Fair play Policy
1. Introduction
At Checkmate.live, we are committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and competitive environment for all chess enthusiasts. This comprehensive policy addresses the measures we take to ensure the integrity of our platform, covering everything from basic fair play principles to specific rules for professional and FIDE-rated games. By participating on Checkmate.live, you agree to adhere to these policies and contribute to a fair and respectful chess community.
2. Our Pledge to Fair Play
At Checkmate.live, upholding the highest standards of fair play and integrity is the bedrock of our community. We strive to create a level playing field where skill, strategy, and sportsmanship reign supreme. This comprehensive policy, an integral part of our Terms and Conditions, outlines the measures we take to safeguard the integrity of our games and the enjoyment of all players. By participating on Checkmate.live, you agree to adhere to these rules and contribute to a fair and respectful environment.
3. Fair Play Principles
3.1 Integrity is Paramount
Chess is a game of intellect and skill. Play honestly, without the use of unauthorized assistance. Cheating, in any form, undermines the very essence of the game and will not be tolerated.
3.2 Respect Above All
Treat fellow players, opponents, and platform officials with respect. Abusive language, harassment, and unsportsmanlike conduct detract from the community experience and will be subject to disciplinary action.
4. Code of Conduct
4.1 Honesty in Gameplay
Play only your own moves.
Do not cheat in any way.
Do not get help from any other person, including parents, friends, coaches, or another player.
Do not use chess engines, software of any kind, bots, plugins, browser extensions, or any tools that analyze positions during play. We can detect if you are using any of these programs.
Do not use tablebases or any other resources that show the best move (in both Online and Daily chess).
Use Opening Explorer or other books only in Daily chess (not in Online / Live play).
Do not perform any automated analysis or "blunder checking" of your games in progress.
Do not allow anyone else to use your account.
Do not use anyone else's account.
Do not artificially manipulate ratings, matches, or game outcomes.
Do not interfere with the gameplay of other members.
Suspecting your opponent of using outside help is not an excuse to do the same. If you suspect someone is cheating, report the player to Checkmate.live.
Do not have any additional tabs open during the game other than the player portal or any additional programs other than your task manager.
Do not use script injectors, browser console commands, or any other methods to modify the game client or manipulate gameplay.
Do not use VPNs, proxies, or IP masking techniques to hide your location or create multiple accounts.
Do not use optical character recognition (OCR) or screen reading software to analyze the board state and suggest moves.
Do not use external communication devices or software (e.g., smartphones, messaging apps) to receive assistance during games.
Do not exploit any bugs, glitches, or technical vulnerabilities in the platform. If you discover any, report them immediately to Checkmate.live.
Do not use any form of artificial intelligence, machine learning models, or advanced algorithms not explicitly provided by the platform to assist in gameplay.
Do not attempt to intercept, modify, or spoof network traffic between your device and Checkmate.live servers.
Do not use any hardware devices designed to provide chess assistance or move generation.
Do not engage in any form of collusion with other players, including pre-arranging game outcomes or sharing information about ongoing tournament games.
4.2 Commitment to Respect and Tolerance
Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Any form of bullying or harassment is unacceptable. This includes derogatory comments based on race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, culture, faith, mental or physical abilities, or country of origin.
Dignity and Respect: All community members must treat each other with dignity and respect, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone.
Appropriate Communication: Communication, whether through text or video chat, should be respectful and free of offensive or harmful language. Hate speech, discriminatory language, harassment, or threats are strictly prohibited.
4.3 Stay Vigilant
Community Cooperation: Maintaining a fair and fun gaming environment is a collective responsibility. Players are encouraged to use in-game tools to report any incidents or behaviors that violate the Code of Conduct.
Promoting Fair Play: The platform will utilize advanced monitoring and fair play enforcement measures to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct.
4.4 Implementation and Enforcement
Reporting Mechanisms: Clear and accessible in-game reporting tools for players to report misconduct or unfair play.
Investigation Process: A thorough investigation process for reported incidents, ensuring fair and unbiased review.
Disciplinary Actions: Ranging from warnings to temporary suspensions or permanent bans, based on the severity and frequency of the violations.
Transparency: Regular updates and transparency about enforcement efforts and the continuous fight against toxicity and unfair play.
5. Anti-Cheating Measures
5.1 Advanced Anti-Cheat Technology
Our platform employs state-of-the-art computer vision, behavioral analysis, and machine learning algorithms to detect and deter cheating in real-time.
5.2 Sixth-i Anti-Cheat System
Sixth-i, our AI-powered anti-cheat system, ensures fair play at every turn. It's always on and always learning. Developed in collaboration with the Asian Chess Federation, University of Sydney (UTS), and the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, Sixth-i builds upon the foundations of Szuperchess and our founders' experience in managing online competitions and broadcasts for over a decade.
5.3 Proactive Monitoring and Auditing
We continuously monitor games for suspicious activity. Regular audits and player reports help us identify and address potential violations promptly.
5.4 Community Reporting
We encourage all players to report any suspected cheating or collusion. Your vigilance is crucial in maintaining a fair environment.
5.5 Transparency and Education
We will regularly update the community on our anti-cheat efforts and provide resources to help players understand and identify potential violations.
5.6 Prevention of Script Injection Methods
Checkmate.live employs robust security measures to prevent script injection methods that could be used to gain unfair advantages:
We implement comprehensive security protocols to protect the integrity of our platform.
Our systems are regularly updated and monitored to identify and prevent potential exploits.
We utilize advanced techniques to detect and prevent unauthorized modifications to the game client or server communications.
Our security team continuously researches and implements best practices in cybersecurity to stay ahead of potential threats.
Players attempting to use script injection or any other method to manipulate the game or gain unfair advantages will face severe consequences, including permanent bans from the platform.
6. Game Monitoring and Analysis
6.1 Automatic Monitoring
All games within the system will be subject to automatic monitoring, with casual games receiving automated rulings with the option for players to appeal as per our appeal process.
6.2 Pro Game Monitoring
Pro games will be automatically monitored, with arbitrators having the authority to intervene during or after games, similar to football's VAR system.
6.3 Fair Play Score
The Fair Play Score is a crucial component of the Fair Play Monitoring section. It quantifies a player's adherence to fair play standards, integrating various factors such as game conduct, appeal history, and the outcome of any reviews. This index influences a player's reputation and can impact their ability to participate in certain levels of play.
6.4 Video Monitoring
For nominated tournaments and FIDE-rated games, players are required to use web cameras and PCs. The system includes features such as camera activation, real-time video streaming, cloud recording, and efficient video clipping based on timestamps of suspicious activity.
7. Violations and Consequences
7.1 Tiered Violation System
Tier 1 - Severe Integrity Violations:
Cheating/Hacking: Use of unauthorized software, chess engines, or third-party assistance.
Penalty: Disqualification, permanent ban from the platform, forfeiture of prizes and assets.
Match-Fixing/Betting: Manipulating game outcomes or betting on own games.
Penalty: Disqualification, permanent ban from the platform, forfeiture of prizes and assets.
Tier 2 - Serious Misconduct:
Harassment/Bullying: Any form of harassment or bullying, especially based on personal attributes.
Penalty: Warning, loss of rating points, temporary or permanent ban.
Account Misuse: Account sharing, smurfing, or impersonation.
Penalty: Warning, loss of rating points, temporary or permanent ban.
Tier 3 - Unsporting Behavior and Toxic Communication:
Offensive Behavior: Use of hate speech, discriminatory language, or engaging in threatening behavior.
Penalty: Warning, loss of rating points, temporary or permanent ban.
Game Disruption: Griefing, intentional feeding, or inactivity during games.
Penalty: Warning, loss of rating points, temporary ban, disqualification from tournaments.
Tier 4 - Minor Infractions:
Gameplay Interruptions: Frequent disconnections, late arrivals, or abandoning games.
Penalty: Loss of rating points, temporary bans for repeated offenses.
7.2 Enforcement Process
Detection via Sixth-i, Arbiters, or player reports.
Initial review by Fair Play team.
In-depth investigation for serious cases.
Decision and implementation of consequences.
Notification to the affected player.
Option for appeal.
8. Appeals Process
8.1 Submitting an Appeal
Players who believe they have been wrongly penalized can submit an appeal within 7 days of receiving the penalty notice.
8.2 Review and Resolution
The Fair Play Committee reviews all appeals within 14 days. The decisions made by the committee are final.
8.3 Appeal Buffer System
Our community reporting and appeals are monitored, and players are provided appeal credits in line with their membership status.
Allocation:
Arcade Players: One free appeal.
Pro Players: Three appeals.
Alpha Players: Five appeals.
Usage:
Credits are consumed when a player makes an appeal. Successful appeals result in the return of the used credit.
Refill Policy:
Appeal credits are refilled at regular intervals or can be awarded for consistent fair play.
8.4 Appeal Review Timelines
Alpha and Pro Pass Holders: Appeals to be reviewed within 48 hours.
Non-Pass Appeals: Standard review timeline of within 30 days.
9. Policies for Pro & FIDE Rated Games
9.1 Know Your Customer (KYC)
Players participating in pro tournaments, FIDE-rated games, or games promoted by the Asian Chess Federation or similar federations must complete a KYC verification process. KYC verification helps ensure the authenticity of players and prevents fraudulent activities. After completing the KYC process you can sync your FIDE ID automatically.
9.2 Documentation Requirements
Players must provide valid identification documents, such as a passport or government-issued ID, to complete the KYC process. Additional documentation may be required based on the tournament or game's specific requirements.
9.3 Confidentiality
All personal information collected during the KYC process is handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We use Sumsub for the KYC process and do not store your documentation. All accounts are anonymized, except for the information provided at registration on Checkmate.live. Our admins only see your real name if you have claimed your FIDE ID as per FIDE requirements for online competitions. As per FIDE requirements players competing in rated tournaments must play under their real name.
9.4 Non-Compliance
Failure to complete the KYC process will result in disqualification from participating in the relevant tournaments or games.
9.5 FIDE Online Chess Regulations - No More Zoom
Nominated Checkmate Live tournaments and FIDE-rated games require all players to use a web camera and PC. For nominated tournaments and tournaments conducted under FIDE Hybrid rules, we have integrated the following features:
FIDE ID Sync: You can claim your FIDE ID simply by verifying your identity with KYC, and it updates automatically.
Multicam Monitoring: Simply scan a QR code with your mobile device and a second camera is enabled. Place your phone at the back of your room in addition to your webcam.
Screen Sharing: Open your task manager, close all additional browser windows, and you'll be good to go. Make sure you do as the arbiter instructs, as they and their Sixth-i co-pilot can make spot checks during the game.
These features require your permission during tournament onboarding and are only active during the game.
10. Privacy and Data Protection
10.1 Data Security
Personal and game-related data are protected under our Privacy Policy. Data collected for anti-cheat purposes is handled securely.
10.2 Transparency
Players are informed about the data collected for anti-cheat purposes and its use in maintaining fair play.
10.3 No Intrusive Kernel-Based Anti-Cheats
Sixth-i operates entirely in the cloud, analyzing gameplay data without touching your device. No intrusive kernel-based anti-cheats – just pure, privacy-respecting protection.
10.4 Web3 Wallet Integration
Your web3 wallet acts as a unique identifier once we have verified you are a real person with KYC. The Quantum Avatars provide an extra level of privacy by masking your identity when you are online. Unless explicitly required for a tournament, you can compete with your alter ego.
11. Player Responsibilities
Adhere to all fair play policies and guidelines.
Report suspected violations using the provided in-game tools.
Ensure compliance with technical requirements, including stable internet connections and proper camera setups for monitored games.
Stay informed about policy updates and participate in any offered fair play educational initiatives.
Maintain account security and protect login credentials.
12. Amendments and Updates
This Fair Play Policy may be updated or amended to address new challenges and technologies. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed. Players will be notified of significant changes through official Checkmate.live communications.
By participating on Checkmate.live, you acknowledge your understanding and acceptance of this Comprehensive Fair Play Policy. Your commitment to these principles is crucial in maintaining the integrity and enjoyment of online chess for all players.
Last Updated: 15/7/2024 Version: 1
Last updated