Anna Rudolf On Social Media Comments, The 'Lipstick Scandal' And The Cow Opening

Two of the chess world's most popular Annas, IM Anna Rudolf and WFM Anna Cramling, sat down for a conversation that was anything but ordinary. The twist? They were hooked up to a polygraph.

You have seen it before, but we know you'd like to see it again. The duo follows in the footsteps of other chess personalities who have taken the polygraph test. IM Levy Rozman took one in January before GMs Magnus Carlsen and David Howell appeared in April. Last month, even GM Hikaru Nakamura appeared with Chess.com's own IM Danny Rensch, who became the first to return for more "Lie Detector Chess."

Now it was the two Annas' turn, with the first video featuring Rudolf tested by Cramling. It started light: Who's her biggest chess idol?

"Judit Polgar. I grew up admiring her. Then we became friends. We became teammates on the Olympic team and then friends. And now we are very close friends, which is for me like a fairy tale. That someone who had been my idol is also a close friend of mine."

That passed the polygraph, while her next two answers did not. Does she google herself often? Does she enjoy watching recordings of herself? "I thought I don't! That's amazing," she said laughingly, adding:

"I think sometimes I cringe over my old videos. I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, I was so bad!' And I like to think I improved since. I think I always think of it as if I, for instance, rewatch some of the broadcasts that we are doing at Norway Chess. I'm looking for ways in which I can improve. So I seek it more for constructive feedback rather than thinking, 'I'm so good at this.' (laughs) I think I'm never fully satisfied with my performance and I like to improve."

I think sometimes I cringe over my old videos. I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, I was so bad!'

—Anna Rudolf

The conversation shifted to a more serious tone when Rudolf was asked whether she gets upset about rude comments on social media.

“It hurts,” she confessed, with the polygraph confirming her honesty. “As much as I try to train my mind to let it go, a part of me—the human side with feelings and emotions—still gets hurt by random strangers online.”

Rudolf went on to describe a particularly painful incident during a live broadcast, where she was targeted with a series of inappropriate and sexual comments. “I think it’s important for people to remember that there’s a person on the other side reading those comments,” she added, noting how harmful it is.

I think it’s important for people to remember that there’s a person on the other side reading those comments.

—Anna Rudolf on negative social media comments

Rudolf also opened up about the bizarre "lipstick scandal" that has followed her since 2007. She was 20 years old when three players accused her of cheating with a microchip hidden in her lipstick after she played the tournament of her life and beat a grandmaster. Yes, you read that right: A microchip in her lipstick.

"Anna Rudolf accused of cheating" -- here's my story: https://t.co/N27M1c5qEx pic.twitter.com/UYAvYLHqC2

— Anna Rudolf (@Anna_Chess) April 5, 2021

"The story just went crazy. I think I never saw my name mentioned as many times as back in the day in the media. And it wasn't for my chess achievements; it was for my lipstick."

But did Rudolf cheat with lipstick? The 36-year-old, under the scrutiny of the polygraph, confidently declared, “I never had a microchip in my lipstick.” The polygraph needles stayed calm, confirming her statement and finally putting to rest one of the most bizarre accusations in chess history.

I never had a microchip in my lipstick.

—Anna Rudolf

The conversation eventually shifted to a more light-hearted topic, as Cramling unsurprisingly brought up her signature Cow Opening. Rudolf admitted that she doesn't love it from a purely chess standpoint but respects the creativity behind it.

"I'm proud of how popular it’s become," Rudolf said, even jokingly asking if she could become the official “Cow Opening Brand Ambassador.” The polygraph confirmed that she was speaking the truth, much to Cramling’s delight.

Another playful moment was when Cramling couldn't resist asking: "Do you believe you're better at chess than me?" "Yes," Rudolf admitted with a smile, passing the polygraph test. She quickly added that Cramling is the strongest Anna in content creation.

We're still looking to make more "Lie Detector Chess" videos. Who else would you like to see? Be honest!