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Databases, Opening Books

Databases, Opening Books

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h

e2

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I cannot for my life understand the prejudice against these tools. For decades they have been an accepted part of correspondence play. Top-level over-the-board players use them in preparation and during adjournment. They generally have several books' worth of opening heory committed to memory as well. If I use a book to help choose my fourth move, for example, who could think for a red second that anything but my own ability will get me through the impending middle-game, which is sure to be absolutely full of brand new, undocumented positions?
I learned how to mate with B+B+K vs. K by reading a book. Am I now never allowed to perform that mate if I earn myself such a material advantage over an opponent? All twenty possible opening moves by White can be found discussed in a book somewhere, so should I resign without moving as White if I happen to have read all those books?
Why stop at opening books and databases? Am I not allowed to practice tactics by solving chess problems in a book, or to study over grandmaster endgame for fear that I might actually learn something and become a better player than the next guy?

m

Pretoria, SA

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I partly agree with u in that there is nothing wrong with aquiring new knowledge. Even to the extent of looking up prospective opponents games in learning their strategy would be fine 4 me.

What I would have a problem with if you were busy reading up the database/opening whilst actually engaged in play. If you want to do that I suggest that it be a non-rated game and lots of messages between the players, like saying it is recommended that the black plays... That way both players can learn.

Way back in the dark ages @ school our teacher used to choose an opening (4 a week) and the first few moves had to be from that opening. Then ppl can learn from experience what to do in different openings

h

e2

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I like to play 1.b4 as White. Does this mean I should never study that opening, since I always have games in progress in which I've used it? Or should I stop ever playing it if I want to study it?

P
Mystic Meg

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Database is fine, and by the rules no one has to say they use it.... but most do and would be glad not to use it if someone were to ask.

I don't see the problem either... Good posts.

P-

i

Felicific Forest

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Maybe this site could be interesting.

The rules of the World Correspondence Chess Federation:

http://www.ewccf.com/rules.htm



S
Shut Gorohoviy!

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If you don't want your opponent to use books/databases,don't play corr. chess.Simple!

Oh,and definitly stay away from internetplay!

P
Mystic Meg

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Originally posted by ivanhoe
Maybe this site could be interesting.

The rules of the World Correspondence Chess Federation:

http://www.ewccf.com/rules.htm



I didn't find any info about database or computers in these rules... did I miss them?

P

i

Felicific Forest

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Originally posted by Phlabibit
I didn't find any info about database or computers in these rules... did I miss them?

P
Here it is:

CONSULTATION:
a. Players are free to consult chess publications or literature, in printed or electronic form. Advise from another chess player is strictly forbidden.
b. The use of a chess engine (such as Chessmaster, Fritz, Rebel, etc.) or any other form of electronic consultation is strictly forbidden.


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Mystic Meg

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Originally posted by ivanhoe
Here it is:

CONSULTATION:
a. Players are free to consult chess publications or literature, in printed or electronic form. Advise from another chess player is strictly forbidden.
b. The use of a chess engine (such as Chessmaster, Fritz, Rebel, etc.) or any other form of electronic consultation is strictly forbidden.


This is from that same page..... Questions and Answer section.

Q. Can I consult my games database or chess books for ideas on playing my games?

A. Yes, but move generating chess engines (such as Chessmaster) are not allowed without permission in advance from opponent and Director. Refer to the rule#8 for our official policy.

So it still stands the same... Engines bad... database fine.



m

Pretoria, SA

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CONSULTATION:
a. Players are free to consult chess publications or literature, in printed or electronic form. Advise from another chess player is strictly forbidden.
So my comment of chatting to an opponent whilst discussing opening strategies could be considered a breach of this rule?

P
Mystic Meg

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Originally posted by miless
So my comment of chatting to an opponent whilst discussing opening strategies could be considered a breach of this rule?
Why would your opponent give you advice on the next move to make? If you agree to talk about your game with your opponent it is fine since you both do it in the same game...

Just don't get help, or help another player in a game... I've been asked advice by clan members more than once and I tell them I can't suggest a move... but they should just keep to their basic ideas about control in the center and such...

P

d
Elder Statesman

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Originally posted by Phlabibit
Why would your opponent give you advice on the next move to make? If you agree to talk about your game with your opponent it is fine since you both do it in the same game...
P
Myself and miless played a very quick (all moves in one sitting 🙂 ) game earlier, in which we discussed the general theme and ideas of the opening during the game. We were not discussing our next moves, rather highlighting poor moves made previously. I was lucky, he picked my favourite opening so it was easy to play through and explain what Whites ideas were. Without being patronizing, he is a good player, because he picked up on his own weak moves, and more importantly mine! (I played a suspect line in order to show the reasoning behind the opening).

P
Mystic Meg

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Originally posted by derek9037
Myself and miless played a very quick (all moves in one siiting 🙂 )game earlier, in which we discussed the general theme and ideas of the opening during the game. We were not discussing our next moves, rather highlighting poor moves made previously. I was lucky, he picked my favourite opening so it was easy to play through and explain what Whites ideas we ...[text shortened]... e importantly mine! (I played a suspect line in order to show the reasoning behind the opening).
gregoftheweb and I have been playing unrated games using Sicilian. Unrated just so I am not vamping extra points off a low rated player.

chewie and I played a good game and talked about stuff like that.

I asked Skeeter for an unrated game and we talk a little about control of the center.

I like "learn, learn, learn" chess... weather I am teaching or learning!

P-

d
Elder Statesman

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Originally posted by Phlabibit

I like "learn, learn, learn" chess... weather I am teaching or learning!
P-
We played a rated game, but shared the points, which seems fair all round 😉

But yes I agree, I too enjoy both, although it's many years since I was at my best. I do spend a lot of time studying my lost games, if someone is prepared to help me, all the better 😀

M

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huntingbear: You have every right to use a database and opening books in either book form or electronic form. This is a long standing permitted practice by ALL major correspondence chess federations for many, many years.

Some may disagree with you here. However, those individuals I assume to be either new to correspondence/email chess play or simply uninform about what is permitted.

Chess playing engines, on the other hand, are prohibited by most, but not all, correspondence chess federations. One must read the rules for each federation to determine whether chess engines are allowed.

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