You can access explorer via live by clicking the icon top right, it opens a new tab.
Does this mean that using explorer (which includes opening book) is allowed in live?
By allowed, I mean, not subject to any kind of ban if detected. I understand the moral side.
It could be a trap.
/ You may have heard that the cheating detection team does not reveal its methods...
Haha.
So as far as you know it's fine to use explorer and it's opening book in live games? The button to open up current position in explorer is literally right there
Haha.
So as far as you know it's fine to use explorer and it's opening book in live games? The button to open up current position in explorer is literally right there
No, I didn't say that.
You shouldn't do it.
I would be interested to know the stats behind what percentage use it. And also get some official guidance we are allowed to use it in the following way?
I sometimes use it as a blunder preventer. I choose my move then allow myself a single glance, and if my move is not on the list, maybe take more time. There is a strong case it's cheating, but if the button is there, I can only assume it's allowed, and others are using it too so don't feel too bad about it.
But I'd say it's a bit overpowered. I would argue it would be better capped at , say, 5 moves when accessed via live screen?
Haha.
So as far as you know it's fine to use explorer and it's opening book in live games? The button to open up current position in explorer is literally right there
No, I didn't say that.
You shouldn't do it.
Yet he makes an extremely valid point. Other servers don't literally place the "answers" right there next to the moves in game and dare users to *not* look. Many of the things you guys do on this site are beyond mindless when compared to the other servers of today.
I'm not on staff. I'm just a long-time user who tries to help. I don't understand some of these things any more than you do.
There was another thread about this subject last year-- https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/will-you-please-get-rid-of-this-feature
Another moderator volunteered to try to find out. I am guessing he never heard anything back.
It is not allowed. Here is the reference:
https://www.chess.com/legal/fair-play
The important line is this one:
You may use Opening Explorer or other books without engine evaluations in Daily chess only (not in Online / Live play)
I presume it is a bug that they have not corrected, and to be fair, it is somewhat ridiculous that it is here for months now.
Okay thanks. That's useful, and I'll stop using it.
My score / win rate seems entirely unaffected from not using opening book. Games are still won or lost by blunders 
I used it for 100s of games so if it is a trap it's not a good one!
I am reminded of when the MonRoi Electronic Notation Device (END) came out. One parent bought it for his 5-year-old daughter who did not yet know how to write (or at least not easily) and the parent was shocked when a TD forfeited his daughter after she used it to analyze future positions during the game. He figured that a major reason for spending more than 300 dollars on a device was to allow his daughter to do that.
You can access explorer via live by clicking the icon top right, it opens a new tab.
Does this mean that using explorer (which includes opening book) is allowed in live?
By allowed, I mean, not subject to any kind of ban if detected. I understand the moral side.