8. Annex: Advanced Filter Usage

Warning

This section is for advanced users of blunderDB who wish to fully leverage the position search features.

Filters are at the heart of position analysis in blunderDB. Their use allows for searching specific positions with great precision. In this section, the use of filters through the command line is detailed. The command line can be accessed by pressing the SPACE key. It allows users to quickly combine filters and use the filter library with ease.

8.1. Command-line search for positions

To perform a search using filters,

  1. Press the TAB key to open the search panel.

  2. Edit the current position.

  3. Open the command line using the SPACE key.

  4. Use the command s followed, optionally, by filters.

  5. Start the search with the ENTER key.

Warning

Don’t forget to clear the current position before starting a search (BACKSPACE key), if it isn’t the one you want, to avoid excessively filtering checker structures.

Note

The list of available filters in the command line is provided in Section 4.4.

8.2. Search in Current Results

It is possible to refine a search by searching among the currently filtered positions. This allows you to progressively narrow down the results.

In the command line, use the ss command followed by filters (e.g.: ss nc, ss E>40). The ss command works after a prior search.

The search window (CTRL-F) also offers a “Search in current results” checkbox for the same functionality.

8.3. Filter Library

The filter library allows the user to save search commands to facilitate their thematic studies.

To add a filter to the library,

  1. Press TAB to open the search panel.

  2. Open the filter library by pressing CTRL-K.

  3. Edit the current position.

  4. Give a name to the filter.

  5. Edit the search command.

  6. Save the search command using the “Add” button.

Tip

While editing the command, you can use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to navigate through the command history.

To use a filter saved in the library,

  1. Open the filter library by pressing CTRL-K.

  2. Search for the desired filter.

  3. Double-click on the filter to start the search.

8.4. Examples

Here are some examples of using filters in the command line:

Position type

Checker structure

Command

Pure race

s nc

Short race

s nc P<70

Hitting on the ace point

s m"6/1*"

Backgame 1-4

points 24, 21 made

s p>35

Take/Pass decision at -2 -4

empty dice on upper player’s side, score -2/-4

s s d

Too good to double

empty dice on lower player’s side

s d e>1000

Blitz with at least 20% gammon

made points in home board, men on the bar

s g>20

Player 1 errors greater than 40 millipoints

s E>40

Position from the Aachen2024 tournament

s t"Aachen2024"

One back checker to bring home

s k1,1

Escaping from the 20 point

point 20

s m"20/"

Prime versus prime

indicate the primes

s

Ace-point bear-off

opponent’s ace point made

s P<60

Double with at least 20 pip lead

empty dice on lower player’s side

s d p<-20

Positions from match 5

s ma5

Positions from matches 2 to 4

s ma2,4

Positions from matches 23 and 43

s ma23 ma43

Positions from tournament 1

s tn1

Errors in tournament 2

s tn2 E>40

Examples of searching within current results:

Scenario

Command

After s nc, search for short races

ss P<70

After s g>20, keep only errors

ss E>40

After s tn1, search for cube decisions

ss d