10 Feb 09
Hi guys, just thought I'd ask if this was a "common" problem? Or is it a error in the database? I have recently been playing on playchess.com, and I was suspended for "using" an engine! However, the games I played, I have no idea how it could be mistaken for an engine's play, I also have never used an engine for purposes like that. I believe in playing fair, what's the point in rating if it's not true? The accusation of me using an engine on playchess.com has been false. What should I do, now that I can no longer play rated games or enter the main room? Is there a way I can contact Fritz and tell them about it?
10 Feb 09
You were probably jusr running an engine whilst you were laying on playchess.com. I understand that their client program detects which other programs are running.
Are you sure you can't play rated games anymore? Someone told me that all that happens when you are caught using an engine is that your rating is reset.
10 Feb 09
Originally posted by range blastsI haven't played there in a while, but FL is right, the automated anti-cheat software on Playchess just detects whether you're switching between various tasks while you're playing a game. It doesn't distinguish between engines or other innocent software usage.
Hi guys, just thought I'd ask if this was a "common" problem? Or is it a error in the database? I have recently been playing on playchess.com, and I was suspended for "using" an engine! However, the games I played, I have no idea how it could be mistaken for an engine's play, I also have never used an engine for purposes like that. I believe in playing ...[text shortened]... games or enter the main room? Is there a way I can contact Fritz and tell them about it?
If you're taskswitching while playing a game, regardless of the nature of the software, the anti-cheat software will first warn you a few times (the warnings are somewhat vague - some people don't even realize the warning was for them) and then flag you as a cheat. I think they will typically erase your rating a number times before they actually ban you. So you get plenty of advance warning before getting banned.
If you were only taskswitching innocently (no engines), then you'll have to plead your case to the head admin. Be respectful - Don't get belligerent with the admins! Holger Lieske used to be the head admin. I'm assuming he's still there.
Bottom line - If you play on Playchess, don't switch tasks while playing games.
10 Feb 09
Originally posted by Fat LadyI did that more that once... Playing genuinly while analyzing some of my finished games. That should not be penalized and it's invasive towards one's privacy. Games should be examined for engine use, matchup rates, not your PC.
You were probably jusr running an engine whilst you were laying on playchess.com. I understand that their client program detects which other programs are running.
Are you sure you can't play rated games anymore? Someone told me that all that happens when you are caught using an engine is that your rating is reset.
10 Feb 09
Originally posted by ivan2908I don't know where to begin...
I did that more that once... Playing genuinly while analyzing some of my finished games. That should not be penalized and it's invasive towards one's privacy. Games should be examined for engine use, matchup rates, not your PC.
You were analyzing some finished games *while* playing a game? It boggles the mind.
How is detection of taskswitching an invasion of privacy? They don't know what applications you're using, only that applications are being switched.
They do manually examine some games for matchup rates on an as-needed basis, but there are just too many games played on that server on a daily basis to not use some type of automated detection system.
But the bottom line is, if you don't like their rules, you don't have to play there.
10 Feb 09
6 edits
Originally posted by Mad RookWell, first and most important I don't know anything about playchess rules.
I don't know where to begin...
How is detection of taskswitching an invasion of privacy? They don't know what applications you're using, only that applications are being switched.
I just say that when I am on PC (whenever its chess related or not) I often switch tasks like mad. Redhotpawn, fics, facebook, yahoomail, youtube, windows media player (for music), Fritz, Need for Speed, Chessmaster, CTS, Chesstempo, Googling biceps gym routines, swimsuit models 😳 . Not once while waiting for move in long FICS game (sometimes even in blitz if I am winning and my opponent is slow) I did something else (from getting something to drink in the kithen to taskbar switching).
So I am just saying I wouldn't like to be banned if I am not using engine just because I switched my tasks while playing. 😛
Yet again, I don't absolutely anything about their rules. If rules are forbidding task switching, then I wouldn't do that while playing on that site.
EDIT : I've just read one of your previous posts (the one about rules.) Everything clear now. I thought it's functioning different. The playchess way you described is not intrusive at all so I would respect it.
10 Feb 09
Originally posted by Mad RookWell, I don't know what to say. First, I don't really... have any sort of access to any sort of chess engines, however, I may have been online on RHP or such. Also, I've seen warning such as CHEATING WILL RESULT IN BAN or something like that, but I just assumed it was an automated message, wrongly? Do you know how I could contact Holger?
I haven't played there in a while, but FL is right, the automated anti-cheat software on Playchess just detects whether you're switching between various tasks while you're playing a game. It doesn't distinguish between engines or other innocent software usage.
If you're taskswitching while playing a game, regardless of the nature of the software, the ant ...[text shortened]... e.
Bottom line - If you play on Playchess, don't switch tasks while playing games.