Originally posted by dottewellEverybody at the high levels uses databases; why should I put in my profile that I follow the rules? You don't HAVE to castle or move your pawn two spaces on its first move, etc. etc.; you may place whatever handicaps on yourself you choose. However, I wouldn't bother to hit a check box on whether I use books and databases as it's really none of anybody's business. If you don't want to play against those using books and databases, you'll have to find a site that doesn't allow them (I don't know of any CORRESPONDENCE site that doesn't allow them).
Fair enough. The problem with a voluntary check-box, however, is that if someone DOES use databases but chooses NOT to check the box, opponents may be misled.
I guess at your level databases are less important, but they could add a couple of hundreds points at 1200 level simply by preventing blunders in the opening.
Most people on this site operate at or around that level.
Originally posted by David Tebbi like this ...
Instead of having a label next to their name (which would give the false impression that they had done something wrong), a better idea would be to have a couple of columns added to a player's profile page.
For instance, next to [b]'Move Frequency' have check boxes for 'Opening Books' and 'Databases'.
Anyone using books or database ...[text shortened]... ourtesy to their opponents, in the same way that people indicate how regularly they move.[/b]
Originally posted by flexmoreBut, if voluntary, isn't it a bit of a fudge?
i like this ...
Either people should be obliged to declare database and book use, or they should not.
If they should, everyone should tick the boxes relevant to them.
And if they should not, why bother? You might as well leave the system as it is and assume everyone uses a database and books.