diff --git a/src/java/com/threerings/puzzle/client/PuzzlePanel.java b/src/java/com/threerings/puzzle/client/PuzzlePanel.java
index 0523dc648..9e93f6c46 100644
--- a/src/java/com/threerings/puzzle/client/PuzzlePanel.java
+++ b/src/java/com/threerings/puzzle/client/PuzzlePanel.java
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 //
-// $Id: PuzzlePanel.java,v 1.3 2004/02/25 14:48:44 mdb Exp $
+// $Id: PuzzlePanel.java,v 1.4 2004/08/16 22:58:06 mdb Exp $
 
 package com.threerings.puzzle.client;
 
@@ -110,6 +110,14 @@ public abstract class PuzzlePanel extends JPanel
         }
     }
 
+    /**
+     * Returns true if an overlay panel is currently being displayed.
+     */
+    public boolean hasOverlay ()
+    {
+        return _opanel != null;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Initializes the puzzle panel with the puzzle config of the puzzle
      * whose user interface is being displayed by the panel