Originally posted by celticcountryI don't know for sure why you might feel that way, unless you think somehow it is cheating. But it isn't at all. Your opponents are using them and it is allowed in the rules. A database is simply information from other people's games that are organized to help you find information quickly. (A better Chess Informant.) GM's memorize this stuff and we don't primarily because of time available, but they understand the reasons for the particular move sequence.
I sometime use databases.
I feel uncomfortable using them.
Why is this?
If you are just copying moves from the database without understanding why people are playing these moves that might make you feel uncomfortable. That doesn't help you because when the opponent deviates from the "best line" you won't know how to exploit it. And when you come to a tabia, or a position that represents the culimnation of the opening, and are ready to transition into the middle game, you won't know what to do. That is where most games are lost, BTW.
Originally posted by Wulebgryes.
Perhaps you use them as a crutch, rather than an element in the process of the growth of your chess knowledge. I'd feel bad using them if I wasn't improving as a consequence.
i think you hit nail on the head.
when I use them (once a month or so when I get the urge)
I just tend scratch the surface without going into depth.
my rating is 1200 - 1350 .
I have accumulated improovment books on "how to study openings" "pawn structures".
deeper stuff than just "dabbling in databases."
Originally posted by celticcountryI find the best and most satisfying results when I have a book or two, a specialized database or ChessBase trining CD, and then play an opening I'm studying. Using the database allows me to go deeply in the theory of an opening. It pays off in correspondence, and it builds OTB strength.
yes.
i think you hit nail on the head.
when I use them (once a month or so when I get the urge)
I just tend scratch the surface without going into depth.
my rating is 1200 - 1350 .
I have accumulated improovment books on "how to study openings" "pawn structures".
deeper stuff than just "dabbling in databases."
Originally posted by WulebgrExcellent. That is the best way to use them. It helps to have some professional interpretation. Databases are just raw data and you have to know a little about what you are doing before they are very useful.
I find the best and most satisfying results when I have a book or two, a specialized database or ChessBase trining CD, and then play an opening I'm studying. Using the database allows me to go deeply in the theory of an opening. It pays off in correspondence, and it builds OTB strength.
Originally posted by Dr Strangelovei think the average (at least the median)is 1290 but your point is still valid.
I saw in the forums that the site average was 12OO and something, so if you are 135O without using databases you should consider yourself well above the average on the site, I would think. 😉