cheating against friends

Are you allowed to cheat against friends? As in using an engine in a unrated game against your friend or will it still flag and ban you?

idk bro

very helpful willeyumo!

I believe the requirements are for the game to be unrated, for both people to be aware of the use of the engine, and for the opponent to explicitly agree to it.

How can chess detect whether or not the opponent agrees with it?

I don't know how fair play is enforced on a technical level for unrated games, but they certainly have access to the unrated games just like they do rated games. Staff and mods have both addressed the use of engines in unrated games in previous forum posts, and the position is always to meet the requirements I mentioned.

How can they detect you are friends? Just because you friended someone? You will need to play an unrated game. But why would you want to cheat? Are you running a class and having a group play against an opponent (this is common).

I'm curious as to know whether or not its allowed. I'm not planning on using it. I'm pretty sure they can see your friend list.

https://www.chess.com/legal/fair-play

"EXCEPTION: These rules do not apply to unrated games or tactics. However, if you intend to use assistance against your opponent, you must notify them beforehand."

I expect they will likely not take automated action on unrated games and may review chats or contact the players before any enforcement.

Alright thanks!

So long as your friend is aware that he is playing an engine, else your account will be flagged

But if your "friend" complains about it, and you are found to have used an engine, you may have your account banned.

Best to have their permission in writing via chess.com messaging system so if they complain, you have the evidence that KNEW about it beforehand.

Obviously, this would foil someone's plan to cheat their friends into thinking they are better chess players than they really are, by using an engine, since they would have to tell them in advance to get approval. But Im sure that's not you.

The FairPlay policy does not require "permission". It requires you notify the other person beforehand if you intend to use assistance. If your opponent continues to play (after you notified them) that would be considered implied permission.

The idea of cheating (or using assistance from others) is not always a result of trying to "win" or appear better than your opponent. Some people may play an unrated game while they stream and receive suggestions from people in the stream. Some instructors also use live games to explain concepts and they may discuss a live game with others in the class and those students may provide assistance.

Ok, wrong word.

But still, better for OP to have written proof IN-SITE that you've notified the other party, just in case they decide to report out of spite. As a precaution. If you can't provide any proof of it and you are reported for using an engine, it could be a problem trying to prove to customer support you actually notified the other party.

No problem.

Notification during unrated games is a courtesy and just good sportsmanship. Most likely to lead to a warning if things got heated and out of control. Probably no ban or suspension.