The "Search Positions" command searches in the current scope to locate all the positions corresponding to the selection criteria (cumulative) as specified in the "Search criteria" dialog box.

Text:

Searches for text specified in the various information zones saved with the positions. e.g. find problems published by such author in such magazine.

Number of pieces:

Selects the problems whose number of pieces matches the criteria

Twins:

Selects the problems with one or more discriminant.

Aristocratic:

Selects pawn-free problems

Matrix:

Looks for saved problems that contain the matrix stored in the current board. Four options are available :

Identity: Looks for positions in which the matrix is in the same place and has the same orientation. Excludes the following option.

Translation: Looks for positions in which the matrix has the same orientation but not necessarily the same place. Excludes the above option.

Symmetrical: Looks for positions where the matrix can be identified through horizontal and vertical inversions.

Rotation: Looks for positions in which the matrix can be identified through 45-degree rotations.

 By combining the Symmetrical and Rotation options, the program tests all the possible permutations.

Type:

Looks for saved problems matching the requested type (mode and/or move number).

The wildcards are designated by a question mark. For example, "?#2" will look for any type of chess mate (direct, reverse, etc.) in two moves; "s??" will look for reverse pats or chess mates, regardless of the number of moves.

Scope:

File: To search the current file

Directory: To search all the files in the current directory as well as its sub-directories.

Disk: To search all the files in all the directories of the current disk

The matching positions are displayed in the Problem List.

The "Action" button gives access to the following features:

Recover Matrix: To replace the previously used search matrix

Delete criteria: To delete all the search criteria

Memorize criteria: To save the search criteria for later use. The memorized criteria will be automatically saved when you quit Problemist and be available for a later session.

Reload criteria: To reload the previously memorized criteria

Tip: Click in the "Information" or "Type" zones for quick access to the dialog boxes which allow you to set your search criteria.