Chess Visualization

Hey all, just a ponderous thought about chess visualization geared toward the higher rated/more experienced player:

When you play a chess game, either OTB or online, do you tend to use any sort of visual mechanism, such as highlighting certain key squares that are available to a given piece? an example of this could be highlighting squares a  knight (black) on a b2 outpost (a4,d1,d3,c4) can go to while and  constantly keeping those squares highlighted (I hope we've figured out this is abstract thought in our heads I'm talking about) as you evaluate a position on the board.

This question comes from the fact that I actually do the exact thing in the above example..but strictly only with the N piece and usually only in critical positions.  This is all subconscious and I never think to do the same with other pieces during a game..but maybe I should reconsider this??

what visualization aids, if any, do you use during a game

I am no high rated player yet, but I like to think 'If I move here, then my opponent can move 1.) First best move I see, 2.) second best move I see, or 3.) third best move I see. And I continue this process until I can't mentally visualize the board in a time-efficient manor.

i am a very poor rated player.

i feel that to use devices, such as high-lighted squares or any other device is to cheat.

the concept of postal chess ( which to you under the age of forty ) is what correspondence chess is ( and to you under fifteen postal chess is what you have heard of as post office mail and to you under thirty correspondence chess is what you think internet chess is named )...but to the point.

to use anything but your own mind...in any game of chess..it to be a cheat.

the days of postal chess ( by post card and the use of a book ) is very long past.

play the game as you are able to play it, win or lose. to accept any other device or help is to make you a cheat in the great game.

Err, I think the OP was talking about visualising these things in his head as opposed to colouring in the board or something so no he is not cheating - quote "I hope we've figured out this is abstract thought in our heads I'm talking about."

In terms of the question, somewhat yes, I have at rare times *highlighted* dangers (in red!) just to sort of remind myself of a key danger, but overall it is not really necessary I think if you just take your time...providing you are playing slow games.

Actually only to use something not allowed would be cheating.