Use of databases or books

Originally posted by Gatecrasher
Quite right, but GMs play OTB and get paid for it. If my livelyhood depended on it, I would have a great deal more theory committed to memory. As it is, we're just here to have fun and to learn.

I fully agree with regard to fun, however I also believe that we should be allowed to enter certain tournaments with knowlege that we will not come up against players that have that advantage over us. As an experiment I will create such a database and program (non thinking chess) and see if it makes any difference. Could be interesting I guess.

It's just the way the rules are. It's openly stated that these aids are available to both sides, so it's perfectly fair. I for one choose not to use them - I even feel guilt when I click on a piece and then don't move it. But that's me. I understand my opponents can use these aids.

G???