I should probably go read the rules carefully and keep my mouth shut. But if one hasa the big chess base program with the big base then every single move can be evaluated in terms of the number of wins against losses for that move from that position. If that is legal here then I'm not sure if taking that kind of guidance differs significantly from letting Fritz dicate your moves. I guess I can take solice in that as a <1600 player (frequently <1400) I can probably rely on not facing too many opponents with Fritz of Chess Base directing their moves-- their rating would simply be higher.
A TALLY OF DATABASE-USERS & NON-USERS
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Sep 11, 2008
0
#123
I was sad to see the ability to download PGN mid game. Somebody with Chess Base can simply download and activate the Fritz engine right there in mid game. I have an old copy of Chess Base on my computer and I use it to look through most of my games. I think it would be an improvement if PGN downloads were not available until the game was completed.
What would be the point of winning if you had no idea how you did it?
Check things over after the game not during.
Non-User.
NON-USER (WHILE PLAYING).
IT'S INTERESTING TO KNOW THE POSITION OF THE TOP PLAYERS IN THIS SITE BUT SO FAR THEY ARE QUIET (SAVED FOR ONE). 
Sep 12, 2008
0
#126
I've gotten to the point where a lot of my openings are played from memory. However, when neccesary I am a user.
User!
Sep 12, 2008
0
#127
What would be interesting is the average rating of users vs the average rating of non-users.
Most interesting is who among the viewers of the posts in this thread, shifted sides. :)
(I'm still on the Non-User side.)
Sep 12, 2008
0
#129
ozzie_c_cobblepot wrote:
What would be interesting is the average rating of users vs the average rating of non-users.
If MainStreet publishes his two lists, someone can do the math (or the arithmetic) and we can also double-check his maths. There should be no problem pasting a spreadsheet into a post, right? Would you use the rating when someone expressed a preference of their current rating?
Art, that's a great idea!
How about doing your own lists, posting it here in this thread, and we'll see if the latest count tallies with yours? I believe the variance won't be that much as it's now almost on a 50-50 count.
By the way, Artfizz and I are now playing a chess game where I maintained my being a Non-User, while Art in this game voluntarily shifted to the side of a Non-User. :)
I very rarely use opening books or databases for online games because I am trying to simulate OTB play to find my weaknesses.
The exception is if it is a complicated opening which I have just started trying out, I think it better to get to the middlegame avoiding traps. Then I can see if I like the middlegame positions before learning all the opening theory.
So I use opening 'help' about 5% of the time which I think makes me a 'non'-user.
My chess.com rating is about 2000.
Sep 12, 2008
0
#132
MainStreet wrote:
It's interesting to note that "some" Users seem to be "hot-headed" on this topic while non-users are rather cool about it. And isn't it a wonder that a simple tally request can cause some people to even adapt a stance of "looking for a fight", when they're not even forced to join in? :)) Cool it, fellow-posters, it's just a voluntary tally. (",)
I have noticed some non-users getting quite heated about the whole issue in other threads. The "C" word gets used quite a lot. It is almost as if chess has become a religion for some people. Religion is banned in chess.com forums so maybe we should stop discussing chess.
Lions don't need to roar, right? :))
Oh, you must mean mathematically fun... but philosophically weak, isn't it? :)
Sep 12, 2008
0
#136
Can't say I have ever thought of lions or roaring as being philosophical. Never thought of them as being mathematical either!
So far: Users - 35, Non-Users - 39
Note: this is just a tally, thus no judgments can be inferred on these numbers. We simply lay down our cards, and agree to disagree on viewpoints shared.
What are unrated centaur games?
Does OTB mean off the books, i.e., using nothing but your brain? And it's fair to use your brain as far as you have developed it by study, but don't use books, databases and anything else that's out there to solve particular problems while playing a particular game with a real person?
Sep 12, 2008
0
#139
OTB = Over The Board i.e. face to face over a real board. Centaur games are games involving players using engines to a certain extent. They are allowed on this site provided the games are unrated.
I have learned a few things from this thread, namely the following.
1) non-users are idiots
2) users are cheaters
3) captain kirk can always bring a smile to my face
4) (didn't so much learn this until now... and its about my self) Kirk and Batman (West) should play a celebrity chess match. Oh it would be awesome
5) Tallies can be offensive
6) Users don't learn anything
7) Non-users don't learn enough
8) 6 knight check mate is cool
9) I wish I had sushi
10) Even the most simple discription (outside assistance) can be easily misleading. For the record, I assumed it was rather obvious that outside assistance would be anything you weren't allowed to do in a real* (OTB) chess match.
As a side I'm curious how many users play to the bitter end (don't resign) in comparison to non-users.
I'm just an amatuer player who is learning and playing for just the enjoyment of playing. of course i would like to win. there have been some games that i was sure my opponent was using a dbase or something to help him/her. it would be nice to know you were on an even playing field. study your game AFTER you've played. i consider anything else as cheating.