Using Physical chess board for online games

The idea of Using Physical chess board for online games
Advantages:
1. Better visualization
2. Real chess experience
3. Reduce eye strain
4. Increase motor skills

Using a physical chess board alongside online play(30 min +)to imitate movements seen on a screen isn't just about moving pieces—it's a game-changer. It helps protect your eyes, boosts tournament confidence, makes the game feel real, and even hones your skills. It's the secret recipe for a more fun and fulfilling chess journey

1.Reduce Eye Strain: Alternating between a physical board and a screen lessens prolonged screen exposure, minimizing eye strain and discomfort.

2.Familiarity for Tournaments: Practicing on a physical board translates to confidence and ease when participating in real tournaments, where physical boards are the norm.

3.Authentic Chess Experience: The tactile feel and tangible nature of a physical board recreate the essence of a real game, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for chess.

4.Enhanced Motor Skills: Physically moving chess pieces promotes dexterity and fine motor control, positively impacting overall gameplay and skill development.

5.Cheaper than automated chessboard.

6.Spatial Awareness: Interacting with a physical board enhances spatial cognition, aiding players in visualizing and strategizing moves more effectively.

7. Improved Focus: The absence of digital distractions on a physical board can help players concentrate better, leading to deeper analysis and sharper gameplay.

ok

This is practical for long games , 20 min +

While I agree using a physical board is a good idea, I don't think "Better Visualization" is strictly true. It is different visualization. If you are going to be playing OTB, you need to get used to using a real physical board. I'm pretty much equally at home in either format, which is a good place to be.

Using it as an analysis board would be an unfair advantage. 

Make the move online and only afterward make the move on the physical board. Making the move 1st on the physical board and the temptation would be to do "take backs."

There is generic wording about "fair practices" and "outside assistance" when playing. Best to check with Staff regarding the specific policy. Finally, it is an ethical issue as enforcement is impracticable.  

This was brought up in another topic a few days ago. Someone from the staff said it was against the rules because it was outside assistance. Well,  it obviously IS outside assistance, and because of that it's against the rules. But it's a ridiculous rule that many people rightfully ignore. I had to ignore it when I started playing here because my 2d moves were so bad, it wasn't fair to my opponent. 

Also, things like glasses (which also aid in visualization) are outside assistance. Calming music (or anything that helps you concentrate or think) is also outside assistance. I think using a physical board makes perfect sense because that's the best way to replicate over the board chess.

It's not illegal. Players are allowed to use paper, or in this case a real chess board, to help in their game-play. So long as no one assists you, including computers.

But for your own sake, it isn't good practice to rely on tools to help you keep track of variations. Generally, chess players want to improve their memory and the ability to hold a variation in mind.

I'd avoid it unless it's a correspondence game. Then you can just sit with a position on the board and work on it whenever you feel like it.

Even then with correspondence, play the game and improve your skills, don't dull them.

Chess is not a game of Memory. It's essence is in strategy, and wit.

I use my fingers sometimes, on the screen, to keep track of variations.

Using physical board to just to imitate the movements of digital display reduce the eyestrain.

And it is not illegal.

Pretty much all my games are on a screen, so I sometimes play (against computer) using a real board just to be familiar with looking at a real board.  It is a very different experience.  I think anything that exercises your mind with respect to looking at chess moves will be of benefit to your game overall.

Chess.com allows you to use a self analysis board for your correspondence games while still playing, as well as a private notes section. That should say it all.

I know you think this is ridiculous. I am reacting to the staff comment if made.

First of all, that would be wildly inconsistent since they allow the square off chess board in live games and have integrated it so it can be used.

Second, it would be completely unenforceable since there is no way to detect it.

If such a stupid rule does exist, it really doesn't matter to me. I get my OTB practice 1) Working on Yusupov, 2) Playing against Fritz and home, 3) Playing occasionally at a nearby club.

And if someone wants to diddle around doing analysis during a live game with me on this site, they are welcome to do so. I think it would handicap more than help. But even if it is a small help, meh.

I keep trying to use a board but all the pieces fall off when I tilt it up to match my screen.

Why drag out a real board, when all you have to do is use the analysis tool, that is available to everyone who is playing. Analyzing your moves is not cheating. The tool is available to all, so use it when needed.

What is the analysis tool exactly?  And it is only not cheating during daily games correct?  And, why is it not cheating?

The analysis tool is located at the bottom of the move board in your daily chess games. It has the icon of a chess board with a magnifying glass. By clicking on the board you get a new view of your game, where you can try out your moves as well as those of your opponent. You can try as many variations as you like. By using the forward and back arrows, you can see exactly how you got where you are. The notation of your trials shows up in the move section. You can't get this on a real board. This tool is available to everyone, so is not considered cheating in daily chess. Give it a try, it's a great tool.

If using analysis board is allowed, how about opening multiple boards in Chessbase? There are several candidate moves, and one analysis board isn't enough.

I agree.  I've been doing online chess almost exclusively and when I use a real, physical chess board I find I don't see the diagonals as well.

With the analysis took you can try out any number of options, so I see no need for multiple boards. The tool tracks the notations of all your trials, so you can pick the one you like the best. This tool does not evaluate your moves, it just lets you try out different options. You decide which is best for you.

Which is exactly why it is beneficial.  It trains your mind to work in a way it isn't currently working so well.