Learning Chess the Old Fashioned Way

I have all of the modern stuff - a computer, internet, chess software, DVD video instruction, hand held electronic chess games, etc.

This is what I have discovered after a few years of trying to learn this game, that I learn so much more from a chess set, notebook, several pencils, and a few key chess books. Chess engines have been a crutch, stymying my own thought process.

I am having more fun by going through various chess positions and my improvised variations on a chess set, much like my musical jazz compositions. It's a fun, creative process. Only after a considerable amount of time and note taking, needing to sharpen several pencils, I check my conclusions with a chess engine. Was I correct that White would be better after this continuation, was my forcing tactical line correct, or did I miss something?

I really like this old fashioned, non-tech way of learning chess. It's more enjoyable and gives me a chance to let go and be more creative, and far less dogmatic.

How do you like to study chess?

A little critique on your studying if I may:

You have a very high difference between your turn-based and live chess. From what you wrote here I think you are focusing on variations and not principals. I think you are missing the big picture.

The time and effort you obviously put into your study pays off in your turn-based but fails to help your live chess. Might I suggest broadening your study, for example, instead of calculating different variations to attack in one position you could learn about patterns that lead to an attack.

I hope I do not offend you by offering unasked for advice without really knowing much about your play or study.

Personally I like to practice with play until I find I am not improving. I then try to identify what is holding me back and work on that specific aspect until I begin to improve again by playing. I also like to learn about subjects that I find myself just itching to know more about.

It may not be the most efficient method of study but it is the method I find most enjoyable.

No worries. I factor principles into all of my continuations/variations.

Example: I do keep in mind how developed or underdeveloped one side is when I am playing both sides of the board in an opening sequence.

Yes. There is a huge discrepancy between my Turn-based and Live Chess ratings. My Turn-based rating was approaching 1600 until I resigned all of my games due to burn out, dropping several points. 

My Live Chess Blitz play has been always under 1000, which is a 500-600 gap. So, I went through a period of complete confusion and frustration.

A few strong players have advised me to work on tactics, checkmates and attacking themes. The process feels painfully slow, but I am finally seeing some progress in my Live Chess play, as well as my OTB play.

I'm currently unrated, but will play in my first USCF tournament at the end of this month at my local chess club. Most of the members don't compete in the once a month USCF event, but just play casual games. The few that do compete are much stronger than me, and some are Experts, so I don't think I will have a clue as to my true chess strength after the event, since I will just get blown off the board.  

It would be great to find an event where there are other unrated and lower class rated players, Class D, E and F (800-1400).  I'd even be happy to participate in a scholastic event and compete in the U10 section, although that age group might be too hard for me. Those kids can play! 

Too bad there isn't a competitive section for old farts who are new to chess. I started way too late.