Backgammon rocked by cheating scandal: USBGF announces sanctions and invalidates matches

The world of backgammon is currently reeling from a cheating scandal that has rocked the U.S. Backgammon Federation (USBGF) and the international backgammon community. The scandal unfolded during the 2024 Genud Cup, an online event between the U.K. and U.S. women’s teams, where one player was found to have engaged in “unethical and unauthorized actions” that violated fair play principles and official competition rules.

As a result of the investigation, Team USA requested that matches involving the player in question be invalidated, leading to Team UK being officially declared the champions of the Genud Cup. The identity of the barred player has not been disclosed.

Kara Schultz, chair of the USBGF, issued a statement expressing deep apologies to all those affected by the situation and reaffirming the organization’s commitment to fostering a culture of trust, respect, and sportsmanship in backgammon. Strict sanctions have been imposed on the offending player, who is now barred from participating in national events, both online and live, with all matches played by the individual in 2024 being invalidated.

The incident has drawn parallels with the world of chess, which has also grappled with cheating scandals in recent years. The case of Ukrainian-born Romanian GM Kiril Shevchenko, currently suspended pending an investigation for suspected cheating, serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining fair play in competitive games.

While cheating in backgammon is less common than in chess, the incident serves as a stark reminder that no sport is immune to unethical behavior. The USBGF’s commitment to upholding the values of fair competition and the spirit of the game is crucial in maintaining the integrity of backgammon as a sport.

As the backgammon community grapples with the fallout of this scandal, it is clear that vigilance and strict enforcement of anti-cheating measures are essential to preserving the integrity of competitive play. Cheating may be the dark side of every sport, but with a united front against unethical behavior, the backgammon community can continue to enjoy the game with trust and respect for all players involved.