2022 Sinquefield Cup

[Matt Mackenzie]

This is all rather messy isn't it?

Might be worth recalling too that some of the most (in)famous cheating allegations (against a certain top player in 2005) have never I think been conclusively resolved one way or the other. I fear the same may be the case here.

[Roger de Coverly]

He follows this with an explanation on how the opening against Magnus is a transposition from the Nimzo/Catalan.

There are a number of examples of the transposition position being reached, both in English chess and internationally.

Is there a concensus about where the novelty first appeared? It may well be an engine's first choice in the relevant position.

Transposition from Catalan for example

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. g3 Bb4 5. Bg2 0-0

If it's relatively unusual, it's because players intent on a Catalan often avoid playing Nc3

[JustinHorton]

Also 5 g3 is not unheard of in the Ragozin.

Hell of an interview, by the way.

[Mick Norris]

I've not time to listen to it this morning (I'll try later) but does he say anything about when he was live-streaming and chess.com kicked him out - or is that what's being referred to when he talks about being sixteen?

It was all a bit streamofconsciousness, no good alternative to listening to it.

I've listened to it, and I'd agree with that

chess24 have a transcript but I think you gain more from watching and listening if you have time

[AlanLlewellyn]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/ ... -now-clean

[Kevin Thurlow]

I also thought Alejandro conducted the interview well, letting HN talk without interruption.

[Paul Heaton]

This is all rather messy isn't it?

Might be worth recalling too that some of the most (in)famous cheating allegations (against a certain top player in 2005) have never I think been conclusively resolved one way or the other. I fear the same may be the case here.

According to Jan Guatafsson on the “Chicken Chess Club” Podcast it is “incredibly common” for strong Grandmasters to get banned for cheating on chess.com. Wonder why Nakamura didn’t tell us this…..

This I guess I can understand how it happens- you are using the platform to get used to a new opening etc and consult your notes.

[Angus French]

According to Jan Guatafsson on the “Chicken Chess Club” Podcast it is “incredibly common” for strong Grandmasters to get banned for cheating on chess.com. Wonder why Nakamura didn’t tell us this…..

Some stats from August 2020 here.

[NickFaulks]

Post removed, see below.

[Mick Norris]

I think Alan did, and it got merged into this thread

[NickFaulks]

I also thought Alejandro conducted the interview well, letting HN talk without interruption.

Having seen the announcements from the official site in the chat ahead of the interview, I suspect he had been told that he would be sacked if he tried anything.

[Matt Mackenzie]

I think Alan did, and it got merged into this thread

Yes, that is correct - he started a new thread in the "General Chat" section evidently not aware the main discussion was already here.

[NickFaulks]

Sorry, in that case the merging produced an unfortunate result. There is no "Big Cheating Scandal" in the Sinquefield Cup. That is the whole point. I don't imagine that Leonard wishes to appear to be saying that there is.*

Anyway, apologies to Alan. I still don't think that post should appear as it does in this thread, but evidently not his fault and I shall remove my response.

*It was The Guardian but it wasn't Leonard, see post below. A lazy assumption on my part, but I hope this mistake didn't give great offence to anyone.

[David Sedgwick]

I also thought Alejandro conducted the interview well, letting HN talk without interruption.

Having seen the announcements from the official site in the chat ahead of the interview, I suspect he had been told that he would be sacked if he tried anything.

What announcements would those be? I am not aware of any official statements since the one at https://grandchesstour.org/blog/reignin ... being-held.

[David Sedgwick]

There is no "Big Cheating Scandal" in the Sinquefield Cup. That is the whole point. I don't imagine that Leonard wishes to appear to be saying that there is.

That is almost certainly the case, as the Guardian article in question was not written by Leonard [Barden].