Only Chess
27 Dec 05
27 Dec 05
I got into an interesting debate about online chess cheating the other day. The key issue was whether a person could consult an opening book while playing a game. I was shocked how people had so many different opinions on the issue and cheating in general.
On that note, I wanted to conduct a brief survey on what type of behaviors people think are "cheating."
http://blueeyedrook.blogspot.com/
27 Dec 05
Originally posted by BlueEyedRookThere's no debate. The rules of coorespondence chess, and those of this site permit the use of opening books.
I got into an interesting debate about online chess cheating the other day. The key issue was whether a person could consult an opening book while playing a game. I was shocked how people had so many different opinions on the issue and cheating in general.
On that note, I wanted to conduct a brief survey on what type of behaviors people think are "cheating."
http://blueeyedrook.blogspot.com/
The use of opening books in over the board chess, or real-time internet chess is prohibited.
27 Dec 05
Originally posted by BlueEyedRookark13 is correct. Correspondance chess (which both RHP and Gameknot are) has always allowed book and database use.
I got into an interesting debate about online chess cheating the other day. The key issue was whether a person could consult an opening book while playing a game. I was shocked how people had so many different opinions on the issue and cheating in general.
On that note, I wanted to conduct a brief survey on what type of behaviors people think are "cheating."
http://blueeyedrook.blogspot.com/
There is no debate and there never should be.
27 Dec 05
Originally posted by BlueEyedRookCheating is when you play a game under a certain set of rules and then proceed to break those rules.
On that note, I wanted to conduct a brief survey on what type of behaviors people think are "cheating."
At RHP consulting books and databases is allowed. Using a chess engine is cheating.
If engines were permitted at RHP, using an engine would not be cheating.
So applying just a small amount of logic to the question, it all becomes perfectly clear cut. Not really a very fruitful topic for debate.
Rather have a debate about the rules that RHP have adopted. But even that boils down to: If you don't like the rules, play elsewhere. Since most people have accepted the TOS on joining RHP it is doubtful that sufficient support would be found to change those rules.
On the question of books and databases, I would say that my knowledge and ability in openings has improved and expanded tenfold thanks to the ability in correspondence chess to research appropriate moves. Playing under OTB rules, I would have limited myself to a much smaller repetoire. My OTB play has benfitted as a consequence. Applying theory still requires skill, a different skill to OTB play, but a skill nontheless.
Using an engine to play your moves for you does your chess ability absolutley no favours whatsoever. Using an engine to analyze completed game on the other hand, is highly recommended, particularly if your tactical ability needs work.
In my opinion, the rules as they currently stand enhance and enrich your online chess experience, and complements your OTB play. I see no need for any change.
27 Dec 05
Originally posted by BlueEyedRookThe survey on this site assumes that the chess playing site has no rules. And then proceeds to ask what consititues cheating. In the absence of rules, surely any and all assistance is legal. You cannot put the cart before the horse.
http://blueeyedrook.blogspot.com/
Surely, it is up to the site owners to design the playground rules, and up to potential players whether they like those rules or not. People will vote with their feet.
If a site allows engines it will attract people who want to play chess using engines. If the site allows it, there is nothing "wrong" with that. The site is just very unlikely to attract strong human players.
I don't see that there is some holy morality to chess playing, or sanctity in any particular set of rules. But when two people agree to play each other, the rules under which they are playing, what they can, and cannot do, should be absolutley clear.
What your survey should have asked is: "When playing online chess, which rules would you prefer to play under?"
Then I think the result would have meaning. In the absence of rules you cannot "cheat".
27 Dec 05
Originally posted by Gatecrasherhttp://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
And finally, when you post a link, you should ensure that it is to a site that contains no pop-ups, auto-installers, and other deceptive and intrusive advetising gimmicks. I had to close down all my browser windows to get rid of the garbage that spewed forth from your link.
27 Dec 05
Sorry about the popups Gatecrasher, I probably never noticed them because of all my firewalls and blockers.
As for the survey, I don't necessarily disagree with you. In a world void of rules, how can one really cheat? Still, I just wanted to get a general summary of what behavior people thought were acceptable.
27 Dec 05
Originally posted by ark13Agreed. That is the rule. In recent years correspondence chess, of which this is a server, have expanded to allow use of opening databases as being a form of a book.
There's no debate. The rules of coorespondence chess, and those of this site permit the use of opening books.
The use of opening books in over the board chess, or real-time internet chess is prohibited.
Since they are legal in corresponence chess, if you don't use them you are at a disadvantage....unless you are just practicing for OTB or real-time internet chess and you don't care.
The use of these tools allows you to develop a better understanding of the game and serves as preparation for the other forms of chess.
27 Dec 05
Originally posted by MotownDaveA related question is: are pole vaulters cheating high jumpers by using a pole in their very own sport, with its very own rules?
Agreed. That is the rule. In recent years correspondence chess, of which this is a server, have expanded to allow use of opening databases as being a form of a book.
Since they are legal in corresponence chess, if you don't use them you are at a disadvantage....unless you are just practicing for OTB or real-time internet chess and you don't care.
...[text shortened]... lop a better understanding of the game and serves as preparation for the other forms of chess.
D