One other significant fact here: After an impressive win, commentators often interview the winner and quiz them about their strategy, move-by-move. As a top 50 player, Hans has won many games, and been interviewed many times. However, after this game with Magnus, Hans' interview was utterly incoherent. He seemed to have completely forgotten which other moves he considered throughout most of the game. These games last for hours, and require intense concentration and memory. Forgetting what happened in the game is simply NOT possible. This is why every seasoned chess fan immediately became very suspicious, even in the absence of a smoking gun... no matter where it was holstered.

There's a lot more to this story. Magnus has been playing and losing for over two decades, so it's not that he's a sore loser. But the main thing is that this wasn't out of the blue. Hans was a concern of many other super grand masters, who felt that the security measures against Hans were not up to par. After the game against Magnus, Hans gave terrible analysis, unable to communicate his decisions the way that would be expected of a top player. (Which kind of puts his phrase of "The chess speaks for itself" and then walking away into perspective.) One more thing, Hans and Magnus played two games at the beach a month before, Magnus with black. And Magnus was just in another level. So that must of also played a part. Especially when you also consider the fact that computer analysis has Hans currently playing better than the peak of any chess player in history. These things are red flags.

The thing to me is that someone who is a long-term player of a game of skill, knows when someone is cheating. They might not be able to say exactly how/what specific method is being used, but they know it’s going on. Experienced tournament players of video games or experienced online gamers often pick up that a certain person has to be using a bot. When somebody has worked his or her way to highest levels of competition, you won’t find an insinuation of cheating being thrown carelessly about by any means. It actually takes a great deal of courage to actually call out cheating since it’s impossible for the accuser to prove. Therefore, they’re taking great risk with their reputation if it’s interpreted as and attributed to being a sore loser or troublemaker.

My life is complete, Dr G discussing an(a)l beads while keeping a perfectly straight face 🤣

I swear i thought he was going to say “now moving to the timeline of the crime.” 🤣 Love ya Doc ❤🙏🏽

I think one of the weirdest oddities was Hans' rebuttal after being questioned about preparing for an opening Magnus had never played. A day after this occurred, during an interview Hans said "The opening WAS played by Magnus vs Wesley So in the London Chess Classic 2018". He said it clearly, succinctly and confidently without hesitance, and actually brought the topic up himself. Neither Wesley So nor Magnus Carlsen played in the London Chess Classic in 2018. They did however play 1 game in the London Chess Classic 2017, but the opening played was a polar opposite to what Magnus played against Hans (Carlsen - So was a Spanish, while Carlsen - Niemann was a Nimzo with absolutely zero transpositions). Why after having a day to reflect would Hans bring up a game that did not exist?

Clearly, a new protocol for chess tournaments held in an environment that blocks all external radio signals. They could be called "Cage Matches" in reference to the the Faraday cage concept.

Where I work we have cellular/WiFi dead zone rooms for research and testing. Very nice inside with couches and furniture. They could build some of those for tournaments. I’d be interested to see how Hans would manage if he was playing inside a room like that unawares. Could speak volumes. If he is cheating he could become quite flustered, and if he’s not cheating he should be cool as a cucumber whether or not he wins. Another idea would be to offer a large monetary reward for the person who can prove they were feeding information to Hans from a computer. If you make the pot sweet enough someone might come forward. And if no one comes forward it strengthens Hans’ case that he won fair and square.

Playing chess naked is dangerous. You could end up bashing your bishop on the table.

I believe Hans cheated while playing with Magnus and Magnus knows because he's just that good (as well as Han's proven track record of cheating). Hell Han's old chess teacher was also caught cheating two times!

The flip side of the "Magnus has lost before" argument is that when he has, he didn't accuse the winner of cheating. Obviously, there was something about that game in particular that set off his spidey senses. And if I were higher than a 1400 player I would explain what that was. :)

Hi Dr. Todd, You may have seen the news about recent cheating scandals (i.e. Ned Fulmer, Adam Levine) i would really like you to analyze the ned Fulmer case and provide your insight on ways you might be able to profile a cheater long before you enter a relationship with them (i.e. maybe cheaters across the board are all narcissists, maybe a majority are thrill seekers and so on) Thanks!

Not sure if I agree with your last point about probabilities. The chance that he would cheat is entirely dependent on how the game was played. It wasn’t losing alone that caused the accusation, it was the patterns in movement and behavior similar to that of a chess engine.

Dr. Todd, the thing you’ve COMPLETELY MISSED, and it’s huge, is that Magnus has LOST a number of times in the past. In his ENTIRE CAREER, after those losses he has done one of two things, OR BOTH of the two things: 1) BLAME HIMSELF and very specifically describe his mistakes, and/or 2) COMPLIMENTED the EXCELLENT STRATEGY used by his opponent. He NEVER “blamed” his opponent for cheating. He has encountered actual proven cheaters ONLINE, and in those cases where he was streaming and commenting he calmly explained that his opponent was playing way above their “rating”. If you are actually considering PROBABILITIES, you MUST CONSIDER TWO KEY POINTS: 1) you are analyzing the undisputed #1 Chess player in the world, bar none, and arguably the best to ever play the game, 2) that player DOES NOT have a habit of BLAMING OTHERS. Quite the opposite, he criticizes HIMSELF. You were calm, and spoke clearly but when it came time to make a decision based on likelihood & probability you ignored the two most important aspects from Carlsen’s perspective: 1) his knowledge (and intuition) of Chess and 2) his long history of complimenting, often younger, players and placing blame where it belongs, himself.

Just wanted to say thank you for always putting so much hard work into making these videos!🙌🏻 We really appreciate that! Greetings from germany!! ☀️♥️

Never did I think I’d see the day when I could kick back and enjoy some chess drama, but the day is finally here. Revel in it, my fellow nerds, for it may be a long time before we see such a moment again 🍻

Can you please cover a very similar controversy which happened in poker recently involving Garrett Adelstein? Almost identical in terms of there being no smoking gun but suspicious enough for a very calm and seasoned player like Garrett to accuse his opponent Robbi Lew of cheating. Would be fascinated to hear your opinion on the matter. Much love.

There were a series of games where Hans played with greater accuracy than Kasparov, Carlsen and Fischer at their peaks. I have no idea if he cheated in the game against Carlsen (I have string grandmaster friends who think he did not) but based on the engine analysis he very likely cheated WAY MORE than he claims to have and should be disqualified for those reasons.

Just a reminder, I'm not diagnosing anybody in this video; only speculating about what could be happening in a Sicilian Defence like this.

Something my boyfriend told me (i don’t really follow chess) is that Hans was consistently ahead of Magnus the whole game. Usually there’s some swing back and forth as players make suboptimal moves but Hans ALWAYS made the optimal move which is highly unlikely. But i guess it is still possible!

Appreciated your analysis here but was surprised by your opinion that Hanz did not cheat and Magnum just lost. I think the preponderance of evidence goes the other way. Either way, you raise the most important point which is how to ensure cheating doesn't happen as technology develops. In this game, a player's integrity is the most important element of their play if the game is to be a true battle of wits.

It's always great to hear your opinion. One tiny error, the clip that was posted by Magnus, was of a Portuguese coach, not a player.

On October 4, 2022, the Wall Street Journal published an article offering additional evidence in this case. I would love to hear an update if this article has significantly impacted your analysis. Thank you.

Yeeesss!! Thanks for going over this Doc. Great video as usual. 👍🏼

I’d say it’s not impossible he beat the No.1, but chances are so low combined with his previous record is hard for people to believe he didn’t do it. My 10 year old is obsessive with chess. On rare occasions, he can beat player with higher rankings. Because blunders happen and it hard to recover from mistakes in a game. Unless Carlson made a very bad mistake, there’s no way he can be beaten. 400 score difference for over 2000 players is very huge.

I was really hoping for more cheeky references throughout this video 😂

To preserve the integrity of chess, it's of paramount importance that players play nude. In women's chess, perhaps they could finish off with a bit of mud wrestling.

Interesting video. Could you Dr. Grande do an analysis on Judge Aileen Cannon?

Thanks for covering this. Obviously, there is more to this case than can be covered in a short video. As the situation develops a plethora of new evidence and analysis by the chess community has come forward, such as analysis of the quality of his games measured against the preferred moves of the computer. It appears that many of his over the board games match the computer exactly, which is statistically almost impossible, not to mention achieving several 100% games. Cf. videos by Hikaru Nakamura and others. That to me was the final nail in his career's coffin. It's the strongest evidence of cheating yet, although no direct evidence of how this was done can be found

Great video. I liked learning a little bit about chess. You always give just the right amount of background information

Happy Sunday Dr G!

Magnus Carlsen has lost games before without complaining about the game or accusing anyone of cheating. I don't know about this one either, but if Carlsen makes these allegations, there's a chance it could be true. Since Niemann has cheated before, often, I would say that means he's cheating now.

My husband, a chess player, was hocked at how little the federation believes people are cheating when they do it all the time My husband has lost to cheaters and it is frustraiting and unfair. Losing on skill is fine but losing via computer online cheating is just discouraging as what's the point? When proven this needs to get harsher treatment. the ease of cheating is another drawback to too much misused tech to be honest right up there with social media. LOL Morticia

Been waiting for this!

Glad Dr. Grande explained why it matters the color when playing, I was so confused and wondering what makes a difference haha

Thanks for another great video Dr Grande ❤️. I'm listening from Brisbane, Australia.

This former chess club nerd appreciates your very apt and insightful analysis. Thank you.

As always, a balanced and considered analysis of the situation facing the chess world. The denouement will be very interesting either way. Thanks Dr Grande.

What unusual timing for such a similar situation to be happening in poker concurrently... Thanks for a great video, I was hoping to find something thorough but easy to understand

Dr Grande, how do you do all the research and then prepare such a coherent and intriguing presentation ALL the time!❤

As a balance of probability it appears Hans is being overboard. However there a lot of nuances to this chess cheating controversy. Its well known in professional chess circles that cheating has become rampant, and players of very high rating have also been indulging in it. The other factor is that Magnus is definitely not a sore loser; in fact he's lost individual games even recently while winning overall tournaments. Theres is no reason for him to be upset on losing a preliminary round match against Hans and pulling out of the tournament in a huff, as it appears on the outside to have happened. In fact he had a point to prove to the world after that occurance, and in a subsequent tournament, the Julius Baer cup, he conceded his only game against Hans by resigning, but went on to play the rest of the tournament very strongly, winning by a very large margin in the preliminary rounds, and emphatically in the final. Reading between the lines Magnus appears to be saying he is making a statement about cheating on behalf of the chess community; who else but the foremost chess player has the credentials to make such a statement? The other thing Magnus is stating is that chess as a compititive game will die if players use chess engines on the sly to go forward in their rankings, especially when playing in super GM leagues. Magnus has the intuition to understand behind the scene goings on, and in touch with people in the same circles who would otherwise not talk openly. Its not smart to simply dismiss Magnus, or offer false sympathy to Hans, especially if the system has been covering up for the misdeeds of the latter.

Dr Grande. I’ve been a fan for a bit and I just want to say that I love you you analyze problems thoroughly and take in information objectively. Your channel is an absolute must.

Once again, the wit & the insight o Dr. Grande is unmatched ! 💗 to Dr. Grande & all of his fans & subscribers.

Just as there are blood tests to protect against performance enhancing drugs for athletic competitions, there could also be physical tests prior to chess competitions. (anal probes included) Have competitors in uniforms issued at the event.

Hans Niemann looks like a "villain" in a Renaissance painting!

HN has a long history of games where his moves correlate perfectly with the top chess engines suggested moves. Many games with 100% correlation. Guilty.

What kind of mic setup are you using? Also, nice summary of this scandal!

Greetings Dr. Grande, would love to hear your opinion on a similar Poker Controversy between Garrett Adelstein vs. Robbie Lew! Thank you.

I've noticed that in any sport or competition that if other professional players/ participants think somebody was cheating, they probably were. Because they know what to look for and if something seems fishy.

I have only one question for you Dr Grande!! do you ever sleep? You deliver great content at an alarming state.

Now that Summer season is ovee in Greece i can relax,voice of drGreande is so soothing

Dr. Grande, When you have time can you please revisit Terry Shiavo case from the 90's? I was a kid when it happened. Much Obliged Thank you and Stay Healthy !!

While no one can know for sure, I think it is likely that Hans cheated. I base this on most of the very things you mentioned: his lack of concentration, his inability to describe his strategy, his previous cheating history (we know he's not allergic to cheating), and certainly his rapidly improved score all make me skeptical. As for the future of chess, I don't think I'd be interested in "exhibition" games. 🤣

DIDNT EXPECT THIS VIDEO HAHA

I respectfully disagree. If chess starts being played naked, everyone is a winner

Love that I just learned about this yesterday, and then you give us full coverage one day later! Magic!

It would be a different situation if Magnus had any kind of habit or track-record of accusing people of cheating. But he doesn't. On the other side of the divide, Niemann *does* have a track-record of cheating, which he readily admits.

Exhibition tournament 👌 👀 😆 🤣 Good one. Nerd humor at its finest.

Revisited this one 2024. One of Dr. Grande's very best!

There are several other details that have come to light recently that were not mentioned here. As players comb over Hans' past recorded games looking for evidence, they've found strange spikes in close correspondence with top engine moves, meaning Hans was at points playing almost exactly like the best computers in the world. Carlsen himself, along with other super GMs, only correlate to about 80% of the computer's top moves at their very best, and while this percentage fluctuates, it does not display as much volatility as Hans' history. From what I gathered Hans' recorded games deviate from most of the world's top players, so unless he has discovered a new way of thinking about the game (which may be possible with close training with top computers not accessable to players in the past), it seems reasonable to be suspicious of his recent monumental rise in rating. His lack of statements during this process also screams a little foul, unless he really does think there is no reason to defend himself. As always, Thanks Doc for a great rundown of interesting topics.

Please cover the Ned Fulmer of Try Guys cheating scandal

I've been waiting for this!!

I would like one of these vibrating morse code devices. For chess-cheating purposes only of course.

It would be an easy thing to check now and in the future if players cheat with electronic aids. A thorough physical examination is what is needed.

Dr. G and the chess drama - that sounds like a lot of fun (;

Jose Mourinho (the Portuguese soccer coach featured on the tweet posted by Magnus) is very famous coach that is a household name in many countries in Europe. He's not a soccer player, although he was once upon a time, and he became famous as a coach.

"new meaning to exhibition tournament" take my upvote doc you earned it

Love your content a lot Dr. Grande! It seems controversy is the best way to promote chess.

Hello Gr.Grande. I have read about this subject. My only question is why one will cheat, attention, money or fame, and so on. But (my thoughts) is that in your mind you know you did not win, so what is the joy of winning. Best Regards

They could always play wearing a suit of armour. This would act as a Faraday cage blocking any electronic signals plus add to the aesthetic of chess. Failing that the chess world may have to brace itself for the body cavity search before tournaments.

The game of chess is like a sword fight; you must think first, before you move.

What is Magnus’s baseline losing behavior? That might shed some light on his credibility. History gives us lots of valuable information. An interesting one. 🤔 Thanks, Dr. G!

« The truth is that there is no way to know (10:25). » This is an extremely complex paradox, or even a contradictory: if there is no way to know the truth, then dr. Grande can't know for certain that the truth itself is a concept for which there is no way to fathom it. (Yes, all this talking about high level chess moves brought a philosophical mood to me 🤔)

You should have also pointed out that Magnus had refused to defend his world championship title unless a specific player would have won the candidates tournaments in order to challenge him and that player did not win. And this demonstrates Magnus is finding excuses to retire from chess all together. He is simply finding excuses to get out of the game and his career

I honestly believe Magnus. I'm sure someone like him would immediately recognize something was off.

I've lost it at the exhibition bit. Thank you for providing this deserved laughter !

As a member of a chess club here in louisiana i found this fascinating. What a story...

A spicy story, indeed.

What made Carlsen suspicious was the lack of Nieman's focus in critical positions. He mentioned in a Norwegian interview from August his concerns about cheating; a grandmaster only needs a few hints per match to win. He also mentioned long ago the threat of cheating, and the fact that suspicion of someone cheating would negatively influence his game play. This is why I believe he withdrew from that game.

Great analysis!

“Of the bead verity.” You can now sell merch with that on it.

You could defeat a lot of cheat techniques by having the match take place inside a Faraday cage. This would block signals from electronic devices that could transmit moves.

Oh goodness, the description of using Morse Code signals via an anal bead to cheat at chess made me laugh out loud! 😅 And it’s not the least bit funny. I can’t imagine wanting to win anything that badly.

Hans is also a huge fan of the character "Raymond Reddington" from "The blacklist" series, which gives huge insight into his mindset.

I heard this on the BBC while getting to work and I know nothing about chess, so the accusations and information took me out. Scandals in chess, poker and fishing tournaments.... none of which I have any knowledge

Great analysis I play backgammon, we don’t have much of a problem with cheaters

👏👏 “BRAVO DR. GRANDE!” 👏👏 Phenomenal case analysis and video, as always! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Good afternoon, Dr. Grande. 🙂 Great analysis, especially 12:38-12:58..😂..Thank you & have a nice afternoon! 🌵

Good Afternoon, Dr. Grande.

EXHIBITION TOURNAMENT lol I’m dead 😂

Great general point re cheating. I just watched a video showing that yesterday, 2 sleazes cheated in a Walleye fishing tournament near Cleveland by stuffing lead weights and fish fillets into their 5 fish before they were weighed. They're lucky that crowd didn't filler them...... literally.

Good morning Dr Grande. I personally don't like chess , I've tried to learn it but I have more patience watching paint dry. Those who have success live in an ivory tower , and like too play a hissy fit or two. Thank you Dr Grande. Excellent analysis and informative topic.

Dumb question: can't they play in like a Faraday cage (idk if that's the thing) or something that blocks signal? So they don't have external help?

Please do an analysis of Chester Bennington!

“Everybody will experience defeat in that scenario” I can’t stop laughing 😂

I am an amateur cheff competitor and love your channel. With a couple of titles for national blind players but I swear I never cheated with my braille chess set. I know I’m gonna like your video. Thanks! Just promise me you won’t diagnose anybody

Jose Mourinho is not a player, he's a manager

Somebody can say: Cheater once - cheater always.If Hans did sooner or later he will be caught -its up to authorities to provide safe environment for players and eliminate any possibility for such behavior. Thank you Dr.Grande for another great analysis.

The real issue is that it's relatively easy to cheat online; many grandmasters rated higher than Hans Niemann have been banned for cheating online. But cheating over the board is incredibly difficult and, in the absence of some mechanism in which it could have occurred, it's impossible. There are already many protocols to catch cheaters in real tournaments so, without evidence, the correct assumption is that Magnus simply lost. There were errors in both his play and Niemann's play in that game which are evidence that no one was cheatig.

Isn’t it only since the pandemic started that online chess is used toward your FIDE ranking? I thought in the recent past online games were tracked separately?