One of the things I find helpful is looking at videos of famous games. At first some of the moves made no sense, but later on I started getting a glimmer of the grand plan behind the moves that made no sense.
While most of the games look like the pieces are dancing to a musical score I do not quite understand, now and then I see moves that were actually played before the turn. I think the videos and move prediction helps me in it is like a little window into a great chess mind.
No it is not cheating, and yes, I think it is a fantastic way to improve. The advice I give to a lot of people is to try to decide every move without moving pieces first, then commit to it (but don't actually make it). Then work very hard using the analysis board and everything to verify your choice and explore alternatives even deeper and make the best move from there.
I think another area that you might find you are neglecting is time management. Check out some Dan Heisman's articles about time management to see what kinds of things you should be thinking about for OTB chess (look for his novice nook article titled "The Two Move Triggers" for instance).
Before I start a little about my self. I learned to play chess from my grandfather when I was very little. Unfortunately beside few friends and family member I never had a chance to play much. The last fifteen years my opponents were only computer programs. Even these matches were rare. Less that one a month.
Since I always loved chess and wanted to get better at it this summer while my family and myself were on vacation I bought a chess board and pieces hoping to start teaching my year and a half son someday. In the mean time I want to improve my game starting from the basics.
I joined this web site, I am reading tutorials, watching the videos, doing tactics training etc. I read articles on line I even got one book on chess which I am reading after my son goes to sleep. I also started several online matches.
Since I am a full time employed husband and a father with a private business on a side I can not spend a lot of time in one go on chess so online matches are pretty much all I can play.
I use this method for practicing when I have time. I set up a board and pieces in the exact same position my online game is currently and I try to analize the position and determine what move should I take, what is my opponent planing. Pretty much what I would do if the person is sitting across the table. I don't move the pieces I just sit, watch the board and analyze.
First to ask being pretty sure the answer will be no is this considered cheating in online chess.
Second do you think this can improve my game in real matches when I get a chance to play with a friend or people at the park.
As I said unfortunately I can not devote more time to chess right now and probably not for several more year at least and I would really like to improve my game.
Could you please advice if I should change something in my training? Sorry for the long post.
Thanks in advance