Probably one of the best ways to learn the ins and outs of VASSAL
is to spectate a bit.
To view a scenario already being played, double-click on the room name in the Active Games column of the Server window. To create a new game room, enter a new name in the "New Game" field and press Enter. A list of players currently in the room you have entered will appear in the "Current Game" column.
When you join a room, you may start chatting immediately. To see the game in progress, synchronize by right-clicking on another player's name in the Current Game column and selecting Synchronize from the pop-up menu. Once synchronized, all moves by other players will be instantly updated on your on screen.
When you synchronize, one or more maps will appear on your screen. The main map will appear in a panel below the chat area, while others (if they exist) will appear in their own separate window. Maps are where all the counters are displayed and where the gaming action takes place.
To start a game of your own, it will be necessary to create a Scenario Room by entering a new name in the "New Game" field of the Server window and pressing Enter. Others (your opponent and spectators) can then enter the room and "synch" in. (See the next section Setting up a Game.)
A game can be saved at any time. In the VASSAL controls window, simply go to File - Save Game. Provide the scenario with a name and a location on your hard drive, and press OK. It is highly recommended that you get in the habit of saving your games while playing to minimize the inconvenience that would result from a crash. There is no auto-save or back up feature. It is your responsibility to save and protect your games.
VASSAL also contains a message area that allows you to post messages
or game requests on the server. Each module has its own
message board. In the Server window, push the Check Messages button
to view the Message Board.
Pushing the Looking for game
button will place an exclamation mark (!) beside your name in
the Server window, indicating that you are interested in
finding a game.
Pushing the Away from keyboard
button will place an "X" next to your name in the Server
window, indicating that you have stepped away from your
computer. An "I'm Back" window will pop up. When you're ready
to return, clicking "OK" will close the "I'm Back" window and
remove the "X" from beside your name.
ard, or push the Post Message button
to open the Message Composer window. In the Message Composer
window, enter your message and click Send to post your
message to the Message Board.