There are a lot of posts in this thread explains well why databases are fine during correspondance play:
Thread 18298
Originally posted by stockenthere you wouldn't do the thinking yourself. using database you have to. (sometimes, when I realize someone is parrotting the moves from db without processing, ie. choosing always the line with highest percentage even when the continuation is not good, I set them up. great fun.)
Also, if databases and books written by more experienced players are ok during CC games, why aren't you allowed to consult a more experienced player directly? It's the same thing. The consultant will tell you a few possible variations, explain their pros and cons for each and you decide.
Originally posted by stockenSince we don't agree because they are nothing like each other, we have no reason to listen to your saying the same thing over and over and over again. You're not going to win games by using a database; if you use it correctly you'll come out of the opening with a somewhat better position than otherwise. More importantly, if you augment your database usage with other source materials, you'll understand the particular opening better. Thus, you'll actually learn something and improve YOUR game.
Shouldn't it be: "You aren't doing much thinking either, are you"?
Oh, well. You do have a point there. But then again, if memorizing openings and variations and using them like a robotic without understanding is the same as actually using books and databases without really understanding them (and I'm not saying that goes for everyone), what's the differe ...[text shortened]... ith me that they aren't all that different, I have no problem with any of this.
My 4 year old grandson would be a 2200+ if he plugged in Fritz and made all the moves it suggested. No understanding of the game is necessary at all. The fact that you think there isn't much difference shows a lack of understanding of A) How databases are used; B) How strong commercial engines are or C) Both. Plus having to play an engine is quite annoying to an experienced player; they really don't play like humans and are virtually worthless as preparation for OTB games against human beings. Whereas most good players do memorize opening lines and you are quite likely to see those lines in OTB play. The more experience you gain in CC in those lines, the better.
Originally posted by wormwoodOk. With so many people against me, it's clear I'm being a dope again. I'm obviously not getting it, and I'm just as tired repeating myself as no1 is reading it.
there you wouldn't do the thinking yourself. using database you have to. (sometimes, when I realize someone is parrotting the moves from db without processing, ie. choosing always the line with highest percentage even when the continuation is not good, I set them up. great fun.)
Originally posted by stockenWhere did you say that databases and engines were comparable?
I seriously doubt that's the impression "more clueless" players got from my statement (assuming that's what you're talking about). I have absolutely no problem with using databases to learn more about chess. To study games by more skilled players and try to really understand what's happening (optimal being discussing them with people who knows what they're t ...[text shortened]... playing, they will all allow you to play on a level you really haven't reached.
Your other points are addressed in the other thread.
D
Here is the one game that has been decided in my favour by database use alone.
Game 1456758
Here is the database game that most closely resembles it:
Rybakov,S (2205) - Salenko,V [E84]
Caissa Open Kharkov UKR (8), 01.03.2000
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 Nc6 6.Be3 a6 7.Qd2 0-0 8.Nge2 Rb8 9.h4 h5 10.0-0-0 b5 11.Nf4 e5 12.dxe5 Nxe5 13.cxb5 axb5 14.Bxb5 c6 15.Be2 Qa5 16.Qxd6 Rxb2 17.Kxb2 Nxe4 18.Nxe4 Nd3+ 19.Kb1 Qb5+ 20.Kc2 Qb2+ 0-1
The difference comes on move 18. Now as others have said once the different move is played I have to know exactly how to proceed. I am down a large amount of material and only one move will win (all others lose).
Also there is the fact that I didn't just parrot the moves up to move 18.
First I had to ensure that the game I was looking at was not cooked (didn't have a refutation that wasn't played in the game), this is especially important when sacrifices are present.
The game above became the sole game in my database at move 14 , white played 14. Nfd5 and went on to win in a different game. I expected that different move to be played and had to prepare accordingly by checking that the position after 14. Nfd5 is not bad for black (it's actually rather good for black and the reason white won that game was a large blunder by black later in the game [playing Nc4+ at the wrong time coincidently]).
All in all I spent more time per move on that game than I do on many other non-database games. I analysed positions that were never reached, I checked an entire game for soundness that never came up (quite a task let me tell you) and I did a lot of my own thinking.
Claiming that in this game (and my others which aren't won by the time the database is exited) is not my own work is quite offensive to me (and to others who play similarly).
Originally posted by no1marauderYou've obviously got a totally subjective view so why not leave the thread to those with a objective view who don't resort to insults when others don't share their view.....you really are a No1marauder! (see the, unusual words and thier definition thread)
You are wrong. A good player uses a database differently from what you are saying; he doesn't merely parrot moves because Grandmaster X played it. This has been explained to you many times. I'm sick to death of this stupid argument; a database is a useful tool for learning openings, an engine is just plain cheating.
Originally posted by Vladamir no1Everyone has a subjective view. Isn't that the point?
You've obviously got a totally subjective view so why not leave the thread to those with a objective view who don't resort to insults when others don't share their view.....you really are a No1marauder! (see the, unusual words and thier definition thread)
Originally posted by Vladamir no1Database use is allowed under correspondence chess rules ergo it is not unfair and in fact you are disadvantaging yourself by not using them.
One last point...if I used a database I'm sure beyond a doubt that my rating would rise.....there would be no more openings, defences, unusual moves that I hadn't come across that would cause me to err as my database would aid me....ergo database use is not fair