Update: Second “device” found case in Chess Olympiad 2024

One of Chessdom’s reporters in Budapest informs from the playing hall, “Result reversed on board 4 of Lebanon-Egypt due to the presence of an electronic device, found at the anti-cheating control after the game. Specifically, a SIM card. The punishment is a single game loss, player is allowed to continue in the tournament. A careless mistake, but serious Fair-Play checks are a must in order to safeguard the integrity of chess.”

The timetable of events related to the Carlsen – Niemann case:

Over more than a decade, we have worked tirelessly to fuel a resurgence of chess in America, to create a place for elite chess players to play at the highest levels for the greatest purses, and to democratize access to chess to all players, no matter age, race or skill set.

It’s been remarkable to see the widespread discussion around chess over the past several weeks, but it’s important that we are clear on our position as it relates to cheating. We take great pride in being able to host the top chess players from across the world at the Saint Louis Chess Club. As with all events, it’s imperative that we maintain high standards for fair tournament play. We always have – and will continue – to implement extensive anti-cheating measures. As we prepare for the upcoming U.S. Chess and U.S. Women’s Chess Championships, we anticipate hosting another successful event, complete with rigorous protocols to ensure the best chess players in the country can continue to compete on an even playing field.

The timetable of happenings related to Carlsen – Niemann case:

6. Hans Niemann continued to play the Julius Baer Generations Cup despite the tremendous pressure and even managed to qualify for the knockout phase. What would you say about his games in this tournament?

7. Anish Giri says, we know about online cheating by multiple other chess players. Do you know about more cases? Will you shed light on them?

8. In your interview you mention that cheaters should not be taken lightly either online or OTB. Is the current case with Hans Niemann your way to persuade as many players as possible to never cheat in a chess game?

9. Martin B. Justesen believes Carlsen is handling the Chess.com merger like Elon Musk did with the purchase of Twitter. Do you agree?

10. What is your endgame in this Carlsen – Niemann case?

There are certainly more questions that arise from the current case. If you would like to add a question to this list or join the discussion, head to the Chessdom Facebook page here

The timetable of happenings related to Carlsen – Niemann case:

Here are 10 questions to Hans Niemann regarding the Carlsen – Niemann case. Similarly, you can find the 10 questions to Magnus Carlsen here.

1. Can you state loud and clear that you have never cheated over the board in a chess tournament?

2. Is your conflict with Magnus Carlsen only based on cheating allegations or there is something more personal that the world does not know about?

3. You were very outspoken during the Sinquefield Cup, giving interviews and criticizing Nakamura’s coverage. Now during the Julius Baer Generation Cup you are more silent. What changed?

4. There is a theory that you perform much better with live DGT boards. What would you say to that?

5. If you believe in your innocence, do you think you have a case to claim defamation?

6. Do you like the role of “chess villain”? Is Hans Niemann like this in real life?

7. Do you feel more defended or attacked by the chess community?

8. There are now cheating allegations to your mentor Maxim Dlugy. What would you say in his defense?

9. Do you feel like a witch hunt can start from the ongoing case? Are we viewing the beginning of Salem Chess Trials?

10. Can this scandal lead to online chess playing platforms losing credibility in the long run?

There are certainly more questions that arise from the current case. If you would like to add a question to this list or join the discussion, head to the Chessdom Facebook page here

The timetable of happenings related to Carlsen – Niemann case:

Susan Polgar commented on Carlsen’s resignation saying it’s: “Definitely a protest move!“, while GM Jon Ludvig Hammer said Carlsen should be sanctioned during the live Norwegian TV program. Fair-Play specialist Kenneth Regan joined the live studio of the Julius Baer Generation Cup and spoke about Carlsen – Niemann’s game at the Sinquefield Cup 2022: Niemann played well, but not too well.

Anish Giri also shared his thoughts on the case. “Show must go on. It reminds me of when you play pokr and you bluff on the first car, then comes another card and you keep bluffing. But it looks like [Magnus] is really insinuating something, but until you catch someone, you cannot do anything,” said Giri. “It just looks very odd now. It makes sense if supposedly Hans is cheating, but if he doesn’t it is really very wrong.” Giri explained, “It is a big problem to play people who have been banned, especially those who have admitted to have cheated online before, because you lose trust in these people. My advice to young players is to never cheat in small events because these things stick and it is not easy to get rid of this.”

Anish Giri admitted, “Let me be very frank, we knew about all this stuff and the online cheating [of Hans Niemann] and we know about online cheating by multiple other players as well. […] But I have a feeling Hans never cheated against me because looking at my own games he usually plays very badly.” See the full interview of Anish Giri in the video and More reactions to Magnus Carlsen’s resignation against Hans Niemann

Anish Giri will meet Hans Niemann in the 10th round of the Julius Baer Generation Cup. Anish Giri vs Hans Niemann, Julius Baer Generation Cup R10 LIVE

New: The Carlsen – Niemann conflict is more recent than everyone thinks?

See the timetable of happenings related to Niemann – Carlsen case:

See the timetable of happenings related to Carlsen’s withdrawal from the event:

This is not the only cheating allegations scandal in chess, rather a repeating story. Some allegations without proof were punished, like the Solozhenkin case you mention, others like Topalov’s allegations against Kramnik were not. We have precedents in both directions.

In every case there should be a clear and consistent process to follow. 

Do you believe Carlsen will make a statement by the end of the tournament?

I don’t know, but if he doesn’t make one soon the issue should be taken up by the Ethics Commission. 

You have strong and clear opinions on topics, but you are also a fantastic author. Recently we had a look at 10 ways to get better in chess  What next can we expect next from you?

I don’t currently have any books planned, though I continue to work on improving my tigerchess.com site.