Chess.com fair play policy
The Chess.com fair play policy is a set of rules to prevent cheating and ensure a fair playing environment, which means players must make their own moves without any outside help like using chess engines, or getting assistance from other people. Violations include using software or engines, having someone else play on your account, artificially manipulating ratings, or intentionally disconnecting from a game. The policy is enforced through anti-cheating software and player reporting, and violations can lead to account closure.
Key rules and prohibited actions
- No outside assistance: You cannot receive any help from other people, including parents, friends, or coaches.
- No engines or software: You cannot use chess engines, bots, plugins, or any tools that analyze positions during live games. This also includes using opening books with engine evaluations in live play.
- No account sharing: Do not allow anyone else to use your account or use someone else's account.
- No artificial manipulation: You cannot artificially manipulate ratings, matches, or game outcomes, including "sandbagging" (losing games on purpose).
- No improper disconnection: Do not intentionally disconnect or quit a game when you are losing.
- No automated analysis: Do not use any automated analysis or "blunder checking" of your games while they are in progress.
- Sportsmanship: You should not stall unnecessarily or frivolously abort games.
Enforcement and reporting
- Automated detection: Chess.com uses anti-cheating software to automatically check games for suspicious patterns, such as a player making moves highly similar to a computer's recommendations.
- Player reporting: If you suspect a player is cheating, you can report them using the reporting tools available on the site.
- Investigation: Reported games are subject to further investigation, and violations can result in a permanent ban.
- Exceptions: The policy has some exceptions for unrated games or tactics, but you must notify your opponent if you plan to use assistance in those cases.
Consequences of a violation
- Permanent ban: Violating the fair play policy can lead to a permanent account closure.
- Rating refunds: Players who lose games to a cheater may have their rating points refunded.
