Fabiano Caruana

World No. 3

“When it comes to cheating over-the-board, it’s not talked about as often. Mostly, online cheating is discussed because it is, obviously, more widespread. Not necessarily more serious in terms of consequences, but definitely more common because it’s simply easier to do.

Cheating over-the-board is perceived much more seriously. There is more money involved, the stakes are higher, and FIDE ratings really matter. When a serious over-the-board cheating scandal occurs, the player is effectively banned from chess. Such cases are rare — maybe once every few years. Sometimes a player returns later, but more often they just disappear forever.

In online chess — it’s different. Cheaters are often caught, but it’s done quietly, without publicly revealing their identity. That has been the case for many years. I don’t think it’s a perfect system, but perhaps the organizers are trying to avoid legal issues. Maybe they say it’s to not ruin careers… But honestly, if someone cheats — they are ruining their own career.

There was even a case when I started a tournament with a 7/7 score, and later I heard rumors that some people suspected me of cheating. And that happens. Suspicion can fall on any player.

In recent years, as far as I can tell, such talk has decreased. Maybe the situation has improved. Personally, when I play a tournament, I almost never think about my opponent possibly cheating. This thought hardly ever crosses my mind. I just focus on the game.”