Cheating

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Henkkamh
[COMMENT DELETED]
Saturnian2

it just doesn't help him to get better at chess

ivandh

Ask him what the point would be of relaying chess moves between two computer programs, and if he enjoys that sort of thing. Most people who come here actually want to play chess and think with their brains, so the use of software is banned.

goldendog

I say go for it. Glory awaits!

Henkkamh
[COMMENT DELETED]
omnipaul

One thing that the others haven't mentioned is that some things are allowed that would not be in normal OTB chess.  To sum up, for Online (correspondence-style) Chess:

Chess programs (Fritz, Rybka, etc.) ARE NOT allowed during play.  You may, of course, use them after the game for analysis.

Openings Databases and Opening Books ARE allowed.

Endgame books or articles which explain general principles for certain endgames ARE allowed.

Endgame Tablebases (a database which gives the best move in an endgame position) ARE NOT allowed.

Assistance from other people (regardless of playing strength) is NOT allowed.  This includes forum posts giving a position and asking whether or not it is a draw.  Ask after the game.

Analysis boards, such as a personal board set up in your home or the Analysis Board here at chess.com, ARE allowed, provided they are not capable of 'thinking' for you.

The exceptions to the 'NOT alloweds' is if both parties are aware and the game is designated as UNRATED.

Hopefully Artfizz will find this topic soon.  He has a really nifty chart that shows all of this.

Henkkamh
[COMMENT DELETED]
Gomer_Pyle

I'm not an expert on correspondence chess but I found this on the World Correspondence Chess Federation web site in their FAQ section. It appears your friend may be wrong about engines being allowed in correspondence chess.

http://www.ewccf.com/questions.htm

Q. Can I consult my games database or chess books for ideas on playing my games?
A. Yes, but move generating chess engines (such as Chessmaster) are not allowed without permission in advance from opponent and Director. Refer to the rule#8 for our official policy.

[edit: I followed the link to rule #8 and found this:
8. CONSULTATION: 
a. Players are free to consult chess publications or literature, in printed or electronic form. Advise from another chess player is strictly forbidden.
b. The use of a chess engine (such as Chessmaster, Fritz, Rebel, etc.) or any other form of electronic consultation is strictly forbidden. ]

jocheckoh

hi, just saw your post, I left tournament play over the same nonsense, I have a policy of looking at a players show case, if its full, I get very suspicious and expect to play an engine