Fair Play Rules

1. Engine Assistance — Strictly Prohibited

Using chess engines, computer analysis tools, or AI-assisted move suggestions during a game is strictly forbidden. This includes:

• Stockfish, Leela Chess Zero, or any other chess engine
• External analysis tools (e.g., Lichess analysis board, Chess.com analysis)
• AI assistants or chatbots consulted for move advice mid-game
• Any software that automates moves on your behalf

Violation results in immediate account suspension and rank nullification.

2. No Account Sharing

Each account must be used exclusively by the registered owner. Sharing your account with another player — regardless of skill level — corrupts the integrity of the ranking system and is strictly prohibited.

3. No Match Manipulation

Deliberately losing games to manipulate rankings, colluding with opponents to exchange virtual coins, or arranging artificial wins is strictly prohibited. This includes:

• Sandbagging (intentionally losing to achieve a lower rating)
• Boosting (playing with a friend solely to inflate ratings)
• Coin farming through arranged wins/losses

4. Honest Match Reporting

When using the manual match reporting feature (for over-the-board games), you must:

• Report the accurate result — win, loss, or draw
• Only report games that actually occurred
• Not submit false, duplicate, or fabricated match records

Disputed results should be raised via the Platform's support channel with supporting evidence.

5. Respectful Conduct

All players are expected to treat their opponents with dignity and respect. The following are prohibited:

• Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind
• Discriminatory language based on race, gender, nationality, or religion
• Trash-talking or unsportsmanlike behaviour
• Threats, abuse, or harmful communications

6. Connection & Timeouts

Players are responsible for their own internet connection. Intentionally disconnecting to avoid a loss is considered unsportsmanlike conduct. Repeated intentional disconnections may result in penalties. Genuine technical disconnections will be treated fairly on a case-by-case basis.

7. ELO Ranking Integrity

The ELO ranking system is the foundation of competition on Chess Champions. All players agree to:

• Compete honestly in all ranked games
• Accept match results as final (subject to dispute resolution)
• Understand that ELO changes are calculated automatically and fairly based on the internationally recognized ELO formula
• Not attempt to exploit the rating system through any means

8. Virtual Coins — Fair Use

Attempts to exploit, duplicate, or unfairly accumulate virtual coins through system exploits or collusion will result in account suspension.

9. Reporting Violations

If you suspect a player of violating these Fair Play Rules, you can report them through the Platform's official support channel. All reports are reviewed by administrators. False or malicious reports are themselves a violation of these rules.

10. Consequences of Violations

Depending on the severity and frequency of violations, consequences may include:

• Formal warning issued to the account
• Temporary suspension (1–30 days)
• Permanent account ban
• Rating and/or coin balance nullification
• Removal from leaderboards

All decisions are made by Chess Champions administrators and are final.