Analysis Board
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Jun 12, 2008
0
#2
Good point. At this point I only play online but since I may decide to play OTB some day I think I'll try to limit my use of it.
This is a question that I have been puzzling over myself. It is obvious to me that OTB and correspondence chess are two different but related animals. As my name implies, I'm hardly a master player, and I'm very motivated to improve my game; so whether I'm hurting myself in the long run is a serious question for me. I've read that Paul Keres improved a lot relying on correspondence games when he did not have the ability to play against strong competitors. I figured if it worked for him, maybe it could help me, duffer though I am. At the same time, I realize that it is only a partial help, and I also play OTB games against friends as well as against Fritz and Chessmaster.
One thing I try to do is to figure out the move without the analysis board and then use the board to see whether it really works or not.
Duffer1965> One thing I try to do is to figure out the move without the analysis board and then use the board to see whether it really works or not.
Yes, I think it's that simple. If you're only playing correspondence chess, but you want to improve your OTB skillset at the same time, analyze each position for a few minutes in your mind before you pull out the analysis board. Of course, you'll still need some ramp-up time anytime you change to a new time control to learn pacing.
Jun 12, 2008
0
#5
This is also a question over in the "formal" correspondence chess world. Its kind of uneven but the general thought is, for OTB improvement, use of a 2nd board is detrimental. For CC success it is necessary.
Jun 12, 2008
0
#6
What is the likely Elo points that one may gain from using the analysis board during games as opposed to not using it at all? Is it fair on the other player who does not use an analysis board and loses to the player who makes use of the analysis board.
platolag wrote:
What is the likely Elo points that one may gain from using the analysis board during games as opposed to not using it at all? Is it fair on the other player who does not use an analysis board and loses to the player who makes use of the analysis board.
If the other player does not want to have an opponent use an analysis board, he or she needs to play OTB (in person or live chess online). CC and turn-based games are different: you can look up lines in your MCO, you can look up games databases, you can try things on your analysis board, you can puzzle over the move for hours or even days. It is just a different game from OTB.
platolag> Is it fair on the other player who does not use an analysis board and loses to the player who makes use of the analysis board.
Yes, it's fair. They do not grade math tests differently for students who choose to use their calculators and all their available time vs those who do not. A student who wants optimal test results will take their time and use their calculator.
Of course, many of us are playing for fun. So use an analysis board, or don't use one. Use all your time, or play quickly. In all cases the glicko rating system should give you a challenging opponent who you have real chances of beating, which could be a 1200 OTB player who spends 4 hours/move, or a 2000 OTB player who spends 15 seconds/move. :)
I have a general question for the site. Do you think the Analysis Board improves or hurts your game? In the beginning (I've only been playing for a few months) I was all for it and I thought it helped my game because I could work out lots of possibilities before I made a move. But as I've played more and (hopefully) gotten a little better I get the feeling it's making me a lazy player and I'm depending on it to much. I think it's damaging my ability to visualize scenarios. What is your opinion?