Cheating: when is it ok?

A bit of a sensitive/taboo topic but, try to stay calm enough for a few minutes to consider if cheating is ever ok.

Define cheating:

Of course I don't like cheating in the broad sense, that is, using a computer to pick a move for you with no thought involved from the cheating "player". That's not what I want to discuss.

What I do feel is ok is when I am playing a much higher rated player and to even out the situation a bit using a computer/book to help you get out of the opening so you can play the middle game without a disadvantage. I usually play the opening so badly that I don't get a chance to even get unharmed to the midgame, where I get the chance to really have fun. So from a purely "fun" point of view it increases my enjoyment to use a computer/book.

Similarly I don't mind when a player much lower than me uses computer assistance for certain moves to make it a more even match.

I can already predict some comments like "well then learn the openings", my answer to this is - no, I don't want to. Openings are a side of chess I dislike.

I would prefer it if the rules (of chess FIDE whatever) were changed so that if you want to you could bring a computer/book to a match and consult it to pick out a suitable opening. Why waste time with all that memorization? This is one good reason why humans developed books, computers - as a memory aide.

I am not an austist taking pleasure in mindless recollection of figures. Leave the memorization to the books, computers and the creative thinking to the humans. This is what we are best at. This is, in my opinion where all the fun lies.

Do you still think this is cheating?

I've always been wanting to ask the same, but didn't because I had to memorize them for my OTB tourneys anyway.

I only use my laptop or phone for assistance in about 80% of my games. I'm good, right?

Topic fail

Are you saying I should go to 70 or 75%? It might hurt my game.

i see your point, because it sucks to be in bad shape out of the opening. at the same time, the higher rated player who did put in the time to learn opening theory properly gets shafted because you can't be bothered to learn things on your own.  

also, where does your logic end?  higher rated players have much better endgames because they put in the work to learn and get better.  will it be ok to use a book or engine so u stay with the end game too?

you are essentially attempting to justify poor ethical behaviour because it serves your current purposes. 

and books and computers should be viewed as learning tools for the driven, not memory aids for the lazy.

OP: good choice of screen name.

Oh my god. U deserve all the bashing u'll get =)

If you don't like being outplayed in the opening and consider it boring, then I suggest chess960 for you, where all opening-memorization from normal chess is useless and you have to think right from the start.

Cheating is cheating......what does that say for the stronger player, who through many hours of hard work acquired the necessary skills to thrash you. If you want to level the playing field then do the hard work necessary to become somewhat proficient at this game.

cheat all you want if you don't want play me then donn't answer my open seaks its not like we are winning lots of money or stupid stuff like that if played against some weak players and on the computer analysis they make 2 or 3 dubios move is they can get there grade up they can play at the tal memorial

+1

Topic awesome.

What's the matter, son?

Cheating is pretty much defined as that which is not okay. If it were okay it wouldn't be cheating.

1 - Well, then simply don't play much higher rated players.

2 - Of course, without any doubt. Do you warn your higher rated opponents that you're using computer assistance? No? Then you are cheating.

(If you are playing correspondence chess here at chess.com, note that it legal to use books or opening databases, as long you don't turn computer engines on.)

Study and practice your openings until you can play them confidently against anyone, even against an engine.

Repertoire books that explain the key moves and strategies of the opening can help, like "Play the Sicilian!" or "Play the Queen's Gambit!"

Also reference books like MCO (Modern Chess Openings).

I think its cheating(sorry). Useing a book is ok because you can't read and play at the same time...seeing the point yet, besides, I admit as a child I shed a tear or two when I was beaten which is how one learns to develope sir.     I think thats why theres prison , for people who cheat.(laughing)..please dont play me altho I dout both of us will make a note.

Two Intrepid Spaceman Spiff in the same thread, comenting with only a few seconds difference, now that's a coincidence!