MartinC wrote on 06/06/14 at 21:04:06:


That is, or possibly was, the standard for all UK tournaments. Many UK leagues or clubs were prepared to be more lenient, not about using the phone whilst the game was in progress, but  in not penalising someone who had forgotten to totally switch it off, with the loss of the game.

The FIDE anti-cheating committee have come up with the bizarre idea for "amateur" tournaments that it's OK to have a switched off phone or device in your possession as long as it isn't hidden in your luggage or a pocket.

Outside of the USA, offering large prizes to weaker players is uncommon. It's not really surprising that can tempt dubious or unethical behaviour or even outright cheating. From a UK perspective the CCA guidelines miss out a very obvious point, being that there shouldn't be an expectation in the first place that you can use a phone to receive or even send messages whilst playing.

I guess this would just work like the cloakroom at a nightclub. Hand in yer stuff at the door, get a ticket, sign for it.
Dancing optional.


MartinC wrote on 06/06/14 at 21:04:06:

Someone on facebook mentioned that Fide is about to (or already has?) change the cell-phone rule, instead of losing if it rings, phones won't be allowed at all.

Anyone know if this is true? It sounds more logical, but also impractical...

Keano wrote on 06/06/14 at 14:45:26:


In other words, it's not a big problem to you.  Noted.

I believe there is a lot more cheating going on than some people wish to acknowledge.

I think it is rampant in u/2000 sections in which money is on the line.  In the USA there have been numerous people caught even down on the scholastic level.

The USA largest tournament organizer now creating new rules for their tournaments regarding electronic devices and at recent Chicago Open they would not allow people to take electronic devices into bathrooms.

Not sure how effective it really is since people were still going up to their rooms while their game was in progress and I even saw one person in the Skittles room analysing a game while their own game was in progress in the main hall!

There was also someone with a laptop running chess analysis sitting in the main hall (in the back away from the boards, but still) and it took TD's almost 30 minutes to realize this!

here is link to CCA new electronics policy.

http://www.chesstour.com/devices.htm

I've seen Russians chatting openly with each other about their games in local tournaments, thinking that nobody could understand them. But yeah, today's occasional cheat will be very difficult to catch.

They can disagree all they like, I stand by what I said.

Keano wrote on 06/04/14 at 16:28:05:


I don't think that we know the magnitude of the problem.  It may be almost nonexistent at local clubs where there is no money on the line and no chance for norms, but at larger events?  I don't think anyone knows, though we have had some high profile cases, so it certainly exists.