Accounts closed for cheating

Is it my imagination, or were a whole slew of accounts closed for cheating within the last few days?

That is correct and there is nothing for you to worry about

Nope, I don't think anyone would think that my play would merit suspicion. ;)

How would you know ? You only have just join up here this month.

I was wondering about something, specially after getting the word about cheaters. I was wondering if it was allowed to study the "online games", between moves using a computer?  I don't but I haven't read where it is or isn't allowed.  Also, during tournaments, do the players suppose to refrain from using a pc to study their games between moves?

@Optimum225: I do believe Chess.com makes abundantly clear that the use of a computer/engine while a game is in progress is strictly forbidden.

No, you can't do it. No computer analysis of your games is allowed until the game has ended. You may consult computer databases of historical games while your game is in progress, however, once your game diverges from all previously played games, you're on your own.

Wheww...I am glad you all told me.  Isn't using computer databases of historical games, while our games are in progress, sort of cheating? What happens if two players, (supposingly) are both using historical games to make their moves all the way thru the game..NOW seems to me, what you just said, jfk, that the game would be allowed, wthout being being called cheating. :) Okay.. It is just a speculation. ..but what if? :)

The odds of that occurring are well-nigh astronomical. But if it were to happen, it would be perfectly fine, and not cheating. The reason is, the game would have been played while referring to a database, which is simply a collection of information of past chess games. In using the database, at no time would an engine have been used to calculate the best move.

Hm...why wouldn't using a database be considered cheating, if it gives a line of moves that one of the opponents are trying to duplicate, in their own game?

And thanks for answering!  :)

In a way these rules are arbitrary, and they vary among websites and correspondence chess federations. However, I think historically all of them allow the use of databases and opening books. So if you think it shouldn't be allowed, maybe you should start your own website...

It's not cheating, because even though you're copying the game, none of the players (neither Players A and B of the original game, nor Players C and D of the copied game) would have had any assistance from an engine that calculated the best moves for them. All the moves--of both games--would be derived entirely from human thought.

If Player C is trying to recreate a win that Player A achieved, and C is on track to do it, why not pursue it fully? And if Player D can is also tracking that game and can see that he is headed for a loss, then it's up to him to steer the game in another direction that will allow him other possibilities!

The site rules allow this explicitly. In fact, there's the "Explore" button on the playing page to look up old games.  This goes back to the correspondence chess roots -- you could look up lines in NCO or some other encyclopedic reference of openings.

Chess.com has decided "this is OK" and "this isn't OK". That provides a level playing field.  

"Explore" is a good way to learn about openings, but it can be a crutch.

You sound like a teacher, whirlwind.  Well said! I got it 100% now. 

Also, Mr. Montana man..(or woman).. I am quite happy using the chess sites that are out there already.  Thanks for your comment, also, which cleared it up further.  :)

A high compliment, for which I thank you! I'm glad I could help.

U all know what cheating is, And is not. THAT thought in your head says NO, best not do this..moral compass! Twits that look for ways to gain an edge should end up in computer hell where they play an 3000 program over and over...and over.

 Hopefully the clearest indicator over whether what you are about to do is cheating or not should be your moral compass/conscience.

Of course, I agree with optimum that I want to know what the rules are so I don't end up banned from this wonderful website!

Eddy..if you don't  mind me saying something..ppl don't always know what is cheating unless they know the rules. :) Some things are obvious..others may not be known.  I reckon that is why we suppose to read the rules?  (and no I didn't when I joined). , so I was unsure of a few things, during online games.

Good night all and thanks for the discussion!

mum

In regards to data bases how many times has kasperov( or the late great Robert F.) taken every one bye surprise bye adding a new line...bye following set lines you can bait someone into an unexplored line that you know well or want to explore l!! the chess.com database is very lacking compared too opening books and any good players should know what there playing...i play for fun and have drawn or lost a few games on here just to try new lines or positions..I would rather win otb for cash than cheat  on here for a rating...I have also met some great people on this sight!!

point two im on here because its the most fare sight on the internet and they do a great job of taking care of cheating...TY chess.com for giving us such a great environment for playing the most fun game in history!!!