The problem with long computer analysis is not just that I would never find the suggested moves for my side, but that my opponent is also unlikely to make the moves the computer recommends as well. Perhaps if I played at a higher level it would be more of a help, but on the rare occasions when I check one of my games using Fritz it's usually just to see what the computer would recommend at certain critical junctures when I was unsure what to do, though I usually only check a move or two deep due to my comments above. I realize this lack of calculating deeply will limit how well I play but I really don't mind just enjoying the game, both playing at my level, and trying to make small improvements, while admiring the depths (heights?) that others can achieve.

The problem with long computer analysis is not just that I would never find the suggested moves for my side, but that my opponent is also unlikely to make the moves the computer recommends as well. Perhaps if I played at a higher level it would be more of a help, but on the rare occasions when I check one of my games using Fritz it's usually just to see what the computer would recommend at certain critical junctures when I was unsure what to do, though I usually only check a move or two deep due to my comments above. I realize this lack of calculating deeply will limit how well I play but I really don't mind just enjoying the game, both playing at my level, and trying to make small improvements, while admiring the depths (heights?) that others can achieve.

I agree that computer analysis is of very limited use. There is simply no way for a computer engine to explain its moves in plain english. With respect to game plans I learned the most from looking at master games to see some typical attack plans. Most useful if looking at games with similar openings to the ones I play and in fact I would never been able to come up with the general attack idea for this game myself.

Said that I find that computer engines are really useful to find tactical mistakes. In many cases I simply do not see why I lost a piece and computer analysis helps to point out where I went wrong and looking two moves ahead seems to be enough in most situations (at least on my playing level).