I have no way of knowing if the observer is an innocent watcher, friend of the opponent or a 2nd account that shows the exact position.
Removal of observer or requiring the approval of both players would make it so that it more fair.
Fog of War (Observers should need approval from both players to watch the game)
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I think players should be permitted to spectate without approval, but think the ability to anonymously spectate should be turned off for this reason--it makes it harder for a player to cheat with a secondary spectator account.
i agree with long term here. i use the observing feature in a way to learn watching higher level games than my own to get a grasp of opening theory and just general gameplay. having to get approval would be extremely troublesome for me but i can def understand how things could get frustrating with cheaters. luckily i rarely at all run into them. having your name attatched to it is the way to go
This would prevent cheating and colluding.
I've been in a few games where I lost, then noticed that there was 3rd person observing. Most of the time it was due to me not playing well or the other player being better... but there have have also been a few games where it seem like the opponent can just see the whole board.