It’s not often the chess world makes headlines, but the 2022 Sinquefield Cup (one of five tournaments in the annual World Chess Tour) did just that, and the game may never be the same. During the third round of the competition, on September 4th, Magnus Carlsen—the five-time World Chess Champion—lost to Hans Niemann, a 19-year-old from California. Carlsen first earned the title of Grandmaster at the age of 13. At 19, he ranked #1 in the International Chess Fed- eration world rankings, the youngest person to ever do so at the time. Following what has been described as a “humiliating” defeat, Carlsen tweeted suspicions of Niemann cheating. Accusations and conspiracies then took the internet by storm. Some suggested Niemann could have a vibrating shoe insert. Some claimed he could have bribed the camera crew or arbiters (chess cheating monitors). One conspiracy gained particular momentum, especially after it was picked up by tech billionaire Elon Musk: Hans Niemann must have used anal beads to receive morse code messages from an observer, possibly with the assistance of a chess engine.
In an attempt to explore the feasibility of anal beads in this environment, I asked an anonymous source to share their opinion based on personal experience. I was initially interested in whether morse code or any code based on the number of vibrations would be intelligible when transmitted this way. They said it depends on the speed settings, how much space is between each vibration, how quick they are, etc. Likely, this sort of thing would take practice. I was also interested in how a set of beads could hypothetically be used indiscreetly in Niemann’s place with his opponents in close proximity for an extended period of time. They said, “I think they make certain ones that are meant to be ‘discreet’ so I do think—if it was high quality enough—it could definitely be silent.” Though they added that it would depend on the setting of the vibration as well as the user’s clothes and seating cushion. In conclusion, a person could theoretically receive morse code vibrations through anal beads while those around them are unaware.
As far as the feasibility of a cheating method like this with the security measures of most high-stakes chess competitions, cheating seems unlikely. For example, chess competitions have arbiters present whose jobs are to watch players and ensure the integrity of the game. At the Sinquefield Cup, where questions of Niemann’s integrity first received the spotlight, all participants were scanned with a metal detector wand on their front and back before play. Despite some reports, this measure was in place before Carlsen and Niemann played each other, as is evident in the recorded online streams of each day of the competition. Cameras for various news and chess broadcast services are also present to record nearly every angle of each board. Often, these competitions are broadcast with 15-30 minute delays as well to prevent people watching from being able to assist in cheating attempts. With these measures in mind, it seems as though successfully sneaking in and using anal beads to cheat would be quite difficult.
As with any other sport, cheating is taken very seriously. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) expressed their disagreement with the way Carlsen handled the situation but is opening an investigation into Niemann’s previous over-the-board (aka in-person) games and playing history– something the organization has never done before. After analyzing whether or not there is justification for the cheating accusation, they will review Niemann’s performances at other competitions. If no basis for the suspicions are found, however, there will be consequences for Carlsens’ accusations. Chess.com has also responded to these suspicions by publishing a 72-page report detailing Niemann’s history on the platform including over 100 instances of cheating in online games. Chess.com has also stated that there are several other chess grandmasters that show evidence of cheating online but whom they will not reveal because there is no current in- vestigation into their conduct. The report reveals cheating in online games before 2020, but no information about games since then. Chess.com does not have the authority or equipment to monitor in-person games, so the report is limited to games played online on the Chess.com platform.
Chess.com plans to purchase Magnus Play, Carlsen’s mobile app where players can practice and learn chess techniques, for $82.9 million. The deal is set to close sometime in the upcoming weeks. How much this has influenced the report on Niemann is unclear. Chess.com declares its impartiality but others are skeptical. Chess.com user “HighestGorilla” in a comment under the report said, “The way it looks is: Carlsen mounted a campaign (rightly or wrongly) spurred by a shock- ing personal defeat, and Chess.com immediately followed suit.” They added that it “don’t smell right.” Another user, Eduardo Santander, agreed, saying “Chess.com & Carlsen have manipulated the information, two heavyweights against a lightweight like Niemann. A sporting disgrace.”
Niemann responded to Carlsen’s initial accusation by admitting to cheating as a child (12 and 16) but claimed never since then. He said, “I’m saying my truth because I do not want any misrepresentation. I am proud of myself that I have learned from that mistake, and now I have given everything to chess. I have sacrificed every- thing for chess.” He also added that cheating when there is prize money would be “the worst thing that I could ever do.” After further conflict between Carlsen and Niemann, Niemann said, “It must be embarrassing for the world champion to lose to me. I feel bad for him.” As for the anal beads conspiracy, he said, “If they want me to strip fully naked, I will do it. I don’t care. Because I know I am clean.”
As for now, Hans Niemann and Magnus Carlsen, as well as the rest of the world’s chess grandmasters, are preparing for the 2023 World Chess Champi- onship. At this time, the greatest impact of these cheating allegations is on the reputations of the two players, which is not to be understated. The reputation of a player can ruin their future in chess since many tournaments are invite-only and will not permit untrustworthy players to attend. Much rests on the results of the FIDE investigation which may determine the future for Niemann and Carlsen. Will Hans Niemann be found out as a chess charlatan or a promising prodigy? Are Carlsen’s allegations reflections of his insecurities and jealousy or is he justly protecting the sanctity of the game of chess? Only time will tell. •
