Hi all,

I have a question about an opening database I am creating.

After I have finnished a game I like to go through the opening in some detail, using the chessbase database, books and my computer(fritz 10 and rybka 2.3.2)

I then try and figure out a continuation that is not only stronger than the one I played but also suits my style of play and I can understand, I then add this to my personal opening database for next time.

My question is ... could this be considered cheating on this website?

The reason I ask is because I know using a computer while I'm playing a current  game is against the rules but if the same position comes up 2 months later can I use my "Computer"/ "Personal" opening database?

I don't want people to think i'm cheating when really I'm just trying to come up with new Ideas/novelties and improve my opening strength.

I would really like a "legal" answer from the staff to this question as I'm not sure what the rules are about this* but I would also like to open this up to discussion to see what the general opinion is.

Thanks for your time.

*You can NEVER use chess programs (Chessmaster, Fritz, etc) to analyze current ongoing games unless specifically permitted (such as a computer tournament, etc). The only type of computer assistance allowed is games databases for opening lines in Turn-based Chess and Vote Chess. You cannot receive ANY outside assistance on Live Chess games.

If you store up a novelty for the future that's legal. As you have highlighted, the key word is *current*.  It's no different than if you get advice from another player or even your opponent after a game and then use that advice in a forthcoming game. 

No, this is not cheating. Using a computer for a database during a game is not cheating. This applies weather the database is of your games or not.

As for general opinion, there's already quite a bit of discussion on that in the forums, but you'll find it pretty split. There seem to be quite a few people who will not use databases/books during a game, and quite a few who use stuff like that regularly.

thank you very much.

This is a very good idea.  I would not consider it cheating at all if I was laying a game with you.  I also wish there was a take back move button.  If I was playing an unrated game against you, it would be great at times to back up the position and play out some of these novelty ideas in an effort of us both learning.