For some bizarre reason, chess.com tries to hide the problem by not allowing people to 'talk about the issue' in the main forum. Instead Martin will squirrel you away to another forum which he's programmed to do.
Makes no sense to me, not allowing people to talk about a main issue on a main forum is ridiculous and is not given customers what they want, I say customers, technically I am one as there's still adverts even if you're not paying for a subscription. There's not even an explanation as to why you can't talk about it here. Also don't understand why you can't highlight suspicious games, what is the suspected cheat going to do, take chess.com to court because some random chess player on the internet said they might be using chess calculator to win a game? Other users can then look at the game and offer a counter argument if there is one. That might make people less paranoid.
All it does it serve to frustrate the life out of people, I read the other day on this forum that most people that complain about cheating end up cheating themselves, that's an interesting thought, I can actually see that, because imagine knowing you're being cheated against but nothing is being done, in the end they probably think if you can't beat them join them type thing, you will never learn anything there though so it's pointless. I'd estimate over 90% of people don't cheat, maybe that's generous, though I've had games where my opponent has blundered and gone silent for over a minute, then started playing again like a chess God, i.e they've gone to switch the engine on after programming the moves and they get away with it.
As Dubov said, the algorithm only catches stupid people.
Cheating in Chess
With the emergence of seemingly invincible chess programs coupled with sundry high-tech devices, as well as collusive human collaborators sans a conscience, cheating appears to be endemic at tournaments now because it is so easy to do and tempting, too. Therefore, cheating in chess has indeed become an existential threat to the integrity of the game and the rot must be rooted out before it ruins it for everyone who tries to abide by the rules and play fairly. It is so bad that even in online speed-chess games players are cheating in order to gratify their fragile egos which hunger for wins. I for one am tired of throwing money (entry fees, etc.) away when I know I don’t stand a chance because someone is probably going to cheat. So, I’m writing this brief article in hopes of spurring some ameliorative action by those in a position to rectify matters.
Proving that someone is cheating or has cheated isn’t easy to do. In fact, it can be quite challenging, not to mention a legal liability if one insinuates erroneously. Most players are honest and endeavor to play ethically but some chessholes are beyond redemption and continue to persist in a pathetic manner. I brand these nefarious cheaters cowards and a plague upon the noble game, and every effort must be made to banish them. To that extent I suggest the following paradigm.
First, determine the methods used by cheaters, then implement solutions, and finally administer punitive consequences. Prophylactic measures and strict anti-cheating protocols must be introduced and exercised at all tournaments. To compete is one thing, to cheat another, and both are incompatible.
As per detecting a player engaged in cheating, I recommend that all players be required to remain at their boards until the first 10 moves of their games have been completed. If, for some reason, someone needs to step out (to use the restroom, etc.), then a monitor needs to accompany them like an escort until they are re-seated at their board. And if a player intermittently leaves their game, especially when it is their move, and this pattern repeats itself frequently, then chances are the player may be utilizing some resource in order to cheat. Also, if a lower rated player is suddenly beating most (if not all) of the big dogs, that is also a red flag. And any person who saunters by a board repeatedly (hovering momentarily to memorize the position and thereafter consult a chess program) and then is also seen interacting with the player in that game, that should also be deemed suspect behavior and inappropriate. These are just a few ideas. I’m sure others can brainstorm more that would help put an end to this foul practice.
And lastly, the penalty for cheating should be a permanent ban. That is the only deterrent that will work to reduce this epidemic in chess tournaments.
Saninder Singh
November 19, 2023