Originally posted by jovy1097Don't blindly follow the database, if you don't understand a move don't play it.
I constantly see here and on other sites that a person should know how to properly use a chess database in order to really improve his/her game. What is the proper way to use a database? What are some techniques using a database that will help me improve my game?
Honestly, I use a db occasionally (trying out a new opening/ round 2+ of tournaments) and I find that you have to spend so much time pruning the datbase (to be rid of flukes) that my db percentages are mostly meaningless. I generally anlyze a position. Formulate a plan and if that move is among the often played moves and the win percent isn't overwhelmingly in one sides favour ( 35/65% are my cutoffs) I play it.
In the past I have just played the highest percentage move and I always lost. Games from 1950 often are no longer relavant due to the improvements that have been found. in fact sometimes games from 2005 are no longer relevant... This is why I advocate the strategy above. Formulate your own plan, if at some point a Master thought it was a good plan, it's worth trying.
Originally posted by omulcusobolaniThats why I use books rather than databases as a book (usually) explains the ideas behind various lines and that helps grasp the strategic and tactical principles.
Don't blindly follow the database, if you don't understand a move don't play it.
To avoid being caught out I also play the line through ensuring I understand the reason for the end position and can capitalise on it.