Is using arrows while playing, cheating?

Wondering if using arrows in a game is cheating, does it help calculate? I don't use them, just wondering what people think. 

Good to know MidgetBurrito! 😄

You might get away with using target heads but the last time I tried using broadheads the police were called.

there is an abundance of comedian chess players on chess.com 😄

Yeah true.. but if there is a long combination you are going for, I would think the arrows would help calculate.. But, like I said, I don't use them so. Always see streamers using them, just wondered if anyone ever questioned it,  but if the site lets it happen, I guess it's deemed a non factor. 

It's not cheating, but you shouldn't get used to it. Dependence on it will make it difficult to calculate in situations where you can't use it. Best to just train your mind to calculate on its own.

That's somewhat exaggerated.

I get it makes for a more interesting lesson/streamed game.. Showing you with arrows what they are thinking ect ect. Yeah, just wondering if it helps even when not streaming/giving a lesson.  I guess that it can be best answered by someone who uses them regularly 

So you teach chess Orca? And you don't use them giving lessons?

Well yeah streamers use them as it makes it easier for everyone watching to keep up so to say, also when recording analysis, having a group analysis etc. It makes it easier on that part. Doesn't really help you calculate any better. It's more of a demonstration tool.

I guess my real question is, do players ever use the arrows, when not giving a lesson or streaming, not really if it's "cheating". Does it actually help in a long combination, 10 moves ect. If you can map out a long combo, even in like a mate in 6, i would think the arrows would help in some way, but, maybe i'm over thinking this.. but i would think it would help guide you along, not really have to remember each move in the puzzle, cause the arrows are there. i dunno..

Yes, it is definitely cheating. Even taking notes while playing is cheating and action has been taken against people doing this by FIDE.

It's a bit like solving an equation in math - if you can write your work as you go it makes things vastly easier. 

Using arrows is just one of the things ( and there are many more ) that make online chess distinctly different from OTB chess.

As long as you are playing online, and both parties can use the arrows. Like it is the case. It is a part of the game and it is not cheating.
That said, I have used them in the past and then when sitting at a board felt naked without them and coulndn't calculate. So don't get used to them if you are also persuing an over-the-board career

btw; i play on lichess so my rating here is not important