A question (or two) about making a Study.

I've started to make a Study for a video that I've been watching about an opening. If this turns out ok then I will hope to translate the chapters of a book I have in to Studies as well because I really do struggle to follow all the variations in the book.

I've managed to work out almost everything (I think) but there is one thing I'm unsure about.

In the Study, as I make my moves, the line is recorded in the box on the right hand side. I have tried to do the whole of the main line, and then go back to the point where an alternate line starts, and then make those moves. The alternative line then appears in brackets.

But, I then noticed that I could right-click on a move and 'force variation'. This then indents the following moves instead of putting them in brackets.

It seems to be the same thing, but clearly it's different. So I'm a bit confused about it.... Can someone help?

Thanks

@VikVaughn, two things. First, make sure u are doing the same moves, any difference would be in brakcets. Also, there is no need to do the same moves. If it doesn't work, just go with it. Just curious cuz it may help me help you (lol), what is the use of repeating moves?

@Rneelagiri

Ok, it's a bit tricky asking this question because I'm not familiar with the correct terminology and I'm probably not making myself clear. Also, I didn't read any instructions on making a Study yet, I'm just trying to work it out, so I'm most likely doing something wrong.

What I want to achieve; to program all the moves from the video in to a study that I can follow along.

My method; play through the main line of the video. Then go back to all the points where the lines go off on alternate lines. When I play the moves from these points, they are recorded in brackets, which I thought was the correct way.

My query; Somehow I am also producing alternate lines that are recorded not in brackets, but in a sub-text. Excuse my terminology here. To describe this, it's a solid white line down the left hand side. I'm not sure what the difference is, or which is the correct/best way to record the lines.

As an example, and to show what I'm trying to describe, here is the Study so far, a rough version. Looking at chapter 1, there is a short line, with a variation (offshoot?) in brackets. Looking at chapter 4 we see that the alternate lines are now in a sub text with the solid white line down the side.

I suppose at the very least, maybe someone can teach me the correct terminology to use here. I didn't grow up playing chess, or ever get taught anything about it. I'm late to the party.

#1 The "force variation" is functionality to make a mainline move be a variation with the intent of making another move be mainline.

You can only do "force variation" on a mainline move. It only affects the display if you do not promote some alternative move. You can see only part of what is happening. By saving (REC) and then downloading the PGN you can see what the PGN looks like. However, there is meta data saved in a study! All kinds of meta data. Some of that meta data is available in the GUI, and some is not.

Create a chapter with 1.e4 e5. Now right click on e4 and do "Force variation". Now the display changes to have 1.e4 look like it is a variation. This chapter will stay this way of displaying even if you close the tab. Hit REC, and download the PGN. Start a new chapter and import that PGN. Now 1.e4 is no longer displayed with the line on the left.

So "force variation" is a way to make a mainline move be a variation, and then take some other line and promote it to mainline.
Test that by opening a chapter where you have 1.e4 e5 (1.Nf6 d5). Force e4 to be a variation and then promote 1.Nf6.

You could simply add another chapter for each sideline within the study

@jomega Ok, thanks for the explanation. I will take a closer look at all that. I've just found a video from my favourite chess-youtuber where one of his subscribers asks him how to do almost exactly what I'm asking. He doesn't go in to it in huge detail but combined with the information you've given me I should be able to achieve what I wanted and have a better understanding. Plus, practice makes perfect etc... It's a great feature.

@EidenFF Yes, I kind of went down that route, but the more minor variations I thought to put in brackets. I'm sure I will refine my technique as I go. Thanks!

@VikVaughn, Btw after seeing ur study, nice study so far. But you probably should say which video you are getting it from because it's a public and not private study. Also, you said u were knew to studies, so do you know how to put or off: Cloning, computer analysis, chat, sync, the kind of analysis, and orientation? I can tell you how if you don't, it's simple.

@Rneelagiri Yes, I only made it public so that I could show what I was trying to explain. I'll put it back to private I suppose as it's only for my own use.

Oh ok great!