Carlsen’s public statement: “I believe that Niemann has cheated more”

by ChessBase
9/26/2022 – A day after getting a convincing victory at the Generation Cup, as he anticipated, Magnus Carlsen has shared a public statement regarding the polemic surrounding his withdrawal from the Sinquefield Cup and his quick resignation against Hans Niemann. The world champion wrote: “I believe that Niemann has cheated more — and more recently — than he has publicly admitted”. | Photo: Amruta Mokal
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“He wasn’t even fully concentrating”

Magnus Carlsen has finally explicitly stated why he took two dramatic decisions in the last few weeks: to withdraw from the Sinquefield Cup after three rounds and to resign a game on move 2 against Hans Niemann at the Generation Cup.

It had to do, as we all suspected, with Hans Niemann’s alleged cheating. 

The statement appeared on the same day that the US Chess Federation announced the field for the 2022 edition of the US Championships, with Hans Niemann in the lineup.

Useful links

Carlsen’s statement

Originally posted on Twitter

Dear Chess World,

At the 2022 Sinquefield Cup, I made the unprecedented professional decision to withdraw from the tournament after my round three game against Hans Niemann. A week later during the Champions Chess Tour, I resigned against Hans Niemann after playing only one move.

I know that my actions have frustrated many in the chess community. I’m frustrated. I want to play chess. I want to continue to play chess at the highest level in the best events.

I believe that cheating in chess is a big deal and an existential threat to the game. I also believe that chess organizers and all those who care about the sanctity of the game we love should seriously consider increasing security measures and methods of cheat detection for over the board chess. When Niemann was invited last minute to the 2022 Sinquefield Cup, I strongly considered withdrawing prior to the event. I ultimately chose to play.

I believe that Niemann has cheated more — and more recently — than he has publicly admitted. His over the board progress has been unusual, and throughout our game in the Sinquefield Cup I had the impression that he wasn’t tense or even fully concentrating on the game in critical positions, while outplaying me as black in a way I think only a handful of players can do. This game contributed to changing my perspective.

We must do something about cheating, and for my part going forward, I don’t want to play against people that have cheated repeatedly in the past, because I don’t know what they are capable of doing in the future.

There is more that I would like to say. Unfortunately, at this time I am limited in what I can say without explicit permission from Niemann to speak openly. So far I have only been able to speak with my actions, and those actions have stated clearly that I am not willing to play chess with Niemann. I hope that the truth on this matter comes out, whatever it may be.

Sincerely,
Magnus Carlsen – World Chess Champion

Topics: Hans Niemann, Magnus Carlsen
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A Alekhine A Alekhine 9/27/2022 03:30
Carlsen has not cleared up anything with his statement. Still no evidence of cheating is offered. We all know Niemann cheated online when he was younger. So did Carlsen! Everyone knows Carlsen accepted advice from another player in an online tournament with money prizes. Does this offense rise to the same level as Niemann's online cheating? Probably not, but it is a clear indication that no one takes online chess as seriously as over-the-board chess.

There is no proof that Niemann has cheated in over-the-board chess. If clear evidence is provided, I will be the first to condemn Niemann. But no evidence has been provided. Just "I believe..." from Carlsen.
mc1483 mc1483 9/27/2022 03:29
@Science22: Yosha did not provide evidence for "cheating". She just provided evidence that in the last 3 years HN is playing consistently like a super GM (2700+). That certainly is suspicious, but let's not forget other players, included MC himself, did the same.
notebook03 notebook03 9/27/2022 03:04
@Science22 'She does a perfect work in terms of creating a solid mathematical proof.' She admitted she got it wrong: https://twitter.com/IglesiasYosha/status/1574308784566067201?t=uc0qD6T7cSD2dWD0vLeW3g&s=19
galeb3 galeb3 9/27/2022 03:03
The odd aspect is that Magnus, despite being who he is, doesn't seems to have thought about the consequences of what he did. A bad plan (or no plan) ? ;-)
Suddenly here appears a lot of experts to write a final judgement, perhaps it's better to slow down and clarify, especially the crux of the matter: why he need a permission, for what ?
Now the chess world is already in trouble, Carlsen should stop or just come clean, otherwise it becomes a soap opera
JPBaptista JPBaptista 9/27/2022 02:46
Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.
Sometimes direct proof is not available, or at least not readily available. It is only possible to recur to indirect or circumstantial evidence.
You have knowledge only if i. you believe that x is the case, ii. x is true and iii. you are justified in holding that x is true.
However, these elements do not come at the same time, many times there is no direct evidence of truth, you must start with hypotheses and test them. To start by demanding irrefutable evidence right from the beggining is, many times, a way to undermine any possible investigation.
flachspieler flachspieler 9/27/2022 02:14
@calvinamari: Carlsen is a major shareholder of chess.com, so they may be biased.
Who are the other organizers you mention.
calvinamari calvinamari 9/27/2022 01:46
Let’s be clear. Those caught cheating deserve zero benefit of the doubt. Admitting cheating does not change that. Chess.com and other organizers have clearly stated Niemann has cheated more than he admits. Cheaters who are liars deserve far less than zero benefit of the doubt. Chess does not need cheaters and it needs cheerleaders for cheaters even less.
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 01:45
Badly. Either Carlsen apologizes for his stupidity and life goes on, or everyone can do what they "believe" is right.
tauno tauno 9/27/2022 01:39
How do you think this circus will end?

I am almost sure that FIDE will increase OTB chess security measures and cheat detection methods and that will be enough for Carlsen to play (albeit reluctantly) against Niemann in the future.

That would be the best solution for all involved: Carlsen has gained something, Niemann can rebuild his reputation, FIDE has shown its ability to resolve conflicts and an ability to act. And eventually the rest of us will start respecting chess and the chess players again.

A warning or a reprimand for both players would perhaps be in order, but it should be enought.

Otherwise, if this misbehaviour continues, FIDE's ethics and disciplinary rules do not leave many options. - And it's hard for me to imagine Niemann getting a lifetime ban due to some controversial evidence.
Cizia Cizia 9/27/2022 12:53
" If I speak I am in big trouble "
Dr Ken Regan
flachspieler flachspieler 9/27/2022 12:42
I have an idea what MC might mean that he would need HMN to allow him:
On August 12, 2022 both played two games on the beach of Miami (you find photos of
them in the sand online). Afterwards MC made a remark about HMN's "strength" in
those games. Perhaps he wants to show the notations to the public.

Ingo Althofer.
Flopmartin Flopmartin 9/27/2022 11:58
Honestly, I've always been a fan of Magnus, always rooted for him, and never liked Hans' character. However, MG's statement would deserve a laugh, if it weren't so tragic for the young American. Magnus needs to come forward with hard evidence, or he needs to be punished for such shameful behavior.
mc1483 mc1483 9/27/2022 11:49
Of course "believing" and "he was not concentrating" are rubbish, especially given the fact that MC has not played well against HN. I think it's likely MC is right, but also I think serious proof must be provided at once, no matter what permission HN gives.
david gonzalez david gonzalez 9/27/2022 11:32
Welcome to Magnus Carlsen world, where feelings are equal or better than facts!!
Science22 Science22 9/27/2022 11:18
Saturn23, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfPzUgzrOcQ . Here Yosha show all the 100 % games from Hans Niemann. She does a perfect work in terms of creating a solid mathematical proof.

However, there will be no argument / proof on this planet that will convince you that Niemann cheated. So I will just leave the ball there.

Luckily you don't belong to the special class of trolls here (including arzi ) who screw up people who have a different opinion than their own. You can read a million posts from them, but you only need to read one to understand the disgusting way they use other people's opinions for hate.

Arzi write I trolls everywhere, but I have only discussed this subject few times. He has on the other hand 10.000 comments about everything. So I end it all here. You can not discuss anything with that type. It is Trumpism.
Supergm79 Supergm79 9/27/2022 11:05
Hi,

I do support Magnus here based on:
- Large differences in level of play by Hans
- Very strange analysis after games...he tries to hard avoiding the discussion on game analysis, and he is uncomfortably nervous after the game when he receives questions
- Youtube from Yoshua showing that in quite some games the level of play was simply too high and almost impossible to achieve for a human being in consistent fashion
Breg
Steve
maxi80 maxi80 9/27/2022 10:54
"Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat."
It's MC who should have already gone to court.
Regards.
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 10:09
FidlerBG: "Niemann was 16 just 3 years ago.."

Yes, it is a short time in years but if you think that in percentages ....?
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 10:05
Ronald Raimbert, you nailed it, too!
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 10:03
To MauvaisFou, How old you were when you had a lawyer of your own first time? 19 years? It doesn´t matter if Carlsen brings a proof about Niemann´s cheating when he was a 16 years old. The incident concerns the Sinquefield Cup and also an online tournament. No evidence of cheating what so ever to show by Carlsen. None. I would like to see Carlsen´s proofs. I think everybody would like that. Even you.
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 09:49
saturn23, in the same place where his statistics during 40 years.

Science22:"I have been teaching statistics for 40 years."
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 09:44
Zagliveri_chess:"I am wondering why GM Niemann has not filed a defamation law suit against GM Carlsen..."

How many 19 -years old young man has a lawyer?
MauvaisFou MauvaisFou 9/27/2022 09:22
I think MC has more in store and challenges HN to go to court, which HN should have already done if he is clean
Ronald Raimbert Ronald Raimbert 9/27/2022 08:58
No need to waste time on baseless accusations and suppositions. Here is solid evidence. GOD was speaking in Niemann's ear and Carlsen overheard.
As for chess.com evidence, allow me to take it with a grain of salt. So often do I receive notes from them that my opponents may not have used fair means against me. In 3+2 games! And I'm only a 1700 player. Unless their mind was connected directly to the computer, or GOD was speaking them.
***
Miller the lawyer should seriously think about switching career, divination might be more attractive!
tauno tauno 9/27/2022 08:44
@Daniel Miller: ”I see people throwing around burdens of proof that are not relevant.”
- I'm not sure about your education but please, go to Wiki and read a little more about the meaning of "burden of proof".

Carlsen has said that he wants to be a bad loser, not a loser. - And that was only a year ago. Who knows what he is capable of doing in the future? And yes, there is proof that is actually relevant:
https://youtu.be/V1fi80fHiYI
lajosarpad lajosarpad 9/27/2022 08:11
I have read the statement and even though I really tried, I found no hard evidence, nor link or reference to hard evidence. If saying that Carlsen failed to point to the evidence makes me a troll, then so be it.
FidlerBG FidlerBG 9/27/2022 07:54
to @Werewolf he admited publicly that the last time he cheated was when he was 16. Niemann was 16 just 3 years ago...
Marozka Marozka 9/27/2022 07:40
How would a 15 min delay prevent otb cheating? If an accomplice is able to telegraph computer moves to the player, the player could also telegraph the moves of the game to his accomplice (and receive computer suggestions in return).
saturn23 saturn23 9/27/2022 07:33
Science22 - Where are those "Lots of games with 100 % identical moves to computers against top class players"?
Werewolf Werewolf 9/27/2022 07:14
Hans cheated as a child.

If there is evidence he cheated as an adult it must be shown. “Not fully concentrating” is a bit weak
Science22 Science22 9/27/2022 07:13
First, the trolls at chessbase.com are calling for evidence. Then they get it. The clear scientific data showing that Hans Niemann plays significantly worse (-200 ELO) in tournaments that do not broadcast the games live. Lots of games with 100 % identical moves to computers against top class players. I have already provided a link to this data in a previous post. Since november 2019 his performance has been ELO 2850 in live games.

Next, new trolls explode in an orgy of hatred directed at Magnus Carlsen. Trumpism in chess. Streaks of contentless manipulations are brought to the fore : Yes, Lance Armstrong cheated in cycling, but so did everyone! Ergo, it's ok to cheat. No, it is not, and after reading the debate here, I am completely convinced that Hans Niemanns will regret that he trusted his hinterland so uncritically. Truth will prevail.

“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.” ― Abraham Lincoln
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 07:07
Science22:"I have been teaching statistics for 40 years."

Science22, you seem to see trolls everywhere? Tell me, Science22, have you ever lied? Once a liar always a liar.
Zagliveri_chess Zagliveri_chess 9/27/2022 06:57
I am wondering why GM Niemann has not filed a defamation law suit against GM Carlsen, asking for a 7-figure amount as compensation for the slanderous behavior. St Louis , MO is the proper venue. With the 'evidence' he provided, GM Carlsen would lose the case summarily.

In the 2nd Thessaloniki Olympiad in the 80s, GM Ivanchuk was playing 4th board in the Soviet Union team, behind the K-Ks and Beliavsky, if I remember correctly. I was the one updating the large magnetic boards above the players. Ivanchuk was playing a few meters away from my vintage point. Although 90% of the time he was staring at the ceiling of the hall, he had a fantastic tournament. By Carlsen's standards, Vasyl Ivanchuk was not concentrating on the game while making great moves, hence he was cheating.

In a civilized society you cannot accuse people of unethical or illegal conduct without proof. If you do, you pay the price in court. Unless your name is Trump or ... Carlsen. It is about time FIDE sets aside the dollar signs and disciplines GM Calrsen. Unless of course, he provides irrefutable proof of cheating by Niemann.

Days ago Frederic Friedel commented on the cheating accusations and mentioned information provided by US government experts regarding cheating capabilities empowered by modern technology. I am afraid that the references he used were technologically outdated. Metal detectors used in tournaments, delays in the broadcast of moves, electronic noise in the vicinity of the players across all frequencies, etc. assume moves are ultimately conveyed to the player by an external source or agent. Unless you subject a human to a CAT scan, you will not detect a stealth implant with all sorts of capabilities. Intelligence services use those for a long time. I do not expect that in chess, unless we have a case similar in importance to the 1972 match in Iceland. And if you enforce such a scan, all elite tour players will glow in the dark!
Leavenfish Leavenfish 9/27/2022 06:55
Perhaps (if he has not cheated OTB), Hans should just shove Magnus' statement back into his face by saying "I give you permission to bring ANY evidence of OTB cheating to the fore".

I say that because, Magnus is just doubling down on the 'online cheating' part because chess.com has already confirmed there 'was more'.

I mean, to not play Hans OTB for that is... to damage Hans OTB career as organizers will always chose Magnus over Hans. In any case, does Magnus refuse to play Parham Maghsoodloo OTB because of his 2020 online cheating? Does Maguns refuse to play himself due to his accepting advice in an online lichess prize tourney? Where does it end???
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 06:32
Green22:"@Daniel Miller - typical lawyer logic which is basically you're own ipinion."

Actually, he doesn´t seem to be a lawyer at all. I would not take that kind of lawyer to help me if I had a problem need to be solved by lawyer. Would you take, Green22? Once guilty, always guilty.
VVI VVI 9/27/2022 06:14
This letter from Magnus is totally crap. FIDE should step in. Magnus was forced to put out a lawyer-ed statement owing to public pressure. Clearly his insinuations against Hans Niemann are baseless. There is no hard evidence.
Besides, its not easy to cheat in an OTB tournament like the Sinquefield cup. Would Magnus have accused Hans had he won their game in the Sinquefield cup? I don`t think so. Earlier, Magnus also played him in the FTX crypto cup.
On a lighter note, perhaps Hans is gifted with a high level of ESP( extra sensory perception) and this is being misunderstood.
Green22 Green22 9/27/2022 06:14
@Tauno - you nailed it!

"He wasn’t even fully concentrating" is Carlsen even serious? Naka went over the game Magnus was at 43% accuracy and he gets beat by Hans who is very strong player, and he accuses him of cheating with ZERO proof. Its Magnus with egg on his face right now not Hans. Hans should put him on blast and absolutely respond to this bogus accusation.

@Daniel Miller - typical lawyer logic which is basically you're own ipinion. You think he should be banned for life? what? are you high? he admitted to cheating at age 12 and 16 on-line. Tell us how he's cheating OTB because obviously Magnus can't. They are checked and double checked with metal detectors and wanded each day, so how is he cheating sir? gimme a break. You're like the other trolls out there ready to crucify Hans with NO proof (ZERO). In any court in the land Hans would be found NOT guilty.. why? no evidence LOL. Surely you know that! And the other million question is why Magnus needs Hans permission to speak..
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 06:11
Case closed, again, we have a religious World Champion who truly believes. No need any further investigations. Hallelujah and amen! How many of you remember Blues Brothers, when Jake got his "mission" from Good? There is something similar here in this happy end story. We are saved.
arzi arzi 9/27/2022 06:02
I believe that fairies and goblins exist. My faith takes me through the gray rock. I BELIEVE AND IT'S THE TRUTH!
rawdzilla rawdzilla 9/27/2022 05:56
The proof is in the pudding but where is the pudding?
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