MainStreet wrote:
Questions for the Users: 1. How did you know you've improved by using outside help such as databases, softwares, books, and the like? 2. How sure are you that you're learning the right moves when looking into databases of the masters' games when the Masters themselves admit that due to OTB pressures, they make dubious openings, and tactical mistakes? (Don't tell us that there's no other way.) 3. When challenged to a game by a Non-User, would you accept to fight on equal terms - that is, you'ld play on OTB rules even in a Correspondence Chess venue? If so, or if ever you've done it a billion times already, how did you feel about the game - meaning did you have the same confidence as if you're playing with the outside helps on? (Honestly now, please..."
1. i fully believe a person knows when they are consciously learning. this is as true for chess as it is with math, science, and learning to read.... i don't trial by error with engineering.... why should i approach chess any different?
2. DB shows you additional moves to consider and quickly too. most games don't database well after the sixth to eighth move i imagine, unless both players are users.
3. no. i would not accept a challenge. Perhaps, i would enter into an OTB-theme tournament and play strictly OTB. But, i don't see how one could word a challenge with these conditions without sounding like an @$$hole. as far as confidence, I have more confidence playing OTB at the club than i did before i started getting into databases a couple of months ago.
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1) I'd be interested to play a database user simply to see how well I've learned the openings.
2) I wouldn't want to pry. What Users use is there own business.
3) Sure I'd play the same User again as long as he/she isn't rude during the game.