Fair Play Policy
Protecting the integrity of skill-based competition
Why Fair Play Matters
ChessStake is built on a fundamental principle: skill determines outcome. Unlike gambling, where chance plays a role, chess is a game of pure intellectual ability. This distinction is not just philosophical—it's legally critical.
Skill-Based Competition
Outcome determined by player ability, preparation, and strategic thinking. This is what ChessStake is.
Gambling
Outcome determined by chance, randomness, or factors outside player control. This is NOT what we are.
Cheating undermines this distinction. If outcomes are determined by who has the best engine rather than who plays the best chess, the competition loses its skill-based nature—and its legal standing.
Our Philosophy
Human vs Human
Chess is a battle of minds. Every game should be decided by the players' skill, knowledge, and creativity—not by algorithms.
Equal Opportunity
Both players start with the same pieces, same time, same rules. The only advantage should be your chess ability.
Trust & Integrity
When you stake USDC against an opponent, you trust they'll play fairly. We work to ensure that trust is warranted.
Zero Tolerance
Cheating isn't a gray area. We have zero tolerance for any form of unfair assistance or manipulation.
Prohibited Conduct
Chess Engine Use
Using any chess engine, AI, or computer analysis during a game.
- Stockfish, Leela, Komodo, or any other engine
- Browser extensions that analyze positions
- Mobile apps running in background
- Consulting engine analysis on another device
External Assistance
Receiving help from any person or resource during play.
- Another player suggesting moves
- Consulting opening databases mid-game
- Streaming/broadcasting for advice
- Using tablebases during the game
Collusion
Coordinating with other players to manipulate outcomes.
- Pre-arranged game results
- Intentionally losing to transfer funds
- Multi-accounting to play yourself
- Rating manipulation schemes
Exploits & Abuse
Exploiting technical vulnerabilities or abusing systems.
- Disconnecting to avoid losses
- Exploiting bugs or glitches
- Clock manipulation
- Abusing the rating system
Account Violations
Misusing accounts or identity systems.
- Multiple accounts (multi-accounting)
- Account sharing
- Playing on someone else's behalf
- Selling or buying accounts
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Behavior that damages the competitive environment.
- Stalling in lost positions
- Harassment or abuse in chat
- Repeated game abandonment
- False cheating accusations
How We Detect Cheating
Multi-Layer Detection
We employ multiple methods to identify unfair play. No single indicator triggers action—we look at patterns across multiple dimensions.
Statistical Analysis
We analyze move accuracy, centipawn loss patterns, and correlation with engine top choices across multiple games.
Time Pattern Analysis
Unusual time usage patterns—like consistently quick moves in complex positions—can indicate external assistance.
Behavioral Patterns
Sudden rating jumps, inconsistent playing strength, and unusual game selection patterns are red flags.
Manual Review
Our team reviews flagged accounts and reported players. Human judgment is essential for edge cases.
Privacy Note: Detection methods analyze game data and move patterns only. We do not employ invasive monitoring, screen capture, or access to personal files.
Consequences
First Minor Offense
Account warning and notification. No immediate restrictions. This applies to minor unsportsmanlike conduct or first-time technical violations.
Repeated or Moderate Offenses
Temporary restrictions on staked games. May include matchmaking limitations or stake caps. Account remains active for free play.
Serious Offenses
Account suspended for a defined period (7-90 days). All active games may be annulled. Appeal available through support.
Severe or Repeated Offenses
Permanent account termination. Engine use, collusion for financial gain, or repeated violations result in permanent bans with no appeal.
Fund Security Guarantee
Important: Even if your account is suspended or banned, funds in active games are handled by the smart contract, not by us. We cannot and will not seize, freeze, or redirect your funds as a punishment.
- Completed games pay out normally via smart contract
- Pending games may be annulled (both players refunded)
- We never touch funds already in your wallet
This is fundamental to our non-custodial architecture. Account restrictions affect platform access, not fund custody.
Reporting Suspected Cheating
If you believe an opponent cheated, you can report them. Please note:
Gather Information
Note the game ID, date/time, and specific moves or patterns that seemed suspicious.
Submit Report
Email [email protected] with subject "Fair Play Report" and include all relevant details.
Investigation
Our team reviews the report using the detection methods described above. This may take several days.
Outcome
We'll notify you of the outcome if action is taken. For privacy reasons, we don't share specific details about other accounts.
False Reports
Losing a game is not evidence of cheating. Many players are simply better than you expect. Repeated false or malicious reports may result in restrictions on your own account.
Appeals Process
If you believe you were wrongly sanctioned:
- Email us at [email protected] with subject "Fair Play Appeal"
- Include your username and any context you believe is relevant
- Be honest — false appeals waste everyone's time and won't succeed
- Wait for review — appeals are reviewed within 7-14 days
Permanent bans for confirmed engine use are generally not reversible.
Your Responsibility
You are responsible for your account
- Keep your login credentials secure
- Don't let others play on your account
- Close chess engines and analysis tools before playing
- Play in an environment free from external assistance
- Report any suspicious activity you observe
"My friend/brother/dog used my account" is not a valid defense. You are accountable for all activity on your account.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to maintaining ChessStake as a platform where skill—and only skill—determines success. Fair play isn't just a rule; it's the foundation of everything we do.
Play fair. Play hard. May the best player win.
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