The problem is that if you only use your own mind, it's so easy to end up missing tactics that you didn't think were there at all. A lot of times when I'm looking at a position, assessing it, looking for a plan, it seems so correct and sensible, but when I look at the engine, it points out so many flaws with it. Without an engine, I create my own world of what moves and plans are strong; but this world can often be very far from chess reality!

So in one sense you want to be coming up with your own ideas of the position (lead the engine; don't let it lead you), but I think it's also important to allow your ideas to have some outside scrutiny, too. This would be especially true for amateur players like myself, who are so likely to miss important things.

By the way, I'd just like to add that I think it's awesome that David doesn't use engines. I don't use them either. I'm much more interested in pushing my mind to understand something in the position that hasn't already been pointed out to me. And thanks for the shout-out, Eugene! Much appreciated!

yes, it's absolutely true that i don't have a computer engine. i have been without for about 1.5 years. i don't really analyze much, but i guess for the most part when i do, it would be ... in my head; setting up a board and pieces requires some space.

and Eugene, thanks for the feedback on Poet+Kavutskiy.

Well doesn't make sense to analyze live with an engine because there is a didactical purpose in following the human brain process. I'm sure IM analyzes privately with an engine.

And yes, Kasparov was not only an amazing chess player but everything he writes or says is interesting. Another guy who shows a very high IQ in his comments is Svidler. They have the talent to put simple what seems complicated.

Kaidanov is very didactical analyzing games too, I enjoy his videos the most together with Yermolinky although the latter, as himself recognizes, sometimes speaks "with food in mouth". By the other hand Seirawan sounds like an UN ambassador, but he has such a nice voice and exquisite manners. It must be nearly impossible to get angry with Yasser Seirawan.

Legend! Good to see someone doing something that they believe in. 

I like your idea to explore the game with people as opposed to simply spouting truths offered up by a piece of silicon. It makes it all the more human and I think it is a part of what separates this community from the others.

Incidentally, Poet and Kavutskiy have been doing a fine job also. 

Are you serious about not using any chess engines now? Do you analyze only on a real board, old school style?

Enjoyable interview. I loved the reason you've given for playing chess. I more or less play for the same reason.

Great interview, man. Thanks for posting!

they shown here at chess.com/tv . let's see coming up i have:

- USCL week 3 next Wed

- Imre Konig Memorial

- FIDE Grand Prix in London

those last two we don't yet have exact times to post to the schedule (which you can see if you scroll down on chess.com/tv)

Nice, interesting interview.

What are the next events you comment on and where are they shown?