I'm a beginner and fairly new to CC on this site. While I know I still need work on the basics (tactics, etc.), I'm curious about the use of databases and books in CC. I've read some posts discussing this, but never have heard names/which ones people are using.
I'm somewhat familiar with using MCO-14 to check out opening lines, but don't really know where to look on the computer. According to CC rules, it is acceptable to look at game databases to compare lines, correct?
What databases and books are people using?
How do you like to use them?
I started CC as a substitute for OTB play and I'm getting more into it. I figure when I'm playing 3 days/move I should take advantage of the time to study more and actually research what I'm playing- Any help on this topic would be appreciated.
Edit: By the time I posted this, two other database questions popped up....I'll look into Chessbase. Any other tips on this are still appreciated!
http://chesslive.de/
http://www.chesslab.com/
http://www.shredderchess.com/
http://www.redhotpawn.com/gamesexplorer/
http://www.chessgames.com/
http://www.masterchessgames.com/
http://chessok.com/?page_id=98
As you can see, there is no shortage of free databases online. The real question is how can you put all that information to good use. To answer that, I'll refer you to someone much more qualified than me.
http://www.chessbug.com/Openings_WorkingWithFreeOnlineChessDatabses.htm
Best wishes.
B
Originally posted by Maxwell Smartnice...
http://chesslive.de/
http://www.chesslab.com/
http://www.shredderchess.com/
http://www.redhotpawn.com/gamesexplorer/
http://www.chessgames.com/
http://www.masterchessgames.com/
http://chessok.com/?page_id=98
As you can see, there is no shortage of free databases online. The real question is how can you put all that information to g ...[text shortened]...
http://www.chessbug.com/Openings_WorkingWithFreeOnlineChessDatabses.htm
Best wishes.
B
Regarding the link giving instructions on how to use free online databases: the instructions are not specific as to using such databases *for correspondence chess* and players should avoid asking questions in chessgames.com forums which involve ongoing RHP games, since this violates the terms of service.
In fact, I wonder whether reading pre-existing conversations about particular lines at chessgames.com crosses the line and violates the terms of service. I have always tended to avoid the forums at cg.com during ongoing games since new posts may (coincidentally or not) end up discussing the very moves or lines I may be contemplating in a game. It's a bit like walking into a chess club and listening out for helpful hints, except that in a chess club you might have a difficult time finding someone discussing your line at any particular time, whereas at chessgames.com there are discussion forums for every ECO code.
Originally posted by Mark AdkinsThose were some pretty good sites
Regarding the link giving instructions on how to use free online databases: the instructions are not specific as to using such databases *for correspondence chess* and players should avoid asking questions in chessgames.com forums which involve ongoing RHP games, since this violates the terms of service.
In fact, I wonder whether reading pre-existin ...[text shortened]... any particular time, whereas at chessgames.com there are discussion forums for every ECO code.
you can also find alot of stuff and links at
www.chessopolis.com
Dave
I use ChessBase to make my own databases, which I use to learn to new lines. I also play plenty of games without them.
Learn to recognize good opening moves based on general principles and with an eye for tactics rather than following an opening by rote without understanding of the positional ideas.
Originally posted by rijnsburgerAnother problem with the chessbug comments on how to use free online databases: FIDE only adopted the ELO ratings system in 1970 and USCF in (I think) 1960 or so. Many, many Master level games (e.g., Capablanca) will be missed if you go to a database and set a minimum ELO rating for both or either side.
nice...
Originally posted by Mark AdkinsA valid point, but you will also avoid reviewing games from players who you might mistake for some obscure master, who is in reality just another patzer. If you want to review games by Capablanca, Marshall, Alekhine, etc...you can always simply do a search for that player. The main point of the article was to make use of more than one resource, and not to trust any one resource too much. For people who have no experience with databases, the article gives some very solid direction. If the advice in it isn't for you, so be it. I stand by my original recommendation of database resources and of the article which gives tips on how to make good use of them.
Another problem with the chessbug comments on how to use free online databases: FIDE only adopted the ELO ratings system in 1970 and USCF in (I think) 1960 or so. Many, many Master level games (e.g., Capablanca) will be missed if you go to a database and set a minimum ELO rating for both or either side.
B
Originally posted by Maxwell SmartThere is a difference between pointing out an important limitation in the advice given and saying that the advice is useless or poor. I did the former.
A valid point, but you will also avoid reviewing games from players who you might mistake for some obscure master, who is in reality just another patzer. If you want to review games by Capablanca, Marshall, Alekhine, etc...you can always simply do a search for that player. The main point of the article was to make use of more than one resource, and not ...[text shortened]... of database resources and of the article which gives tips on how to make good use of them.
B
Doing a player search isn't practical here, because one is attempting to identify games based on position. And I don't think there can be much difficulty in differentiating between games played by Capablanca, Marshall, Alekhine, etc., and those played by Snufflebluss, Schnibble, and Dorfmann, unless one is *both* ignorant and presumptuous. One could also try it both ways, first with an ELO filter and then without one.