Cheating in Chess: How Technology Has Made It Easier to Cheat
Summary
In this article, we discuss the issue of cheating in chess and how technology has made it easier for players to access external assistance during a game. The article describes common methods used by cheaters, such as using smartphones and accomplices, and highlights red flags to look out for when identifying cheaters online.
Table of Contents
- The Role of Technology in Cheating
- Common Methods Used by Cheaters
- Identifying Cheaters Online
- Conclusion
The Role of Technology in Cheating
The use of AI chess engines has made it possible for players to know the best moves in a game, far more accurately than any human could ever come up with. Cheating in chess involves receiving external assistance, most often in the form of a chess computer, to tell you all the best moves in the game that you’re playing. The article explains that sometimes the dumbest move in a position is actually the top computer move, and that computers will sacrifice a piece that traditionally humans wouldn’t do because they’re risk-averse. The author gives an example of a sequence of moves that no human in history has ever played.
Common Methods Used by Cheaters
The article describes some common methods used by cheaters, such as going to the bathroom and using a smartphone to input the same exact moves of the game that they are playing. Another method involves the use of accomplices who relay the best moves to the player via a text message. The article also discusses how spectators can be accomplices in cheating, using a pre-programmed compass of the room where one side meant one thing. The article discusses the various ways in which people cheat in chess tournaments, both in-person and online. It mentions the use of small, transmittable devices that can relay chess moves through vibrations, as well as cameras hidden in watches to capture the board.
Identifying Cheaters Online
The article highlights the red flags to look out for when identifying cheaters online, such as new accounts with high win rates and accuracy scores, and consistent move times. The author suggests that watching suspected cheaters play and evaluating their moves with a local chess engine can help identify cheating behavior.
Conclusion
Cheating in chess is a serious issue that can undermine the integrity of the game. The use of technology has made it easier for cheaters to gain an unfair advantage, but there are ways to identify and prevent cheating behavior. By being aware of the common methods used by cheaters and paying attention to red flags when playing online, we can help ensure that chess remains a fair and competitive game.
