Cheating and Doping in Chess – A Survey among 1,924 German Club Players using the Randomized Response Technique

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the estimated 12-month prevalence of cheating behaviors (i.e., prohibited chess computer engine use or cognitive doping) among German club chess players.

Methods

An online questionnaire was completed by 1924 German club chess players. Self-reported cheating behavior was examined using game mode specific (i.e., Over the board (OTB) and/or online chess) questions on prohibited actions via randomized response technique (RRT), as well as the specific methods of cheating via direct questioning. Estimated 12-month prevalences are presented descriptively. Potential associations between skill level, age, and game mode with cheating behaviors were analyzed using the chi-square test.

Results

The study revealed estimated 12-month prevalences of 5.1 % (95 % CI: 2.5 – 7.8 %) for cognitive doping in both formats (OTB and/or online chess), 7.1 % (95 % CI: 4.3 – 9.8 %) for cheating in OTB chess, and 6.2 % (95 % CI: 3.1 – 9.3 %) for cheating in online chess. Cheating prevalence is potentially influenced by factors such as skill level, age, and game mode.

Conclusion

The study highlights the presence of cheating in the German club chess community. This highlights the need for targeted anti-cheating measures and policies by chess governing bodies and chess platforms to address this issue and secure the integrity of the sport.