Chess Cheating Hits New High
By Will Stewart
The problem of cheating in chess has hit epidemic proportions with many reasons why. I’ll explain to you my opinion on the current situation on chess cheating, a bit on the history of cheating in chess, and what we can possibly do to stop it.
Chess cheating continues from history till modern day
Chess, the honorable game of kings, has had a markedly dark and diverse history of cheating. As a matter of fact, cheating in chess is just about as old as the game itself. However, in recent days the problem has gotten so bad that there is suspected cheating even amongst world class grandmasters. With computers becoming ever more powerful and earpieces and other forms to cheat becoming smaller and harder to detect, it’s no surprise that cheating in chess has become more prevalent and harder to detect.
So how do players cheat?
The most popular methods and utilities used for cheating in chess appear to be:
- A covert earpiece – to receive transmissions from a distant accomplice who is using a supercomputer to suggest moves (ex. 2006 World Open, 2 players were disqualified)
- A strong player posing under a weak player’s name to cash in on an easier section (ex. 1993, John von Neumann at the World Open in Philadelphia)
- Classical Collusion: A weaker player leaving the board to receive advice from a stronger player (ex. 2002 World Open, 2 Russian players working together)
- Toiletgate – Taking multiple trips to the bathroom to consult a PDA/chess engine (ex. Alleged “Toiletgate” Scandal – 2006 World Championship Match between Topalov & Kramnik: in 1 game Kramnik went to the bathroom more than 50 times)
More here.
Kramnik had an excuse. Danailov switched Vlad’s chocolate with laxatives! Kramnik soiled his underwear so badly that he threw them away in disgust and now I have them. I sniff the soiled souvenir often to remind me of that eventful day.
I think cheating is wrong. It hurts other people, especially if they have children. Cheating is so wrong and bad, a new word should be invented that describes both wrong and bad, something like badong! Cheating can lead to transmitted diseases too.
How could you list “Toiletgate” as “one of the most popular methods and utilities used for cheating in chess”? Not a shred of evidence of Kramnik cheating was ever presented. You say that this “scandal” is alleged, but by presenting it in this context, you give it far too much credence.
The Gripe I have in Chess cheating,I play on the internet Chess.com.I had to learn why 1500,1600 players were beating me on Chess matches.They follow Chess data bases on EVERY MOVE so instead of playing a 1500 or 1600 player I’m really playing a GrandMaster.I am a 2000 player and know I can play 2100 chess,I have caught guys useing a data base by checking thier moves and sure enough that’s why they play so good! it ruins chess.I’m not enjoying chess anymore.I try to play 2000 players only,most are honest.
Hi guys, thank you for all your kind words.
@Anonymous – I was just saying this a bit tounge-in-cheek, surprised you didn’t catch that. But seriously though, just hearing that someone made up the word “toiletgate” left me dying of laughter the first time I heard it.
@Carl Enz, the problem online is even worse. As a matter of fact people have accused Nakamura of cheating online, especially during his earlier days.
NM Will Stewart – OnlineChessLessons.NET
P.S. Thank you Susan Polgar for posting this 🙂
Anyone who cheats should be banned for life.
There should always run a very strong engine in every single official FIDE tournement, because everyone who beat a 3100+ Engine finally cheat or is an alien!?! With such an easy way there can’t be undetected cheating?! What do you think?
There should always run a very strong engine in every single official FIDE tournement, because everyone who beat a 3100+ Engine finally cheat or is an alien!?! With such an easy way there can’t be undetected cheating?! What do you think?