Approximately 1 week ago, Lichess user @wub1234 made this post on reddit: www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/l1xyty/i_beat_a_fide_master_in_18_moves_with_a_prepared/
In it, he describes a line that he claims to have developed during analysis (checked with an engine), which he later played in order to defeat a stronger player. However, some users in that thread accused him of cheating, and (I assume) reported his account on Lichess. Within hours, his account was "marked" for allegedly violating Lichess terms of service.
Now, I find this timing extremely curious. According to Lichess FAQ, "Lichess has strong detection methods and a very thorough process for reviewing all the evidence and making a decision. The process often involves many moderators and can take a long time." However, it doesn't seem like a long time was spent on this decision at all. I myself have reported several cheaters in the past, who were all banned within a few days (not hours).
Additionally, after looking at wub1234's match history, I was unable to find the usual signs of cheating (move times, accuracy, etc.) He also doesn't fit the typical profile of a cheater - he's made several constructive posts in the chess subreddit over the course of a few years, and has 6.5k+ games played on Lichess across 6 years. Of course, he recently played the "prepared line" quickly and accurately - this is expected, since he has already played it several times in multiple different time formats, according to match history.
Please note that I am not claiming to have proof of wub1234's innocence, nor am I claiming to know the reason for his account being marked (it could be completely unrelated to cheating). However, I do think that something about this entire situation seems off. On reddit, wub1234 says that his appeal was quickly denied (within hours) - if this is true, then it would appear that his appeal was not taken seriously.
I know Lichess has a strict policy of not discussing their methods for marking/banning users, but I would greatly appreciate it if the moderation team could take another look into wub1234's situation. If he really is a cheater or violated the Lichess TOS in some other way, then I fully support the team's decision. However, if a further review reveals no substantial evidence of cheating or other violation, I would request that the team consider removing the mark from his account.
Thank you for your consideration.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with wub1234 in any way - this post is entirely based on my own observation of the situation. I simply want to ensure that Lichess makes the correct decision, whatever that may be. Apologies if this is not the proper means of communication - I couldn't find a better option on the "Contact Lichess" page.
In it, he describes a line that he claims to have developed during analysis (checked with an engine), which he later played in order to defeat a stronger player. However, some users in that thread accused him of cheating, and (I assume) reported his account on Lichess. Within hours, his account was "marked" for allegedly violating Lichess terms of service.
Now, I find this timing extremely curious. According to Lichess FAQ, "Lichess has strong detection methods and a very thorough process for reviewing all the evidence and making a decision. The process often involves many moderators and can take a long time." However, it doesn't seem like a long time was spent on this decision at all. I myself have reported several cheaters in the past, who were all banned within a few days (not hours).
Additionally, after looking at wub1234's match history, I was unable to find the usual signs of cheating (move times, accuracy, etc.) He also doesn't fit the typical profile of a cheater - he's made several constructive posts in the chess subreddit over the course of a few years, and has 6.5k+ games played on Lichess across 6 years. Of course, he recently played the "prepared line" quickly and accurately - this is expected, since he has already played it several times in multiple different time formats, according to match history.
Please note that I am not claiming to have proof of wub1234's innocence, nor am I claiming to know the reason for his account being marked (it could be completely unrelated to cheating). However, I do think that something about this entire situation seems off. On reddit, wub1234 says that his appeal was quickly denied (within hours) - if this is true, then it would appear that his appeal was not taken seriously.
I know Lichess has a strict policy of not discussing their methods for marking/banning users, but I would greatly appreciate it if the moderation team could take another look into wub1234's situation. If he really is a cheater or violated the Lichess TOS in some other way, then I fully support the team's decision. However, if a further review reveals no substantial evidence of cheating or other violation, I would request that the team consider removing the mark from his account.
Thank you for your consideration.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with wub1234 in any way - this post is entirely based on my own observation of the situation. I simply want to ensure that Lichess makes the correct decision, whatever that may be. Apologies if this is not the proper means of communication - I couldn't find a better option on the "Contact Lichess" page.