Analysis and cheating?

 Today I had a look at the analysis board for the first time, does anyone else think that the use of such a tool is tantamount to cheating? Surely the whole point is to do this in one's head?

 Or have I become an old-fashioned curmudgeon?!

I've wondered that too.  In blitz games it's useless.  In Correspondance type games I think it will enable even weak players to analyze deep lines to a much higher level than their 'board vision' allows.  That doesn't mean they'll be analysing the right lines though ;)

I don't use it personally, but it's permitted in turn-based chess here so it can hardly be considered cheating.

 This site-playing-rules-a-guide-for-the-perplexed may clarify the rules for you.

Thanks!

 I'm sure it's within the rules, it makes me wonder about sportsmanship though, for instance some people, a move or two from mate, will lose by timeout, perfectly acceptable, I'm sure, but hardly sporting!

That's something completely different-it's just rude. However, the analysis board has always been a part of correspondence chess. Many high-rated CC players like that the slow nature of the game, along with allowed use of books, opening databases and separate boards for analysis, makes the game free of stupid blunders commited in time trouble. Instead, it leads to a long game decided by positional nuances.

Of course, it's something completely different in practice. Many players still blitz out moves, and most (including me) don't really enjoy researching the opening.

However, the original spirit of correspondence chess is to make use of these tools to create "better" games.

There was a discussion that ran to over 1000 posts between chess 'purists' and the chess 'pragmatists'.

Bottom line: chess 'purists' reject the use of any artificial aids (e.g. opening database, analysis board, books, Google, notes, confirm move, etc.) because they want to emulate the playing conditions of OTB chess.

Chess 'pragmatists' , on the other hand, recognise that the days-per-move timescales in Turn-based chess mean that such games are fundamentally different from OTB, and accept that Correspondence Chess protocol (i.e. encouraging research using opening database, analysis board, books, Google, notes, confirm move, etc.) is more appropriate for such games.

There are groups out there that were set up for the purpose of bringing together like minded individuals so that they could play games that met their standard of fair play amongst themselves -- this is one of them:

http://www.chess.com/groups/view/circle-of-trust-otb

The point that tends to raise a few hackles is when anyone suggests that use of a site feature - which is not merely legitimate but positively encouraged - is in any way cheating or unfair.

 I can certainly see your point artfizz, I've just come back to chess after three decades and am enjoying the site, and the chess immensely. My intention, really, is to inject a little humour, and not to offend. I watched my first chess video ever yesterday, and fond it instructive and fascinating, and I'll certainly be recommending that the people I know use these features to enjoy their chess more.

@artfizz Nice table!

Also, I muse it,as it's allowed and my opponent can use it too. It's not like it makes me invincible. Even if the wasn't available or allowed, people can just use their own boards and it'll be hard to notice because they'll probably make mistakes (unlike when they use a chess engine).

This is becoming a common place. This is correspondence chess. It was not invented yesterday....

There was another interesting discussion about whether the Analysis Board should check for legal moves. It used to - then it didn't for a while - now it does again (optionally: on by default). That is the key difference between the AB and a physical board.

The more, the merrier.

In the Circle of Trust it is true, we dont use chess engines, Analysis board, conditional moves. We will not study a book if it relates to the game we are actually playing. We try to create OTB, and we are successful at this within our group.

The sense of achievement is greater when you know you have not had this help while the game is going on. We are not saying that it is wrong, just dont use it in our group

Regards

 Yes, I started a game with Legend this morning, we had a chat and I think we're on the same page. hopefully you'll have space for me in your group.

 I've played well (for me) today too!

I have recently got back into chess, and after playing on the site awhile I discovered the analysis board for turn based chess. It has helped me immensely and cut my blunders way down. It has also helped me in visualizing  the game in a much clearer way, than I had been. I look at it as a learning tool, and hopefully it will make me a better chess player eventually. I would suppose that if  you  are a really good player already, you would find it unnecessary... 

Ok, someone I can agree with