Author: Brian Katz
Date: 22:55:58 05/23/03
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On May 23, 2003 at 20:51:03, Mike Byrne wrote: >On May 23, 2003 at 19:31:49, Frank Nelson wrote: > >>In the USCF correspodence chess tournaments you get to meet people from all >>four corners of the country while playing the royal game at snail-mail pace. >>I had a chance to write letters to almost a dozen players and receive info and >>advice. Sometimes when I can't think of the right move to make I get computer >>advise like Fritz or ChessMaster. This I do only occasionally not the entire >>game. There are games I resigned while going down a pawn. No one in this country >>is going to have a heart attack because some intelligent nitwit used a computer >>to get some help. I think the people who had letters complaining about computer >>abuse heads are stuck somewhere low. I wish the USCF would stop publishing their >>letters and the people would stop all this negativity against the rest of us. >>From a pretty crafty chessplayer. >> >>me. Frank Nelson > >Years ago (more than 20 ) I played a few games and it was clearly written in >rules then - no computers , then computer databases were ok for openings (like >books), but no "thinking" ...I sliped away from snail-mail chess ...fast forward >20 years ....and someone mentioned to me (casually) that they did use computers >for their moves ..it threw me off - but then reality set in ...almost everybody >has computers and it is impossible to enforce -- I think the second part is the >key -- it's impossible to enforce and I don't think an honor system will work >...since they all have the same tools (or almost), the better player still wins >in my book ..although I'm sure the games are tougher - no weak players ;>) If the question of using computers in postal chess is..."Is it cheating?" Then one has to ask..........And I am sure many of you have witnessed this as well, Isn't it also cheating when you have your fellow club members analyze your postal games at the chess club prior to sending your next move(s)? Going back roughly 20 years when in my opinion there were more chess clubs and more postal chess players, I witnessed this many many times! I don't see any MORAL difference in using fellow players (sometimes fellow club MASTERS to help anlayze) or a program to help play your postal game. The only technical difference I can see is that at a club, your fellow club members help will be limited to only a few hours, perhaps once a week, whereas with a program, you can have round the clock help. Also, the strength of your "CHEATING" may by limited to only similar strength to your own, or perhaps a few levels higher. Such as an 1800 player using a 2250 player to help. With Fritz 8 you are talking 2600+. That is a big difference. On moral grounds, there really isnt't any difference other than the strength and frequency of your programs help as compared to fellow humans help. All comments welcome Brian Katz
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