This taken directly from the US Chess Federation's Official Rules of
Chess 4th edition Mckay publishing 1993.
Chapter 11: Correspondance Chess
page 231
"In correspondance chess, however, and in other forms designed to
take more than an afternoon or evening to complete, the rules have
to be substantially different. There is no way, for example, to enforce
rules against researching openings and endings or against
manipulatiing pieces before deciding on a move. These practices are,
therefore, virtually encouraged in the interest of more accurate,
perfect chess, unhindered by the relentless ticking of the chess clock
or the other pressures of the tournament hall."
"Nevertheless, each player is expected to rely on his or her own
resources, memory, talent, and library. Consulting another person is
strictly unethical and a proven violation is usually cause for forfeiture.
Similarly, using a chess computer or program for analysis is unethical,
and this practice may carry severe penalties."
There you have it...I hope there are no more accusations of people
who use books being cheaters.
Dave
You wouldn't be impressed by the Belgian Chess Federation's Official Rule for Chess, I suppose? Your "discours" is typical for the US
arrogance. If you happen to own a large library, you are considered a better chess player. All other means are unethical, is that it?
Nevertheless, I take your point. You did your homework. Gilbert
My dear compatriot. You're so wrong. In the 'old days' correspondence
players always used 1. Theory books 2.Their own card-index, which
was often very huge. The Belgian Federation can't possibly overrule
the FIDE-rules. Recently I read 'Winning at Correspondence Chess
(Tim Harding, hardly a suspect!) and he also states, it's perfectly
normal to consult databases, nowadays even computer databases. It's
absolutely legitimate. Or would you, perhaps, deny us (and how could
you prevent it?) the right to use an opening encyclopaedia (MCO,
ECO, NCO...)? You must be kidding! Show us that 'Belgian' rule.
you should re-read my comments carefully. You are almost exactly stating what I said to Dave in the chatroom that day. My point on
"Belgian" rules was just a sarcastic remark on the "US" rules, lol. Next discussion may be: where is the borderline between database and
analysis tools? And I agree personally with your comment: a rule that cannot be controlled is not worth one.
Gilbert, If it was meant as sarcasm, I didn't notice that. Apology. But,
in my opinion, the 'American arrogance' you wrote, only reinforced my
interpretation. You see? The rest of my statement still stands. And: A
decent database won't make anyone a stronger player. He/She's just
better prepared. Doing some valuable homework. As in any other
field, isn't it one's duty to continuously update one's knowledge when
devoted to a subject? Be it a med, a chemist, an engineer and, yes,
also a chessplayer, even at our humble levels? It's also a well-known
fact that, precisely through playing chess by correspondence and e-
mail, you have the opportunity to broaden your theoretical knowledge.
OTB this is, of course, less possible. That's why many already
qualified players with an ELO-rating have a higher rating in CC than in
OTB-play. Tot ziens. Jan.
I agree with Cerv on this one. How can Belgium overwrite FIDE laws?
Because this would not be in the USCF book if it was not accepted by
FIDE.
**If you happen to own a large library, you are considered a better
chess player**
This line takes the cake though...please! If I have a Mercedes...does
that make me rich? If I have a beautiful wife...does that make me
handsome? If I am President does that make me smart?
I know many kids who are the same USCF rating as
me....why...because their parents paid 80 bucks an hour for an IM or
GM to give lessons every week. I did mine on my own with books and
hard work.
I always do my homework Gil.
Dave
see my remarks on Cerv's comment Dave. Do you really think I wanted "belgian" rules to overwrite anything? Who is naive here? And
yes, just like in Cerv's remarks, I find my own thoughts back in your words. So we seem to agree on at least a few things. Ready to close
the subject?
ps not with the president you have these days, no.
Gilbert
Very much so.
As for our President...I find him quite stupid as well. Anyone who can
speak before the entire nation of Japan and thank them for 150 years
of peace and harmony blows my mind.
Somehow he forgot about Pearl harbor and WWII.
And waving at Stevie Wonder the other day for 5 minutes then finally
remembering he was blind and sitting down does not show genius that
is for sure.
Dave