Playing vs. computers only trains you to .... play against computers.
The few instances where I find it is useful is to train with drawn/won middlegames or endgames where you are playing to a known result and identifying holes in your technique against a brute-forcing monster.
Live players aren't all that bad. :)
I have been lurking on this site for about a week now and i'm finally starting to win some games vs cpu ~1200 medium. However i find it hard to watch the videos of how to open and develop when it seems like the cpu plays either suicidal or very aggressive, like initiating exchanges and basically doing the complete opposite of everything i'm learning. Is this intentional? like for example building out a basic opening and black taking my d4 pawn with his Knight as his 2nd or 3rd move, or bringing out the queen or even the king very early.
I feel this makes me play more reactively than actually making good moves.
I guess the long story short question is, is it helpful or hurtful to play against the computer? Kind of intimidated to play against live players atm.
Also, i've been contemplating diamond membership. I've read mixed reviews on the chess mentor, but the posts were not very current so i'm sure updates have been done to it.
Any help would be much appreciated.