Computer Chess Cheating: Rybka’s Vasik Rajlich Interview

By Chess Tutor William Stewart

Original Article on Chess Cheating available here.

The International Computer Games Association (ICGA) released a public statement on June 28, 2011 declaring the ultra-strong computer chess program Rybka guilty of plagiarism, specifically alleging that the author/programmer Vasik Rajlich plagiarized two other strong computer chess programs (Fruit and Crafty) while designing the code for Rybka. Rybka has been the undisputed Computer Chess World Champion for the period 2007-2010, however it is extremely unlikely the program will compete in the November 2011 Championship.

Vasik Rajlich

Vasik Rajlich has elected not to directly respond to the ICGA's public accusations, preferring to be interviewed by Nelson Hernandez. Rajlich is an MIT Graduate and an International Chess Master, not to mention one of the best computer chess programmers in the world. What Rajlich doesn't get enough credit for is his ability to dodge questions and provide meaningless / irrelevant answers better than Johnny Cochrane on his best day in court. In his defense, he does make a few good points.

The ICGA stated that they had attempted to contact Rajlich multiple times and were ignored - leading them to publicly accuse and condemn Rajlich and Rybka. When asked why Rajlich has declined to respond directly to the ICGA, at 12:30 he demanded that "the investigation be conducted in a fair and proper manner". This is certainly a legitimate request, however it appears the ICGA was frustrated that Rajlich had declined to cooperate from the beginning.

Rajlich Explains His Side

Essentially, Rajlich feels that the existing rules are sufficiently vague for general misinterpretation and enforcement. Also, any objections to his programming should have been raised a long time ago because he has been publicly doing the same thing under the same rules for years. At 14:15 Rajlich claims that the ICGA rules are vague/ambiguous, specifically the wording in rule 2 with respect to the scope of the word "original" in computer programming. Rajlich believes that the ICGA's case is incapable of presenting evidence that is quantifiable, as computer chess programmers frequently copy codes from public domains to employ in programs. He claims that this "... could have led to an overlap between Crafty, Fruit and Rybka - Which is perfectly legal and normal". ICGA rules do permit copying of programming code, as long as it is credited and/or unrelated to playing strength. It would be nice to see Rajlich and the ICGA work this out transparently to avoid any misrepresentation of the facts, however this is unlikely. At 21:10 Hernandez asks "What would it take for you and the ICGA to be back in good graces?" - greeted by:

"I guess the resignation of everyone currently there". - Vasik Rajlich

So What Happens Next?

Rajlich has declined to comment in detail, however implied that his current business relationships continue in good standing (notably with ChessBase). He stated his sales "were up 400% last week", and joked that maybe he should do this type of thing more often. The ICGA is intending to report the issue to legal authorities and other associations with the intention of proving that Rajlich plagiarized source code to develop, improve and profit from Rybka.

Original Article on Chess Cheating available here. Follow William on Facebook and Twitter.

Vasik Rajlich speaks up about the Rybka cheating allegation

"Another Conversation with Vasik Rajlich" By Nelson Hernandez (on Rybka chess)

Nelson Hernandez interviews Vasik Rajlich regarding the allegation that the (all or part) Rybka chess engine code was stolen the Fruit chess engine source.

Computer Chess Cheating ... Against Computers?!

By Chess Coach William Stewart

Original article on the Frtiz Chess Cheating Scandal

The International Computer Games Association (ICGA) released a public statement on June 28, 2011 declaring the ultra-strong computer chess program Rybka guilty of plagiarism, specifically alleging that the author/programmer Vasik Rajlich plagiarized two other strong computer chess programs (Fruit and Crafty) while designing the code for Rybka. Rybka has been the undisputed Computer Chess World Champion for the period 2007-2010, however it is extremely unlikely the program will compete in the November 2011 Championship.

ICGA President David Levy stated:

“By a unanimous 5-0 decision of executive members of the ICGA we find ourselves in agreement with the verdict of the Secretariat's report. We are convinced that the evidence against Vasik Rajlich is both overwhelming in its volume and beyond reasonable question in its nature. Vasik Rajlich is guilty of plagiarizing the programs Crafty and Fruit, and has violated the ICGA's tournament rules with respect to the World Computer Chess Championships in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

The ICGA demands that Vasik Rajlich return to the ICGA... all prize money awarded for Rybka's performances in those events.”

What is ICGA, what is their stance?

To my understanding, the ICGA allows participant programs to utilize source code from other programs - as long as this copy is properly cited to give credit to the original author. Rajlich did not credit another program and attributed Rybka’s strength solely to his unique programming. His response to these allegations has been lackluster at best, stating:

“Rybkahas does not "include game-playing code written by others", aside from standard exceptions which wouldn't count as 'game-playing'.

The vague phrase "derived from game-playing code written by others" also does not in my view apply to Rybka.”

The Ruling

This ruling was officially published less than 2 weeks ago, so I’m sure Rajlich is putting together a team of lawyers to dispute and appeal these allegations. As to why Rajlich allegedly did it, who knows? He is obviously extremely intelligent, an International Chess Master (IM) who graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I am not a computer programmer and don’t entirely understand the deep technical aspects of this plagiarism, as some degree of source copying is allowed while other types of copying with respect to actual game play is not - however the ICGA’s statement ended with a line that certainly casts doubt on Rajlich’s innocence:

“During the course of the investigation and upon presentation of the Secretariat's report Vasik Rajlich did not offer, despite repeated invitations from the ICGA to do so, any kind of defense to the allegations...”

For more on the Frtiz Chess Cheating Scandal visit William's site.

By Chess Coach Will Stewart (USCF 2256, FIDE 2234)