Not sure I can explain this properly, but i'll try:

I'm helping out an unrated player, a complete newcomer to chess. I can't teach him much, but what I can, will give him a leg-up.

I'm talking him though each of his moves, telling him how i'm going to respond, etc. But the trouble is, a couple of times .. if i'd let him .. he would have won! And as happy as I am to show him the ropes - i'm not about to lose heaven knows how many hard-earned rating points for my trouble. 

Now .. I'm sure that somewhere on the site i've seen a games board which can be used (instead of he normal one) precisely for this sort of situation. Far as I recall, it allows players to experiment with their moves, before they actually make them.

Did I dream it, or does such a facility exist?

Thanks

Jo

Play unrated.

Another option is to use the analysis board in (unrated) live chess. It allows you to draw arros, highlight squares, etc.

thaTS COOL to know about the analysis board.....didnt realize it....can youi do that while the game is going? i'll find out.