Explained: How sandbagging works in chess and what Li Haoyu’s ban means

What is Sandbagging in Chess?

Sandbagging is when a player intentionally loses or draws games to lower their official rating. The purpose is to qualify for lower-rated sections in tournaments where they can dominate weaker opponents and win prizes unfairly. It’s a deceptive tactic and falls under the broader category of rating manipulation in competitive chess.

The Case of Li Haoyu

Chinese chess player Li Haoyu was banned for six months by FIDE after he was found guilty of sandbagging. His rating dropped significantly from 2372 in August 2023 to 1979 by August 2024. He lost over 130 rating points in just two tournaments, raising red flags due to the unusually poor performance against lower-rated players.
 

How He Got Caught

Suspicion arose when Haoyu lost multiple games to much lower-rated players despite having a time advantage. According to an arbiter’s report, he made questionable decisions under no time pressure. FIDE launched an investigation, and despite Haoyu's claim that he was trying to create time pressure for his opponents, his actions contradicted that explanation.

FIDE’s Legal Action

Li Haoyu was found in violation of Article 11.7(e)(ii) of the FIDE Code of Ethics, which prohibits actions that damage the integrity or reputation of chess. While one panelist believed his decade-long absence from chess explained his form, the panel still voted 2-1 in favor of a six-month ban for manipulation of rating outcomes.

Why Sandbagging Is a Global Concern

Sandbagging is not just limited to one country. It’s a significant issue in countries like the United States, where open tournaments offer large cash prizes for lower-rated sections. Manipulating ratings to fall into these categories undermines fair play and makes it difficult for genuine competitors to compete on a level playing field

Loopholes in the ELO Rating System

The ELO system, used globally to rank chess players, has its weaknesses—particularly with players at the rating extremes. It doesn’t always reflect sudden changes in performance and can be exploited by players who intentionally lose games. These loopholes are one reason sandbagging remains difficult to detect without in-depth analysis or whistleblower reports.6

The Role of Technology and Solutions Ahead

The rise of online chess has increased sandbagging cases due to anonymity, ease of creating multiple accounts, and access to engine tools. To combat this, chess platforms and federations are using stricter algorithms, entry rules, and workshops. However, as technology advances, so do the tactics, making constant vigilance essential for preserving chess integrity.