Headache to fight cheating in chess

Chess player Hans Niemann - Photo: CT

With the development of technology, forms of cheating are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect, and the frequency of occurrence is increasing. So what methods have the tournament organizers used to prevent cheating?

Before we dive into the remedies, let's take a look at the most common forms of cheating:

Using supporting software (chess engine):

This is the most common form of cheating, where players use computers or smartphones to analyze the chess position and make optimal moves.

For example, players can hide their phones on their person or use wireless headphones to receive information from their computers. And the clearest proof is the case of Grandmaster Igor Rausis when he was discovered using his mobile phone in the toilet to cheat in a tournament in 2019. He was stripped of his Grandmaster title and banned from competing for 6 years.

Get outside help

Players can receive help from others, through signals or cues.

Accordingly, players can have relatives or friends sitting nearby to give advice. Chess tournaments are often held in gymnasiums with areas for spectators.

There have been many complaints about players being "tipped" from the stands. This affects the fairness of the match. And it also poses a big challenge for tournament organizers in ensuring a fair and transparent competition environment."

Grandmaster Igor Rausis - Photo: TB

Online Fraud

In online chess games, players can use chess "bots" to automatically play for them. The computer will always give the best moves to help players easily win without much effort.

A prime example of this is Hans Niemann. Chess.com says that Niemann cheated in 112 online games, including 25 while streaming live.

At the time, Niemann admitted to cheating, but denied all allegations of cheating in live tournaments.

Therefore, to ensure absolute transparency and fairness in chess, tournaments are increasingly tightening monitoring and anti-cheating measures.

Check electronic devices

Before starting the game, the referee will carefully check the players' electronic devices, including phones, tablets, headphones, etc., before entering the competition room.

In major tournaments, referees use metal detectors or scanners to detect hidden electronic devices on athletes.

Close monitoring

The referee always closely monitors the game, especially in important games. In addition, major tournaments always use surveillance cameras to record the entire game. In fact, the organizers of recent chess tournaments always assign referees to monitor every action and gesture of the players.

More specifically, referees will now check the toilet area before the start of the game and also during the game. More than just simply watching the game, referees now also act as "guardians" for the integrity of the sport . During key matches, they do not take their eyes off the board, observing every move and every expression of the players.

In addition, a surveillance camera system is widely deployed, recording every moment of the match, from tense moves to moments of rest.

The organizers even assigned referees to closely monitor every action and gesture of the athletes, to guard against any unusual signs.

In particular, to thoroughly prevent any potential cheating, the toilet area is also thoroughly checked before and during the game.

Most recently, Hans Niemann, the current grandmaster who has been suspected of cheating recently, suddenly withdrew from the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam after the organizers announced that they had increased security.

This shows that the security system is increasingly ensuring fairness for all participating athletes, while suspicions of cheating in Hans Niemann's previous games are increasingly high.

Analyze the move

During or after the game, the arbiter uses analysis software to compare the player's moves with the computer's optimal moves. If there is a high degree of overlap, the player may be suspected of cheating.

Severe treatment

Players found cheating will be severely punished, including being stripped of their grandmaster title, disqualified, banned from competing for a long period of time or permanently.

Improve online ranking system

Online chess platforms are constantly improving their cheat detection systems, using advanced algorithms and big data analytics.

Specifically, Chess.com is an online chess platform that has used a very good cheating detection system.

The above measures demonstrate the organizers' determination to create a fair playing field where talent and intelligence are duly honored.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dau-dau-chong-nan-gian-lan-trong-co-vua-20250427213934892.htm