FlipSight : Fair Play Policy

Online matches and puzzle rankings at Othelloclub are built on one principle: every member competes with their own skill. To protect a fair playing environment, we are sharing our standards on cheating and the sanctions that follow.

Cheating corrodes online play for everyone. Othelloclub takes a zero-tolerance approach to fair play violations, and confirmed violations will be met with firm action, without exception.

1. What counts as cheating

- Using outside assistance during a game - Othello engines, analysis software, a second device, or any similar tool
- Receiving advice from another person during a game
- Using multiple accounts to influence ratings or rankings
- Artificially inflating or deflating ratings through intentional losses, arranged games, or similar manipulation
- Any other act that distorts game or ranking results by means other than your own skill

Analysis for study is always welcome - after the game is over. What is prohibited is outside assistance during a game in progress.
 

2. How violations are detected

We evaluate potential violations using a combination of methods, including statistical analysis of engine correlation, game record review, and member reports. To prevent circumvention, specific detection criteria are not disclosed. Judgments are made carefully, based on a sufficient sample of games — never on a single game.

3. Sanctions

Accounts found in violation will be permanently restricted.
Clear and repeated violations may be permanently restricted immediately, without prior warning.
Game results and ranking records from the period of violation may be deleted or invalidated.


4. Reporting

If you suspect cheating in a game, please report it via [report channel: message/board/email] along with the game details. Reporter identities are kept confidential. However, please refrain from repeated unfounded reports or publicly naming specific members on the boards — unverified public accusations may themselves be subject to sanctions.

5. Appeals

Members who wish to contest a sanction may submit an appeal by email. We will review and respond to every appeal. The specific evidence behind individual decisions and the sanction records of other members will not be disclosed.

This policy exists so that every member can compete with confidence, on skill alone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.