There are hints? I've been emailing Magnus Carlesen for help.
Personally, I don't like the hints on chess mentor. I found that I was going to 3 out of frustration until I found out that it hurt my score. I do like how there isn't a time limit.
How do you use Hints?
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Jul 30, 2014
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#4
I try to solve the chess mentor puzzles without hints. I only use hints when I cannot see the correct answer after having the first try wrong. Because in a real game I would make the wrong move also.
First hint is usually not very helpfull. When I need hints I need two. I rarely use the good piece, good square option. I only use it when i did not understand the hints.
I like the different levels of hints because when the hint give it all away then the challange is gone. Now I still have the satisfaction of having it solved after one or two hints.
somteimes the hints say the same thing twice.
I have another suggestion. In many chess mentor lessons there is a lot of reading to do. I like it because it gives information. But these large amount of text is put in a very very small box and that makes reading it less attractive. Can you build an option that the text opened in a large box. I mean, that the text starts small but when the reader wants to read it carefully that there is button and the text opens wider. Then the reader can close this readingscreen en makes a move.
I would like another option. the mentor courses have he board and the text open side by side. I would like a option that the board opens and the text is blindfolded. So that I have to click "view text". In that case I can view the board and have my own ideas and then read the text about it.
Mentor course is great btw.
I like Chess Mentor.
As for the hints. Many do not seem to follow this subtle, strong and direct progress the OP is talking about.
I never thought about that they might hurt your score. I suppose it makes sense. So, do you lose more by using hints or by making the incorrect moves?
When I used it I liked the different levels of hints.
Obviously some were better written than others but the system is really good.
The first hint is almost universally useless. I'm already frustrated because I haven't been able to figure out the position and now I'm screaming "No sh#t Sherlock" at the computer. Not good. To be fair though, if you're thoroughly clueless, I grudgingly admit it could be useful. OTH if you're that clueless you'll need the other 2 anyway. Let's reduce the clutter and knock it down to 2 hints.
And yes, there is little uniformity as to how the authors treat the hints. Some basically give the answer with the third hint, others just rephrase the second hint in slightly more direct fashion. I kind of like the nonuniformity of chess mentor, but then I'm a big fan of chaos and anarchy as well. I probably shouldn't post on no sleep...
DeepGreene wrote:
I mean, in general - what role do hints play in your experience of Chess Mentor Lessons?
I like the fact that they're available; the frustration potential would be very high without them.
Do you avoid them on principle?
No, but I try to use them as little as possible.
Do you find it worthwhile to have 3 "levels" of hint, or would you prefer just one good hint (perhaps combined with square highlights, where the author thought it appropriate)?
I like the three levels; often the first will be enough to get me on the right track, and if 1 and 2 still don't help, 3 is usually strong enough to find the move.
If you do get stuck, do you find Hint 1 (subtle) helpful at all — or do you usually have to resort to Hint 2 (strong) or Hint 3 (direct)?
This varies; maybe 50% just 1, 30% 1+2 and 20% all three, in the cases where I use them.
Do you find that each hint offers different information, or do they all just say the same thing three times, simply getting clearer in phrasing from version 1 to 3?
They don't offer different information; you may find that 1 has sent you off on the wrong track, but 2 or 3 will always show you that 1 was basically saying the same thing but leaving out more specific information.
Thanks!
Thanks to you too for a great feature!
Jul 30, 2014
0
#9
I'm happy to use the hints if I genuinely haven't got a clue what to play. But, I almost always have a go first and only then try the hints. Perhaps the option to ask for a hint should only be available after you have at least attempted a move first? Plus there would be less temptation to "cheat" (even if it does hurt your score)!
The first hint is often too vague to be of any use, so I think just 2 levels of hints would be better (subtle hint/strong hint). Sometimes it must be difficult for the authors to think of three increasingly clear hints!
Wait, it hurts your score? Oh.... Okay... But some moves have 3 subtle or strong hints while others have Hint 3 VERY direct, almost telling you what to play.
1.Chess Mentor is great, for it doesn't only say correct and incorrect, but also comments on the wrong moves u try.
2.For the hints: I think hint 1 might just as well b removed, since hint 2 is often a more direct version of it, while hint 3 is like being told what to play!
Using hints does affect your score(rating) and it sometimes hurts. However. I think that's ok. I wouldn't want to be rewarded for playing a bad move. it'd be like getting half a point for a game's loss!
I try to avoid using hints completely, unless I spend a long time at some point.
There seems to b a limit using the CM.
Can you use chess hints on a game with another person?
I mean, in general - what role do hints play in your experience of Chess Mentor Lessons?
Do you avoid them on principle?
Do you find it worthwhile to have 3 "levels" of hint, or would you prefer just one good hint (perhaps combined with square highlights, where the author thought it appropriate)?
If you do get stuck, do you find Hint 1 (subtle) helpful at all — or do you usually have to resort to Hint 2 (strong) or Hint 3 (direct)?
Do you find that each hint offers different information, or do they all just say the same thing three times, simply getting clearer in phrasing from version 1 to 3?
Thanks!