There's nothing wrong with playing against a computer program to test ideas, and they're great when you want an opponent and don't have a human handy. Well, to a point, anyway.

I don't understand what you mean by not sporting, unless you're implying that people are using engines to decide their moves for them. That's not really what I'm talking about.

Another thing about game engines--there is the challenge involved with programming them. I haven't attempted an actual engine yet, but I've got an AI system designed that I plan to try out one day. Who knows, I might just use checkers and build an engine myself.

Not sporting? *shrug* I suppose it depends on the type of challenge you're looking for.

Oh yeah -- to answer your question about studying by myself with a checkerboard... well, the computer can point out things I may never see on my own. One doesn't sharpen iron against clay, and I can sharpen my mind a lot better against something that sees more than I do. That's the thinking, anyhow.