In a move to combat the growing scourge of cheating in chess, World Chess (LSE: CHSS) is introducing voluntary polygraph testing as a significant new tool in its anti-cheating arsenal. This initiative, to be added immediately to the list of anti-cheating measures for chessarena.com, the World Chess official gaming platform, follows a high-profile polygraph test taken by former World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik.

Background: The Catalyst for Change 

The chess world has been fraught with cheating allegations, including $100 million lawsuits, and one of the most vocal critics of cheating has been Vladimir Kramnik himself. Known for his advocacy for fair play, Kramnik recently participated in and won the “Clash of Blames” against José Martínez Alcántara, a match that highlighted the importance of addressing cheating in both online and over-the-board chess.

In a move to solidify his stance and offer an example in transparency, as well as address persistent rumors dating back to the 2006 World Championship match against Veselin Topalov—often referred to as "Toiletgate"—Kramnik voluntarily took a polygraph test. The test, administered with the facilitation of Pinkerton, the famous detective agency, by a former Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent, sought to address three critical questions:

Did Kramnik communicate in any way designed to assist him in cheating during the 2006 World Chess Championship against Topalov?

Has Kramnik cheated in any online chess games or tournaments since June 2019?

Has Kramnik ever been offered a bribe to deliberately lose a chess match since becoming a top 10 player? (Answer: YES)

The polygraph results were clear: Kramnik was found to be truthful on all accounts, with "No Deception Indicated."  This outcome not only reaffirms Kramnik's integrity but also underscores the effectiveness of polygraph testing as a tool to verify the truth.

A New Era in Chess: World Chess's Initiative

Building on the credibility of Kramnik's polygraph results, World Chess is taking the unprecedented step of offering polygraph testing as an additional voluntary measure to combat cheating. This initiative is designed to be a last-resort option for players facing cheating accusations, allowing them to clear their names through a rigorous and transparent process.

To further enhance the integrity of the sport, World Chess is extending this opportunity to all top 100 players, who can voluntarily undergo the same polygraph test for free. The goal is to establish polygraph testing as a standard procedure within the chess community, similar to doping tests in other sports, thereby reinforcing trust and transparency at the highest levels of competition.

 Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, emphasized the importance of this initiative: "Cheating allegations have cast a shadow over chess for too long. By introducing voluntary polygraph testing, we are taking a decisive step to protect the integrity of our beloved sport. This initiative not only supports honest players but also strengthens the public's trust in chess as a fair game."

 World Chess will be working closely with FIDE and other major chess organizations and propose to integrate polygraph testing into their anti-cheating protocols, aiming to create a safer, fairer competitive environment for all players. 

 “In high-stakes situations like the recent Carlsen-Niemann controversy, where resolutions remain elusive and speculation runs rampant, a reliable polygraph test—if mutually agreed upon by all parties—could decisively resolve the conflict. Such a measure would provide players, the public, and chess organizers with clear, definitive information, effectively ending any lingering doubts and putting the focus back on the game itself,” said Merenzon.

Rory Lamrock, Pinkerton Director: “Polygraphs, which track physiological responses to help detect deception are valuable tools often used by law enforcement, government and corporate security teams as part of an investigative strategy. They work alongside evidence, witness statements, and data analysis to ensure fairness and integrity. Using the polygraph as part of our strategy to promote fair play reinforces accountability and trust in both the players and match procedures, ensuring that world of chess maintains its commitment to fairness.” 

Appendix: Questions and Definitions used in the test:

On the 22nd of August 2024 the subject, Mr Vladimir KRAMNIK (V.K.) was administered one (1) polygraph examination consisting of a series of polygraph charts in which relevant, comparison and control questions were used.

The relevant questions asked of the examinee in the test are as set out below with the respective answers given in bold (No):

QUESTION 1: During your ‘‘Playing Sessions’ in the World Chess Championship with 'Topalov’’ did you ‘communicate in any way’ with ‘anyone or anything’ in a manner ‘designed or intended’ to assist you in cheating? Yes / No

QUESTION 2: Since the 1st of June 2019, during any ‘Online Chess Game or Tournaments’ did you ‘communicate in any way’ with ‘anyone or anything’ in a manner designed or intended to assist you in cheating? Yes / No

QUESTION 3: Since you became a ‘Top 10 chess Player’ are you lying when you say an ‘Opposing Player’, or their ‘Official Representative’ offered you more than $10K to deliberately loose of a chess match? Yes / No

For the purposes of the test, the examinee agreed the following:

 The Examinee agreed that for the purposes of this Examination the term ‘Playing Sessions’ meant ‘the period of time when, in a ‘game of Chess’ either player’ is permitted to move ‘their pieces’ and when both players are acting under the instructions of ‘the ‘Arbiter(s).’

The Examinee agreed that for the purposes of this Examination the term ‘World Chess Championship with ‘TOPALOV’’ referred the Chess World Championship match in 2006 played in Elista, Russia in which he played against Veselin

The examinee agreed that for the purpose of this test the term ‘communicated in any way’ included face to face contact, use of any third party and use of any mailing/courier system and all forms of telephonic communication and any other electronic media formats of communication available, whether supported by the internet or not, and all associated applications. 

The examinee agreed that for the purpose of this test the term ‘Top 10 Chess Player’ meant an individual who is rated ‘within the ‘Top 10 Chess Players in the world’ by the ‘International Chess Federation’ -‘FIDE.’

The examinee agreed that for the purpose of this test the term ‘Official representative’ includes members of an opponent’s team and includes their ‘Manager,’ ‘Trainer,’ ‘Coach,’ and ‘Sponsor.’

The examinee agreed that for the purpose of this test the term ‘‘Cheating’ in Chess’ is obtaining ‘information or advice’ from ‘anything or anyone’ during a ‘game playing session’ that gives you an ‘unfair advantage’ and breaks ‘the rules of chess.’