Dave, and all of you, RHP members, here is what I propose to stop
the discussion, for the sake of RHP, of you and of me.
I do not have, nor do I know any means to prove that I don't use
programs. I have resigned games and are now below the top-20
mark, and far below the n°1 position.
I invite everybody to watch as close as you feel useful my new games,
(and the past ones as well, but it is less relevant to the proposal),
and flag whatever you feel necessary here related to the moves I
made/make. The only thing I ask in return from you all is that,
should I re-appear in the top-20 or higher up, I would not be put
under renewed suspicion.
Should you feel that I need to drop my rating further first, I am willing
to, but, without being cocky, I believe that this would not be fair
towards my opponents who would lose more/earn less when playing
me. Up to you.
Gilbert.
Gilbert,
I myself have 2250 FIDE-rating. I feel I'm pretty qualified to say
whether someone is NOT using a program. That's far more easy than
saying that someone is using a program!! Every strong player will
agree on this I think.
After Dave's accusation I looked at your (recent) games. First I want
to say enjoyed our (also recent) games. You played very strong but
certainly not like a program; in my white game against you, you
played not the best in the opening.
In your other games you also played very strong but no way that's
enough to say you use a program. I'd say you are a strong player
who takes the time to analyse a position so accurate as to prevent
blunders.
Besides, you say you don't use programs. I see no reason at all to
doubt you.
Dave, I've read all the posts concerning the "cheating" and know your
arguments. I do not agree with you in this.
ytrewq--
While I am agnostic on the current controversy, I am curious about how you can say with any
confidence that someone is not using a computer. It seems to me that someone bound and
determined to cheat will find ways to conceal it. For example, someone might play the opening on
their own, and turn to the computer part way in. Or, someone might pick the second or third best
of the computer's suggested moves, knowing that they will be solid, while perhaps not suspiciously
perfect. Or they might lose and draw some games for plausibility.
I wish there were some way to verify that someone's play was legit, but I'm dubious. Basically I
don't think it'll ever be verifiable one way or the other.
And while the accusations in this case definitely should have been made more temperately, and
probably privately, I don't think it's paranoid to have suspicions. The internet is rife with cheats
and fake identities (this site has seen several, and those are just the ones we know about).
That doesn't mean the burden of proof is on the accused, just that it's not outlandish to wonder.
Gil,
I understand that you are a humble, respectful person and are willing
to sacrifice games; however, doing so is as inappropriate as Dave's
accusations. Resigning games falsely increases others ratings and
leaves them with empty wins.
I strongly suggest you stand your ground. Two wrongs do not make a
right!
RHP is not about you and most certainly not about Dave – it’s about
playing honest hard fought games of chess.
Please, just continue playing chess the way you know how and ignore
those who feel the need to pull you down so as to elevate themselves.