Accusations of Cheating in Chess and Relevant Psychological Factors: Innocent Until Proven Guilty Unless You are World Champion

Abstract

Chess is a popular game that requires players to solve hypothetical problems to defeat their opponents. Games are rated, and players are classified based on their success. Becoming a chess expert, such as a grandmaster or international master, demands a significant investment of time and energy. However, with the advent of chess programs, the traditional understanding of chess has changed dramatically. Many young players are using these programs to train, and concerns have arisen regarding the increased risk of cheating in chess. The availability of these programs has also led to more players adopting engine- like playing styles.

In this study, we investigate allegations of cheating in chess, focusing on the recent incident between Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann, who beat Carlsen during the Sinquefield Cup in 2022. Afterward, Carlsen forfeited a game in a match against Niemann, believing he was cheating. However, Carlsen did not provide concrete evidence to support his claim, although he suggested that Niemann may have been using unexplained, sophisticated methods to cheat during on-the-board (OTB) chess. Many people defended Carlsen, but Niemann’s instability in games was used to suggest that he was guilty, despite the lack of evidence showing how his games differed from those of other grandmasters. Additionally, Niemann’s previous cheating record on Chess.com was mentioned as indirect evidence of cheating.

International Master Kenneth W. Regan analyzed Niemann’s games to detect systematic cheating, but his analysis did not yield conclusive evidence. Regan compared Niemann’s chess moves with the accuracy of chess engines and used sophisticated statistical methods to analyze his overall performance and improvement in chess. Despite the cheating allegations, Niemann has continued to perform well.

It is worth noting that previous cheating history cannot predict future cheating behavior, especially during serious OTB tournaments. Furthermore, Carlsen’s lack of concrete evidence suggests impulsivity and may be a result of the extreme psychological pressure experienced by grandmaster chess players, particularly former world champions like Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer, who must maintain their status by performing competently.