where I have a much smaller board.  And if they do, just use the old 
mechanic.  With today's large real estate monitors, I doubt anyone would 
be playing on a board w/out sufficient room.

Also, it is possible for promotion to occur two ways on the same square. 
 So perhaps the buttons go on the relevant edge.  In the following 
position, 4 promotions are possible, all indicated by the button 
placement.  Arrows could be added for additional clarity.  One shouldn't 
have to read a manual to use a chess interface.

(monospace font recommended)

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|  WP   |  WP   |  WP   |
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