Navigating the Rules of Chess Cheaters: What Happens to Your Game Score?

Chess Cheaters Face Consequences: What Happens to Your Game Score?

The world of chess has been rocked by the presence of cheaters, leading to a slew of anti-cheating measures being implemented at tournaments. From electronic gear checks to limits on hallway conversations, organizers are doing everything they can to keep the game fair.

But what happens when a cheater is caught and expelled from an event? And more importantly, what happens to the game scores of their opponents? National Tournament Director and FIDE National Arbiter Tim Just breaks down the rules in his latest column, “Just the Rules.”

If you were fortunate enough to win your game against the cheater, there is no adjustment needed to your victory point. However, if you scored a draw, your score will be adjusted upward to reflect a one-point bye. And if you lost, you will likely walk away with zero points against the expelled cheater.

But what if the cheater is caught during your game? In that case, you win via forfeit.

While these rules may seem straightforward, there are variations and nuances that can come into play. Most chess players may not even realize what happens to their game score after a cheater is caught.

For more insights into chess rules and regulations, check out Tim Just’s column on the US Chess website. And if you’re interested in delving deeper into the world of chess, Tim’s books “My Opponent is Eating a Doughnut” and “Just Law” are available for purchase.

Chess may be a game of strategy and skill, but it’s clear that cheating has no place in the world of competitive play. And thanks to measures put in place by tournament organizers, cheaters are finding it increasingly difficult to pull off their underhanded tactics.