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first game in a year and there are no pieces on the board?

There are no pieces on the board! As the 'invitee' I am unable to respond to the first move. None of us can work out why there are no pieces ....?
I went to FAQ's and it doesn't understand the prompt. Rejected.
See here http://support.chess.com/index.php?_m=troubleshooter&_a=steps&troubleshootercatid=2&parentid=0
Someone suggested I press ctrl/F5 I did this but no luck. Then, later while discussing my dilemma with opponent -and explaining what I tried -ctrl/F5 -she asked, 'Did you hold both keys down at the same time'. I replied, 'Both keys? Don't you mean four keys? ....ctrl; the shift key for the capitals; the F key; and the 5 key'. She said, 'No no no no no. Listen, look at the row of keys above the numeral line of keys and directly above the 6 key you'll see a key marked F5, that's the one you want!' And, sure enough folks, it worked real nice.
Lesson, always consider the level of IT from which the seeker of information is coming from. I'm so low, I'm almost off the radar. It's not my best subject.... but I'm getting there. Thanks to all who responded in my hour of need.
There are no pieces on the board! As the 'invitee' I am unable to respond to the first move. None of us can work out why there are no pieces ....?
I went to FAQ's and it doesn't understand the prompt. Rejected.