Like most I use opening databases, BUT I find myself exclusively using it without applying much thought! (especially if I have hefty gameload at the time) Ok I tend to pick the reply that suits my game but also I lean towards the win % the database indicates. I am thinking about dropping the use of these because I think I will learn more by making my own mistakes, at the moment because I am not applying m,uch thought in the openings I am not learning. This gives me a problem in my otb chess. Has anyone else thought about this and done it, how was it for you? I also subscribe to gameknot so I may just drop the use on one site. I also have to think about my clan league games it would not be fair to the team to play partially in the dark.
Originally posted by stevetoddWell, I've never used a database but if it helps any I feel that by playing my own openings and playing many variations, I feel my openings have become much stronger because of it. I have done no real study of the openings, just play by practice. And I will only get stronger in the openings the more I play. So my advice would be to ditch the database and play chess and learn from your play.
Like most I use opening databases, BUT I find myself exclusively using it without applying much thought! (especially if I have hefty gameload at the time) Ok I tend to pick the reply that suits my game but also I lean towards the win % the database indicates. I am thinking about dropping the use of these because I think I will learn more by making my own m ...[text shortened]... think about my clan league games it would not be fair to the team to play partially in the dark.
Originally posted by GalaxyShieldYeah I think its the right decision, I only enjoy the games when I get out of the book. It will be interesting to see how (or rather by how much) it effects my rating.
Well, I've never used a database but if it helps any I feel that by playing my own openings and playing many variations, I feel my openings have become much stronger because of it. I have done no real study of the openings, just play by practice. And I will only get stronger in the openings the more I play. So my advice would be to ditch the database and play chess and learn from your play.
Live by the database, die by the database. I think it's a good idea to examine the position and choose your own move, then go to the database, if you have time, and compare. Many times your choice will be the same, but at other times you might disagree. Then you go down the line and examine the consequences of your move. Psychologically, a database can cause you problems, especially if you carry a large workload of games. You tend to choose the move your database tells you gets a higher percentage. When you do that without thinking, you lose the flow of the position. Eventually, when you get to the point when you're on your own, you're lost. You don't have the feel of the game since you haven't thought about it for ten moves.
Personally when I encounter something new, I make sure to think it out and play the move I think is best. I play out the whole game that way and will continue to use that reply unitl
1. I find a better move.
2. Someone crushes me due to my opening choice. At this point I will check out my copy of MCO from 1990. I play through the lines available once or twice to try and understand them and find the one I like best. If it happens to be a opening in my OTB repitoire, then I will refer to the book I have specifically on that opening.
I use a database too, and have considered dropping it. However, I've come to the conclusion that the database helps my game OTB more than it hurts it. I can easily learn new openings here, and then apply to my play over the board. Without a database, I will consistently play the wrong moves without even knowing it.
Originally posted by ark13I hear what you are saying but I think I will improve by making those wrong moves as long as I put the time in on analysing my losses. I think I will remember an error better than making a corrcet move, but its horses for courses, what works for one doesn't necessarily for everyone.
I use a database too, and have considered dropping it. However, I've come to the conclusion that the database helps my game OTB more than it hurts it. I can easily learn new openings here, and then apply to my play over the board. Without a database, I will consistently play the wrong moves without even knowing it.
I play too many games on too many sites to make effective use of databases on more than a few. Even slavishly following the numbers (see Thread 34246) takes more time in the early moves than I can find in a given day.
If you are serious about chess improvement, do rethink your use of databases. But don't just give them up, use them more intelligently, and then share your success in Thread 34246.