A TALLY OF DATABASE-USERS & NON-USERS

2009 Validation Tally starts now:

1. Mainstreet - User (from 2009, of opening databases and analysis board);

                              (2008: Non-User)

As of 5/6/09 (* in rated games)

Users - 22 , Non-Users - 14

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In 2008: (* in rated games)

Users - 106, Non-Users -153

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Correspondence Chess allows use of databases, books or any outside help (but not another individual nor chess engine softwares) - "while playing". Would you be straightforward enough to post your side?

Are you a USER or a NON-USER?

My side:

In 2008, I was a Non-User.

In 2009:

1.  Still a Non-User in Vote Chess (with the Tally Team Non-Users); and,

2.  A User in Individual Chess (using databases and analysis board)

Notes:

1.  We're posting to show our stands whether we are Users or Non-Users;

2.  We may elaborate on our choice, but not to diminish the choice of others - as we respect others' individual rights even here in chess.

I don't use them during play. Before and after sure but not during play. This issue has the makings of a great vote chess match.

Of course I use databases and books, why wouldn't I?

I don't use databaes. I'm starting to play with a few, but I doubt I'll ever shell out money for them.

I do use books. I don't blindly move through lines; rather I try to use it as a learning experience for when I have to play it OTB. Playing book lines without having a clear understanding of the plans is dangerous. I've lost more games expecting that "=" game to draw by itself.

I was under the impression that softwares were no allowed during correspondence play.  

Personally I view every correspondence game as a learning experience (more so than an OTB game which I see more as a self contained game) and as a result I am more than happy to use any resources that fall within the rules and aid me in learning from the game.  

I use everything allowed by the rules, and I assume that my opponent does as well...whatever they say.

I thought all games here were played as OTB.

Non-User

So far, It's 4 and 4 for both sides. :)

I use Game Explorer for openings - when I can be bothered - about 1 game in 10. (So I guess that makes it 4.1 to 4).

(See also: using-books--databases-for-playing-turn-based).

tworthington wrote:

I thought all games here were played as OTB.

Non-User

I thought the same thing. I was briefly looking into an opening that somebody played against me and I wasn't familiar with and I felt guilty. Now, I find out people are using complete games in databases. That's ridiculous, in my opinion.

Educate yourself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Correspondence_chess

Normally game explorer. But sometimes also chessbase databases!But game explorer is enough.- But there is enough "work" to choose the best - often personally best- variation!

By the way, using chess engines or help of other persons is not allowed here at chess.com!

I didn't realize I was uneducated. I just didn't know that people played with books and data bases and whatever else.  Just always thought peopled played each other.  I am by no means passing judgement on those who do, for each their own. 

Non-User

Using databases in chess is like drugs in sport!

Say NO!

Non-User

I would never even consider using tools for improved play! Of course do from time to time study the various parts of chess but I just feel that it would not be me playing if I used books etc.

The fact that people are using books might be a reason why the ratings are inflated.

mvh Fredrik

I use a singular book for my openings so i learn them for my OTB play

Half User

I use whatever is allowed within the rules of the site I am playing on. Here, I will use a database I have assembled myself and any books I have to hand. When playing ICCF games or on sites with similar (lack of) rules I will use the database and books and also my ancient Mac running a varity of engines.

I use databases and books. I haven't yet used an endgame book, but I've used an opening book once. I scored a miniature win:

http://www.chess.com/echess/game.html?id=6736688