Originally posted by Marinkatomb
Let's check is a repository of peoples engine analysis of specific positions (and games). If you have a position you want to analyse, you can click 'Let's check' in Fritz and a few seconds later you have analysis from a load of different engines (not just Fritz, Hiarcs..shredder, etc...) assuming the position has already been analysed.
So it is actually a database the size of the contributor base on the internet.
Not quite infinite, but might as well be. But definitely in the past.
"profit from analysis that has
already been done by others"
I guess it bugs me that it is not personal - you have not bought something specific, but rather
there is an access to a batch of on-line data, which could be updated from one day to the next.
In fact, an engine/db-vendor keen to add value, could track unanswered queries and respond.
All of this makes me feel uneasy with it.
I'd be happier if there was a CD/DVD frozen at the start
of the match ("pre-existing research materials" ).
"Normally you switch on your chess engine and wait for a bit" - it has the feel of making engine
analysis even faster, and therefore suitable for post game analysis, but not for use as a database
as you play.
On balance I think it is outside the spirit of the rules, and that the 3.b rules should be changed to
specifically exclude it.
Gezza.
ps. quotes from TOS, and from www.chessbase.com
edit - removed unwanted emoticon