Originally posted by plopzilla
Ok I can see that using an opening book to and learn and get into a certain postions for first few moves is ok. But I think it's a shame the engine has to come on in the middle and end game.
There must be a trusted group of people who want to play a decent, engine free game of Chess here?
I think there is a certain futility in trying to influence what other people do on an internet chess site.
At any instant a player of any rating can take advice from an engine, a stronger friend or relative, and if such things are against the rules - as they are here - then one has to rely on the powers that be to take whatever action they see fit.
Some players enjoy simultaneous rapid-play of many games at 30 seconds a move, others like the forensic attention to detail of opening research, whether in an offbeat gambit or a Super GM main line. On RHP they should not use engines but I have no doubt that some will. Some like to use the slow time controls in an effort to produce their best, perhaps even a master strength, game.
Personally I have given up worrying what anyone else does. I have given up trawling databases, opening books and so on, as I have done on other sites in years gone by, eventually becoming too terrified to to move in case it is the wrong choice. I have given up worrying if I make a few moves under the influence one evening and hang my queen. I don't worry if I am out and about and log into the site on a mobile phone without, horror of horrors, any reference material to hand. I stand as a testament that it is possible to be 1800 RHP playing that way. I play my "serious" chess OTB in club leagues and weekend tournaments. At the level I play at OTB (1800ish) most of my games curve out of the book lines between move 7 and 12 thus deep opening research is pointless unless I particularly want to do it. At my age training is unlikely to deliver much of a grade increase thus I can relax and enjoy the game for what it is. I am amused by the angst in the forum about drilling this or that or whether a given opening or book is the path to glory. To me this site is a chance to play my favourite game when the club is closed, in the same way as I might play a casual 10 minute game there when I don't have a match. There are plenty here who seem to feel the same. Others put the effort/research and hours in. Good luck to them. On a site like this the rating may say as much about your attitude and approach to the game as about your results.
You choose ... 🙂