I don't think this is cheating, I actually think it's a good way to learn.  But what I've done before is I would start a game, play the opening as usual. Then at around move 6-8, I would load the position into an engine.  Then I would input my opponents move AFTER i had already made my move...and see what the computer considers the best move.  Then while I wait for my turn again, I kinda analyze why the other move was better than mine, etc.  Does anyone consider this a form of cheating in any way?  It's more like real-time analysis...

Yeah, it's cheating because you're likely to analyze what your opponent's next move will be. And then you'll know exactly how to refute that move.

that is cheating! (i think) do that after the game is over, but not during the game!

Um yes, that's cheating.  Chess engines give you alternative lines based on various moves your opponent makes.  So even if you're looking at the engine AFTER you make your move, it will give you suggested lines to play based on various responses by your opponent.  Not that it has really helped your rating all that much, though.  Not only that but just because you've already moved before you look at the engine's suggested move, that doesn't mean you can't implement that move in the future as well.  As far as I know, the only resources allowed in correspondence chess are databases and chess books.  No engines during the game.  Finally, if it doesn't improve your play during the game (and I think you know it does) then what's the point of doing it during the game?  Why not wait until after the game when it's clearly permitted?

Even if the computer doesnt play it out?  The main reason I didn't see anything wrong with it was because, my moves aren't influenced by the computer at all...Because I'm inputting everything one step behind (if that makes sense). For example, If my opponent plays Ne4, then I play whatever my move is.  THEN I input Ne4, and see what the computer does in the same situation AFTER the fact... and no moves are played after that until the same process happens.  The reason I even started doing this was, when I would go over my analysis after the game, I would see a bonehead move I made and think "What the hell was I thinking" and seeing as I made that move 8 days ago, I reall can't tell....If this is considered cheating, then I'll stop doing it, but I feel like it's helped me analyze the board a bit better.

that's what i'm wondering?  why not just wait until you game is over.  if you're just looking for ways to kill time, do something else.

Getting an evaluation for a position from an engine is cheating.

I see what you mean about implementing the moves later in the game...but as far as the engine making alternate moves, I haven't seen that...I just have it set to play out the game. But, I'll only do it that way from now on with players that I have discussed it with beforehand...

I'm not concerned with my ranking, I'm just trying to learn and have fun.

From the online help files:

"You may NOT get any help from any person or any chess engine throughout the course of a game, including tablebases."

Clearly, using the engine for ANYTHING constitutes help and is considered cheating.

not only is it cheating--but chess.com is very clear about this in the its own rules.

understood...I guess I just looked at it wrong.

i played some games where i was certain that my opponent is playing waaaay to good for his rating..is there a way to discover a cheater?

From waht I've read, if you suspect someone is cheating, you report them, and the staff looks into it.

Also, I just went and read chess.com's policies, and I was wrong.  I'm fairly new to chess, so what I considered cheating was having the computer tell you your moves...but this cleared it up for me, lol:

You can NEVER use chess programs (Chessmaster, Fritz, etc) to analyze current ongoing games unless specifically permitted (such as a computer tournament, etc).

As per the forum discussed by chess.com you are one of those who will be included in cheaters list and your account will be suspended

Here's a suggestion.  Write down your move logic as you play.  That way at the end of the game when you analyze you will know exactly what the hell you were thinking when you played each move.  It will also help you make better decisions as you play

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a try.

As far as suspending me, if that's what the staff sees fit, so be it.  I brought this whole thing up because I wasn't sure, and this thread cleared it up for me.  If I had joined this site, to cheat and get a high ranking I wouldn't have paid for a premium membership, to use all the learning tools available. 

Have a nice day.

i am fairly certain no one has any intention of suspending your account, or listing you as a cheater.  nor do i believe anyone here would want that for you.  at least that's what i think.

Congrats to you for having the balls to ask, and taking the consequences like a man.

While I can see your point of view, unfortunately it is cheating, due to seeing the other possibilities etc.. Do what Pwnster suggested - write down your thoughts on the game during the game, and analyse it afterwards. If it is a short game analyse is straight after the game - you won't have time to write down your thoughts. Sounds like a lot of work? It is! Chess isn't easy, and if you want to get good you have to be prepared to put the work in.

Good luck!

Yeah, as far as suspension goes that is totally up to the staff, but I imagine that in a situation like yours it isn't necessary.  You were doing something that obviously didn't substantially raise your rating, something you didn't know was cheating, and something that you voluntarily admitted to and stopped doing.  I think the intentionality is a big factor here, but that's just my two cents as someone who has nothing to do when whether your banned or not!

It is not even about seeing moves or possibilities of moves, even.

One of the hardest things to do in chess is to accurately analyse and correctly assess the position right in front of one on the current board.  Once a proper assessment is made, then plans are easier to create and implement.