ramatheson wrote:
I think I heard once that it's considered okay to consult opening repertoire books when playing correspondence games, such as through mail, e-mail, or the games you can play here. Is this true?
Yes.
Consulting opening books when playing correspondence?
Sort:
Oh, okay. Thanks! :-) Wish I had known it was okay to use opening books here on correspondence games also. I'm 3-1 so far...I guess not bad for not having used books or anything so far! :-)
Fiveofswords wrote:
it may be ok but probably most people dont do it. I dont, i wanna know what I remember.
Okay, good point. I agree with you. This information is just good to know though in case I have a question or something about a line in the game.
I asked this because I've noticed an opponent who played the opening quite well and then fell apart afterwards.
Most CC players use opening books or db’s unless they are "training" for otb games. I am (and always have been) a CC player and these days use a three million game db.
I did a quick survey and found against lower rated players (<1600) we usually left the db at around move 5 or 6. Against players >2200 it was about move 10 or so. Having opening books piled to the ceiling and db’s with millions of games won’t do much except guarantee you won’t blunder until your opponent leaves your book or db.
Schachgeek wrote:
Odie_Spud wrote:
Most CC players use opening books or db’s unless they are "training" for otb games. I am (and always have been) a CC player and these days use a three million game db.
I did a quick survey and found against lower rated players (<1600) we usually left the db at around move 5 or 6. Against players >2200 it was about move 10 or so. Having opening books piled to the ceiling and db’s with millions of games won’t do much except guarantee you won’t blunder until your opponent leaves your book or db.
Actually, using openings books and databases when playing by correspondence are a valuable learning tool for when you do venture out and play otb.
Instead of just playing a move because it's "in the book," study the position, what is the plan, what are the alternative moves for both sides and so on. Go slowly, correspondence is not meant to be rushed. In this way, you will develop not just an openings database in your brain but a better understanding of the positions that arise.
Good advice. Back in the days before the Internet I was playing a postal game against a very strong player who had been competitor in the US Championship a couple times and was following analysis published in a popular opening booklet I had bought from Ken Smith’s Chess Digest. Somewhere around move 12 or 15 he "left the book" and in a couple moves I realized I was busted.
He asked if I was using that particular booklet and when I said I was, he commented, "I thought so. There’s a mistake in it." Lesson learned.
Schachgeek wrote:
Odie_Spud wrote:
Most CC players use opening books or db’s unless they are "training" for otb games. I am (and always have been) a CC player and these days use a three million game db.
I did a quick survey and found against lower rated players (<1600) we usually left the db at around move 5 or 6. Against players >2200 it was about move 10 or so. Having opening books piled to the ceiling and db’s with millions of games won’t do much except guarantee you won’t blunder until your opponent leaves your book or db.
Actually, using openings books and databases when playing by correspondence are a valuable learning tool for when you do venture out and play otb.
Instead of just playing a move because it's "in the book," study the position, what is the plan, what are the alternative moves for both sides and so on. Go slowly, correspondence is not meant to be rushed. In this way, you will develop not just an openings database in your brain but a better understanding of the positions that arise.
Excellent advice, and I will definitely take it to heart.
I was wondering the same question as the OP. Considering that was 6 years ago, does it still hold true that you can consult an opening book in CC?
I think I heard once that it's considered okay to consult opening repertoire books when playing correspondence games, such as through mail, e-mail, or the games you can play here. Is this true?