The terms of service state:
No Cheating or Computer Help
You can NEVER use Go programs (Leela, Zen, etc.) or neural networks to analyze current ongoing games unless specifically permitted (e.g., a computer tournament). The only type of computer assistance allowed is games databases for opening lines and joseki databases for corner patterns in correspondence Go. You cannot receive ANY outside assistance on live or blitz Go games.
My question is about "games databases for opening lines "
What if I have a book that shows opening lines? That technically is not a games database.
Am I to understand you can only look through the games of players and not use a resource such as senseis or a book that teaches common opening lines in correspondence go?
My interpretation is that using books about joseki, fuseki, and “opening lines” is fine for correspondence games.
I believe that part of the terms of service is worded in that particular way since it is discussed within the context of “computer help”. The explicit allowance for “games databases for opening lines and joseki databases” is meant to clarify an exception to the broader prohibition against “computer help”. An example of a games database for opening lines is http://ps.waltheri.net/, while joseki databases include Play Go at online-go.com! | OGS or EidoGo - Go Games, Pattern Search, Joseki Tutor, SGF Editor.
I think that using Sensei’s library as a static resource is fine, e.g., using it like a book to look up joseki, fuseki, opening lines. However, it should not be used like an interactive resource, e.g., using it to post questions about a specific position in a game in order to get direct assistance from others.
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