Chess is a game of intellect and strategy, but throughout history, some players have sought an unfair advantage. From hidden electronic devices to secret codes, cheating has evolved with technology. This article explores the history of cheating in chess, bizarre methods used, and some of the most infamous scandals.
Early Cases of Cheating in Chess
Mechanical Assistance in the 18th Century
One of the earliest forms of chess cheating dates back to the 18th century with The Turk, a so-called « automaton » that could play chess at a master level. In reality, a hidden human player controlled the machine, deceiving audiences for decades.
Whispers and Signals
Before the digital age, cheating often involved signals from accomplices. In some tournaments, players received subtle coughs, hand gestures, or foot taps from coaches to indicate the best move.
Modern Technology and Chess Cheating
Hidden Electronic Devices
As technology advanced, so did the ways to cheat. Some players have used wireless earpieces, hidden smartphones, or smartwatches to receive moves from a chess engine.
The 2015 « Toilet Phone » Incident
In 2015, Gaioz Nigalidze, a Georgian grandmaster, was caught using a smartphone hidden in a bathroom stall during a tournament in Dubai. Officials became suspicious when he repeatedly visited the same stall. After an inspection, they found his phone logged into a chess engine, analyzing his game in real time.
Chess Cheating with Artificial Intelligence
With the rise of AI-powered chess engines, players have found new ways to cheat. Some wear concealed earphones connected to an accomplice feeding moves from Stockfish or AlphaZero.
The 2022 Hans Niemann Scandal
One of the most controversial cheating allegations in chess history involved Hans Niemann and Magnus Carlsen in 2022. After Niemann defeated Carlsen in a prestigious event, speculation arose that he may have used wireless vibrating anal beads to receive computer-generated moves. Although there was no direct evidence, the accusation went viral, becoming one of the most bizarre chess cheating theories ever.
Cheating in Online Chess
Using Chess Engines
Online chess cheating is rampant, with players secretly using chess engines like Stockfish to find the best moves. Many websites, including Chess.com and Lichess, have implemented anti-cheating algorithms to detect suspicious play.
Fake « Grandmasters » on Streaming Platforms
Some players have pretended to be chess grandmasters by using hidden AI assistance during live streams or online games. In 2020, a well-known streamer was caught using a chess bot while pretending to play manually.
Extreme Measures Against Chess Cheating
FIDE’s Anti-Cheating Measures
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has implemented strict anti-cheating rules, including:
- Metal detectors at tournaments
- Signal jammers to block communication devices
- Banned bathroom breaks during critical moments
The 2019 Shoe Cheating Incident
In 2019, a player was caught hiding a tiny chess engine inside his shoe. He used his toe to navigate the device and receive the best moves. Officials discovered the cheating device when they noticed unusual behavior during the post-game analysis.
Conclusion
Cheating in chess has taken many bizarre forms, from whispered signals to high-tech gadgets. While technology has made chess cheating more sophisticated, anti-cheating measures are constantly evolving. Whether in over-the-board chess or online chess, fair play remains a cornerstone of the game.
