The search mask is used to retrieve games that match some specific criteria. It is a filter that allows games which fit the criteria to pass and appear in the list, while others are held back.
There are two different applications of the search mask. One applies to a games list and the other to one or more databases in the database window. Both searches can be started with Ctrl-F.
The first step is to start the interactive search mask. You can get to the more detailed view by clicking on "Advanced".
If you want to use the advanced mask permanently, put a check mark behind "Always advanced dialog".
This produces a search mask with a number of tabs.
Search for players, tournaments, years, results, etc.
Search for different types of commentary contained in games.
Search for positional fragments, themes and sacrifices.
Seach for material distribution and balance.
Search for manoeuvres.
Search for medals.
In addition to the search for manoeuvres and material constellations, in any database the program can conduct a targeted search for pre-defined defensive – or attacking – motifs. In the search mask you can define the search criteria you wish via the tab “Attacks”.
All of these sections are connected with a logical "and". This means that if a number of criteria are defined all of them must be fulfilled in order for a game to be retrieved. When there are definitions present in any section a check box at the bottom of the search mask is switched on. You can unclick it to switch off that section.
Include lines in search
Causes ChessBase to search not just in the main lines but also in the analysis contained in the games.
Reset
Clears all sections of the search mask completely.
Calling up the search mask
Database window: Click Ribbon Harddisk - Search games in – Reference database.
Database window: Rightclick - a database symbol, Search.
List window: Edit – Filter games.
List window: Right-click list, Edit – Filter games.
Board window: Rightclick Chess board – Find position in reference database.
Board window: Rightclick Chess board - Edit – Find position in (selected database).
The program offers the option of permanently saving pre-defined searches and loading them again when required. Above all that saves a lot of time with frequently used searches and speeds up your work with the program.
Either start the games list of the database which is to be searched or right click on a database symbol - > Search. Define your search criteria.
Click in the search dialog on the “Save” button. The file dialog is now brought up via which you can save the settings for your search. The file extension for search files is *.dbsearch, the standard pathway to the saving of search criteria can be found in the sub-directory “SearchMask” in the user directory.
Take care than when choosing a name for your search that it is a meaningful one so that when you have a lot of them it is easy to pick out the one you are looking for.
The program offers the option of permanently saving pre-defined searches and loading them again when required. Above all that saves a lot of time with frequently used searches and speeds up your work with the program.
Either start the games list of the database which is to be searched or right click on a database symbol - > Search. Define your search criteria.
Click in the search dialog on the “Save” button. The file dialog is now brought up via which you can save the settings for your search. The file extension for search files is *.dbsearch, the standard pathway to the saving of search criteria can be found in the sub-directory “SearchMask” in the user directory.