I understand how it works, but what exactly is the point of being able to use conditional moves? It seems a person could use it to follow a train of play, then just delete it, using it to study possible moves. Doesn't seem right.

 Then again, I guess someone could have a copy of their game going on a physical board and do the same thing. OR- play a separate game against a computer, moving as their opponent does and then use the computer's moves against the opponent. It's not right, but I know that shifty people are out there...

 If it were up to me, tho, I'd say 'Get rid of conditional moves'...

that makes no sense as their is an analysis board for the same purpose already made

they can already do this on the analysis board. that is legal. but using a computer is NOT legal. that is cheating, and every day we close a number of accounts for doing it. it is easy to catch.

u can do that with an analysis mode? I didn't know that. Doesn't seem right, though. I thought a great part of the game is visualization, like that's why touch-move is a rule (for many)...

I use the analysis board to confirm the lines that I wish to play.

A deeper analysis of chess helps a player forsee such tactical or positional moves more easily in the future. If something looks foggy, I get out the board to double check what I'm doing. I think this practice has greatly helped my play.

Online chess is often called correspondence chess, because of the allowance of analysis boards and databases. I like it because I can quickly develop a strong understanding of chess as I play the game. With live chess the only true learning is in post-game analysis. And I find that I learn more in online chess, than I do in live chess.

I think both are important to practice, but don't underestimate the power of databases or analysis boards.

welcome to online correspondence chess :D it has a slightly different set of rules about what is allowed.

This is not a real chessboard. it's a small, 2D representation. Many of us need additional tools to visualize what's going on.

Conditional moves are merely to help speed up more-or-less forced positions.

I use conditionals in two different ways. 

They save time, and that saving can be substantial when you and your opponent live in different time zones, especially if you're able to string a few conditionals together. 

But they are also useful in helping you to remember the next move of a combination which can easily be overlooked or forgotten when multiple games are being played, particularly if your opponent has reason to delay his reply.

You are 100% right for OTB play.

With online chess (correspendence), even when it has been done before the computer revolution (by mail), setting up a real board and playing through the moves yourself to analyse the position is quite normal and acceptable.

I use the analysis board quite heavily.