Not cheating but...

Hi, I am here under a new name. I closed out my old account because I didn't really think it reflected my true chess playing strength. I wasn't cheating, but I did realize I was relying too much on computer analysis and books on the openings to supplement my game. I did not allow it to make any moves for me, but after I had made my moves I did use it to analize the position & whether or not I was ahead in the game. If I was behind I actually studied the position harder. I started this new account to play all my games from now on without any computer analysis during the game, only after the game is over to see where I made mistakes or if I missed anything. I am also not using any opening books or the Game Explorer once the game starts to make any of my opening moves. I am playing the games from now on as if I were sitting in front of the board playing without any help whatsoever. I figure this way is the only way to get a true assessment of my playing strength. Plus win or lose, I am playing the game, not some book, or computer.

Actually that is cheating. The computer was still helping you out even though you weren't relying on it for moves.

I didn't think it was cheating as I never let it make any moves, or even play ahead with possibilities. I only used it as an assesment of the current position, not future positions. But since is not how I play actual OTB games, this is the reason I chose not to do this anymore. 

Since an assessment of the position is helping you out it is cheating.

Openings references and databases (but not endgame tablebases) are fine for correspondence style (multi-day) chess here. Heck, we have our own Explorer built right in. ;)

No outside reference material of any kind is allowed for Live chess.

Engine use is prohibited in general - even if only to check the computer's evaluation (+/-) of the position. A player who's winning and doesn't know it will generally fare worse than the one who does know it. :)

I agree with DeepGreene : you can be winning but begin to see "ghosts" and start doing unnecessary defence work, and your winning position might disappear.
If someone pointed me on the shoulder and said I am winning I might start searching deeper for the win.

Besides when computer programs say what they think about a position, they usually also give their best line of play. It is cheating.

You may use computer engines to analyze games after they have finished. Absolutely not before that.

As it has been said, sometimes what is needed is for someone to whisper in my ear when it is time for me to move, and say "White to play and win" ;)

Seems like the English are sleepless tonight, really homed in on your post! lolo   You said to the effect, "I am playing the games from now on without any help what so ever for a true assessment of my playing strength". Right?  The only way you can get a true assessment of your ablility in chess is live OTB.  Who is to say your opponent is not using a device, thus making your game not conclusive to your playing strength.

  With the advent of the chess engines,  it was fun when it first came out, I loved beating them, but then came "Big Blue", and then all the inexpensive chess engines free on line. it really hurts chess sites such as this. Cause you never know. Like the people putting you down may very well be using them? You Never Know??   Oh I do commend you for your honesty, not many would say what you just posted. 

Well on your new account, maybe you should try practice some chess tactics and play mostly live chess games.

Good point, Live chess is really good for telling your real chess strength, I cannot get over when ones live chess is only 1100-1200 and their on line chess is 2200+  I am around 1500-1600 live, also OTB,  and 1800 on line chess, because I can take so much time to replay the position. But I could never be a true 2000 player. I know my limits!

Well I never thought of it as cheating since I never used it to make moves for me, just to see what the + or - status was. And to tell you the truth I didn't even realize it was against the rules, because even though every site has some sort o terms of service, does anyone ever read any of these TOS agreements on anything? Itunes itself has something like a 55 page TOS that I'm sure no one has read. 

Aside from the TOS, I don't think I ever noticed any welcome page when you first start, that tells you about all this, so I thought what I was doing was OK since I didn't let it make any moves for me, or go into future possible lines. But I realize I was wrong according to the terms of service. 

@Evan Warhol

May i suggest you join the group circle of trust....

http://www.chess.com/groups/view/circle-of-trust-otb

About:
WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AT THE MOMENT We are a group who will adhere to rules of fair play, and, so called "old fashioned" principles. We do not believe once a game has started, any reference books (open books, databases. outside help etc) should be used, even when the game is dormant, to gain an unfair, and outside advantage over your opponent. We have been informed this action is allowed under the rules of this site, and the rules of correspondence chess; however, this group is for people who do not feel comfortable playing with, or against these tactics. We are not saying they are wrong for everyone, just for this group. The old fashion rules of face to face, over the board chess suit us, and we would like people of similar views to join us. We can study all we want, just not use references during a current game, with the hope of gaining any advantage, If you know a member of this Group, please add their name to your application.

It says not accepting applications tho.

@OP: You are not getting an accurate assessment of your strength because you are playing without aids while many of your opponents are using aids.

If everyones telling you that thats cheating guess what it is so why do you keep saying "well i didnt see it that way" just be lucky that the staff doesnt delete you for this post its great that you stoped but stop saying it wasnt cheating.

 I've had that urge myself at times.  Thankfully it goes away before I do anything about it.

> I wasn't cheating, but I did realize I was relying too much on computer analysis and books on the openings to supplement my game. I did not allow it to make any moves for me, but after I had made my moves I did use it to analize the position & whether or not I was ahead in the game. If I was behind I actually studied the position harder.

Actually, as described by yourself, you were cheating if you were playing an opponent on a chess site such as this one where computer assistance is not allowed.  Clearly, you did not realize you were cheating (but you risk the same penalties as others do, if caught).

sftac

 Oh, my!  If that remark doesn't get your account (& IP address & any other means the site uses for tracking visitors) flagged for being watched carefully, nothing much else will imo.

We've all either read the TOS, or agree to abide by them if we feel we've enough common sense to be lazy about such things. 

And I do think it's common sense that not using computer analysis assistance (of any sort, including 'how you stand' from time to time during the game) while playing human opponents is totally inappropriate and clearly cheating.

sftac

ps.  If you're still around when you read this, I suggest you post a remark in the Suggestions forum, about the site welcoming members with a follow-up reminder that cheating is not allowed (including the use of any computer assistance).