I'm new to RHP and see some profiles that speak (poorly) about people using computer programs to make their moves. While I agree people who use a program to make their moves is undesirable (to say the least), my question is how would you know for sure when you're actually playing a computer program? Would people who cheat with a program use it to play the whole game, or to make decisions for tough moves only, or just for closing? For example, when you're in a game with an opponent whose move pattern is erratic, such as making rookie-level blunders on move #'s 5-8, but a series of "thinking-five-moves-ahead" in closing, is there any way to flush'em out, or better yet, a way to thwart'em? Any input is appreciated.
First off, you can't know for sure, but when someone makes the same move as Frizt (or any other engines) for 40 moves straight, you have a good idea.
What I believe they are refering to is book or database use. This is legal in correspondence chess. You may legally refer to any game that has already been played or written annotations. You may not use anything which generates moves for you (engines). Some people claim that using a book to steer through the opening is di=sgraceful and un-ethical; Whatever the truth of that, it is explicitly allowed in the rules.
Originally posted by zebanoWhile it is legal, it sucks all of the fun out of chess. You don't learn that way. how do you learn when you follow someone else's game move by move?
First off, you can't know for sure, but when someone makes the same move as Frizt (or any other engines) for 40 moves straight, you have a good idea.
What I believe they are refering to is book or database use. This is legal in correspondence chess. You may legally refer to any game that has already been played or written annotations. You may not use anyth ...[text shortened]... di=sgraceful and un-ethical; Whatever the truth of that, it is explicitly allowed in the rules.
Originally posted by Derfel CadarnHere we go again ...
While it is legal, it sucks all of the fun out of chess. You don't learn that way. how do you learn when you follow someone else's game move by move?
I improve more rapidly because I use databases in a portion of my correspondence games. Of course, blindly following another game is of no benefit, but you'll not find many database users that do it that way.
See Thread 40412 and Thread 34246
We also have debated the merits of database use incessantly, as in Thread 35012
Originally posted by Derfel CadarnI look up openings (mostly at www.eudesign.com/chessops , which doesn't just give the moves, but also explains the idea behind them), and for me it doesn't take the fun out of it, and I learn a lot. Using databases doesn't mean that you blindly follow someone else's game.
While it is legal, it sucks all of the fun out of chess. You don't learn that way. how do you learn when you follow someone else's game move by move?
Edit: Wulebgr said it faster and better.
Originally posted by NordlysThanks guys. Maybe I've been looking at this the wrong way.
I look up openings (mostly at www.eudesign.com/chessops , which doesn't just give the moves, but also explains the idea behind them), and for me it doesn't take the fun out of it, and I learn a lot. Using databases doesn't mean that you blindly follow someone else's game.
The thought of using a variety of published openings doesn't occur to me to be bad form. I also wouldn't think its bad to look at an opponents other games to assess their tendencies. Its closing a game that I was wondering about. So I guess I was referring to "engines" and probably didn't state my original question well enough. Is there a way to feed a game into an "engine" at move #20 and use the computer to decide your next move? If so, I don't want to know how. I just want to know if its possible.
Originally posted by Derfel CadarnHow do you learn openings if you're just guessing what the correct move is? I use databases because it helps me memorize opening moves that I will use a lot. Frequently, I don't even have to consult the database as I remember what the move I like is.
While it is legal, it sucks all of the fun out of chess. You don't learn that way. how do you learn when you follow someone else's game move by move?