Can You tell me, how can I set my book-learning -ON- while I am playing on Playchess, because I cannot find this option... :-)
Thanks!!!

I Must admit I fall into the second catagory which at times can indeed be very time consuming but it at least gives me input and for me is the best part of computer vs computer games ... One big positive for this method is that it helps my own OTB chess, that said some lines I have programed into the comps opening book I would never play simply because I am not good enough .... How many times does the comp give a plus or minus 2,3,4 etc and you struggle to see the win or loss but eventually you see what is going on and say "oh yeah I see it now" .... After a long time playing online comp chess (not as long as many) I have a simple way of editing my book .... I add WINS as priority analysis, DRAWS get looked at which may get altered with an alternative `book move` or later choice after analysing with the machine, LOSES get the most attention, it maybe that the opening is fine or at least seems it but the long term the winning chances are with the opponent (after a few games you start to see trends) so you have to backtrack to find moves to alter this. For me so things dont get tedious every now and again I change openings\Lines, this gives the added advantage of catching opponents off guard who have prepared there book for you and improving your whole book overall .... Because I have `MY BOOK` I never just import games from databases as you may suffer from the `crap in crap out`problem. I also work with my MAIN DATABASE in Chessbase 9 checking alternative moves played etc .... If I find a critical position but dont have time to check it I tend to set up a tournament where all games start from that position and use various engines. After plenty of games you get to see what are the best ideas etc and can start editing the book to suit. Even after all this you still always end up with a surprise move from an opponent and it is back to the drawing board once again hahahhaha

Regards

PS: Alway keep an up to date backup of the book because you can destroy years of work with one mouse click :(

I can only agree here.
Few years ago I used to play on Playchess with Junior 8 while Shredder was the top-engine. I had, and have, enferior hardware, so working hard on my book was without question the path to follow. I tweaked the stats, I found novelties, I forbid and allowed moves, I worked together with Junior and learned new things about chess along the way. Very amusing and rewarding! The server rating for my nick went up from about 2400's to 2600-2700 and stayed there till I accidently ruined the book, and found myself without a backup! All the time I working with Alterman's orginal work. But truly fun to see Junior and my edited book wipe off some heavy hardware and the stronger Shredder!

So far, my understanding for, and interest in computerchess on a server goes to where you actually contribute and learn. Putting a lot of money into hardware only to get a fat rating on a server, is beyond my understanding. Seems sometimes to be done by people who hardly recognizes the en-passant rule ;) But, it's their money, and what a waste. But then again, if those people is having fun!?

Yes, the games, and thereby the good lines gets intercepted. Impossible to hide the fruit of your labour, but that can't be avoided if you chose to play in public. This goes for server-chess as well as human tournaments. Is it bad? Yes an no, I believe :) Luckily chess so rich in possibilities.