Fair Play & Anti-Cheating Policy

Our Commitment to Fair Play

Chess is a game of pure intellect, strategy, and skill. At Chess OX, every player deserves a level playing field. Cheating — engine assistance, collusion, or manipulation — betrays the community. This policy sets clear rules, detection methods, sanctions, and appeals. Zero tolerance applies: engine assistance, match fixing, and collusion are treated as serious violations regardless of stakes or intent.

Article 1 – Scope & Application

• 1.1 Who it applies to: Every registered user across all game modes.
• 1.2 What it covers: Rated and unrated games, all tournaments, puzzles, leaderboard activities, and off-platform conduct affecting integrity.
• 1.3 Relationship: This policy prevails over other platform policies on all fair play matters.

Article 2 – Prohibited Conduct (Complete List)

1. Engine & Computer assistance: Running any chess engine (Stockfish, Leela, Komodo, etc.), AI tools, browser extensions, second device analysis, or streaming to an accomplice.
2. External resources: Opening books, databases, endgame tablebases, internet search, or physical notes during a live game.
3. Third-party assistance & Account Sharing: Account sharing, letting another person play on your account, playing on someone else's account, help from stronger players, voice/video calls, or remote desktop control.
4. Collusion & match fixing: Pre-arranged results, deliberately losing, manipulating tournament standings, or accepting compensation.
5. Rating manipulation: Sandbagging (deliberately losing to lower rating), rating farming, win trading, or abusing provisional rating status.
6. Disconnection & time manipulation: Deliberate disconnects to avoid a loss, exploiting grace periods, VPN lag manipulation, or letting the clock run down intentionally in a lost position.
7. Platform exploitation: Exploiting bugs/glitches, using automated scripts, manipulating browser developer tools, or altering game data packets.

✅ What is NOT cheating: Studying openings/endgames before or after games, engine analysis after game completion, coach preparation between rounds, and using memorised opening preparation.

Article 3 – Detection Methods

• 3.1 Move correlation: Automated comparison with top engine suggestions across multiple search depths; unusual correlation triggers human review.
• 3.2 Move time analysis: Abnormal timing patterns (consistent move duration regardless of board complexity) indicative of engine use.
• 3.3 Behavioural patterns: Sudden unexplained rating jumps, near-engine accuracy streaks, and abnormal win-rate anomalies.
• 3.4 Statistical analysis: Advanced probability models calibrated against millions of human games at all rating levels.
• 3.5 Connectivity & device analysis: Multi-account detection, abnormal disconnect patterns, and automated input interactions.
• 3.6 Community reports: In-game report button and email reports trigger priority review, always independently verified by our Fair Play team.
• 3.7 FIDE referral: Confirmed cases from FIDE-rated events may be referred to the FIDE Fair Play Commission.

Article 4 – Investigation Process

• Stage 1 – Automated Flagging: System flags suspicious games and accounts (the player is not alerted to avoid evasion).
• Stage 2 – Fair Play Committee Review: At least two panel members independently review engine scores, timing analysis, game history, and telemetry.
• Stage 3 – Consensus Decision: Categorised as No Finding, Formal Warning, or Confirmed Cheating.
• Stage 4 – Notification: Email sent to the player stating the finding, affected games, sanctions, and appeal rights.
• Stage 5 – Sanctions Applied: As defined in Article 5 below.
• Stage 6 – Appeals Window: 14 calendar days from notification.
• Timeline: Review completed within 7 days (complex cases up to 21 days); decision notified within 48 hours.

Article 5 – Sanctions & Penalties

Additional Consequences:

• Automatic consequences: Forfeiture of affected games, rating correction, prize forfeiture, and permanent record on account.
• Tournament specific: Immediate disqualification, standings adjustment, and prize recovery.
• Permanent ban criteria: Second engine offence, collusion in a prize tournament, threatening staff, or egregious misconduct.
• Enhanced monitoring: 6 months probation after any non-permanent ban.

Article 6 – Appeals Process

• Right to appeal: Within 14 days of sanction notification.
• How to submit: Email help@chessox.com with subject: Fair Play Appeal - [username] - [reference number].
• Requirements: Include username, reference number, specific finding disputed, detailed explanation, and any supporting evidence.
• Appeals Panel: Two senior staff not involved in the original decision review data and new evidence.
• Outcomes: (a) Appeal Upheld (sanctions removed and rating restored); (b) Partially Upheld (sanction reduced); (c) Dismissed (finding confirmed).
• Resolution: Decision issued within 14 days of submission.

Article 7 – Reporting Suspected Cheating

• How to report: Use the in-game Report button (flag icon) or email contact@chessox.com with subject Fair Play Report.
• Information to include: Opponent's username, Game ID/link, date, and description of suspicious behavior.
• Confidentiality: The identity of the reporting player is never disclosed.
• Collusion evidence: Email contact@chessox.com marked URGENT.

Article 8 – Special Rules for Tournaments

• Heightened standards: All tournament games are automatically subject to deep engine review.
• Prize distribution: May be paused up to 30 days pending fair play clearance.
• Live intervention: A player may be removed mid-tournament if evidence is conclusive.
• Account security responsibility: You are strictly liable for all activity on your account.

Article 9 – Player Responsibilities & Best Practices

• Use a strong, unique password and do not share your login.
• Close all chess engines and analysis tabs before starting live games.
• Report cheating through official channels; never make public accusations in chat or forums.
• On shared devices, ensure no third-party chess programs are running.

Article 10 – Contact Points & Governing Law

Governing Law: Laws of India, exclusive jurisdiction Courts of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.