Cheating

In competitive chess, cheating does not simply mean breaking any rule. Under FIDE's framework, it covers two main families of deliberate conduct: receiving prohibited information or advice during a game, and dishonestly altering the result or course of a competition.

Core conduct

• Using an electronic device, another person, notes, or other external assistance to choose moves during the game.
• Engaging in competition manipulation, such as fixing results, falsifying ratings, the numbers used to estimate playing strength, using a false identity, or recording fictitious games.
• Attempting either type of conduct even when the attempt fails to produce the intended advantage.

Exact rules depend on the organizer, platform, and event type. A valid allegation requires facts and a procedure, not merely a strong game or a personal impression. Other fair play violations can also be penalized without automatically being classified as cheating.