We Built the Alleged Hans Niemann Chess Cheating Device (and You Can Too!)

An AVR-based Bluetooth telegraphing shoe insole that lets you play chess in the way Hans Niemann has been accused! This project is our contribution to the ongoing investigation into the Hans Niemann / Magnus Carlsen cheating scandal and tests the feasibility of creating and using an over-the-board chess cheating aid.
Check out the Von Niemann Probe's documentation 👇
teddywarner.or...
... and its Instructables!
www.instructab...
The Von Niemann Probe is an Open Source project, all CAD, PCB, and Code can be found in our repo:
github.com/Twa...
Please Note - Cheating in chess, whether online or over the board, is wrong and ruins the game for everyone. This project has been published to showcase the possibility of such a device's existence/use, and should not be recreated with the intent of using it for genuine foul play.
Use PCBWay for all your PCB prototyping and assembly, CNC milling, and 3D printing needs - www.pcbway.com/ !
Sources -
- / during_magnus_carlsens...
- pawnalyze.com/...
- www.chess.com/...
- www.mid-day.co...
- www.fide.com/n...
- • Actually making THAT c...
- • Using a robot to cheat...
- • 2022 Sinquefield Cup: ...
- • Jose Mourinho - If I s...
- www.chess.com/...
- • Niemann: I Have NEVER ...
- • Chess.com Report: Hans...
- • Magnus Believes Hans N...
- • Is This Proof That Han...
- • Hikaru's Reaction to H...
- • Video
- www.nationalwo...
- www.nytimes.co...
- www.wsj.com/ar...
- www.buzzfeedne...
- • Cheating with…vibratin...
- • Meanwhile... Sitting I...
- • Video
- • Biggest "CHEATING" SCA...
- www.republicwo...
- www.newsweek.c...
- • Chess Openings: The Qu...
- • Video
- • Vintage 1944 Radio Ope...
- / 1573434084239593481
- / 1583164606029365248
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#chess #hansniemann #magnuscarlsen #maker #makersgonnamake #makers #makersmovement #fabrication #digitalfabrication #engineering #cad #autodesk #autodeskfusion360 #fusion360 #3d #3dprinting #3dprint #3dprinter #3dprinted #3dmodeling #3dmodel #3dprints #prusa #prusai3mk3 #prusai3 #prusa3d #chesscom #telegraph #bluetooth #hikaru #hikarunakamura #engineering #pcb #pcbdesign #cnc #cncmilling #cncmachine #cncmachining #programming #programmer #grandmaster #soldering #electronic #electronics

[@nichxlas]

dude, this is incredibly well made. In a year or maybe even less you're 100% gonna be successful.

[@Glock7eventeen]

It’s been a year and he still hasn’t made it, he hasn’t even made any videos after this

[@nichxlas]

@@Glock7eventeen Yeah well, the compliment implied he would've actually still been doing stuff actively in a year

[@andrewmargraff]

As everyone else is pointing out, wow, this video is incredibly good. Your subscriber count is about to put Niemann’s “meteoric” rise to shame

[@teddywarner]

LMAO - thank you! :)

[@Js-gp7nx]

@@teddywarner you bring fake news

[@Jimothy-723]

he has 350 subscribers... a funy looking hamster has more views than his entire chanel combined. nobody even knows him.

[@Jimothy-723]

@@teddywarner clout chasing isnt going to lead you anywhere.

[@andrewmargraff]

@@Jimothy-723 And?

[@daedalusdreamjournal5925]

Good video ! Just a side note: When you downgraded the discreation rating to 2.5, you did not take into account that, at high level, you don't necessarly need to cheat at every move. A grandmaster, once he won a piece like you did in the game, can comfortably win the game without having to resort constantly to the cheating engine. It's like hikaru nakamura said in a lex friedman interview: He would only need to receive a signal once or twice in the game and only for important moves. That's why it's very easy to detect cheaters online because the discrepencies become obvious quickly but more difficult at high level OTB games since, at high level, you might need only a few pointers from the engine. Also, since grandmaster are so good, their playstyle are closer to engines than rookies like you or me. EDIT: Also, it would be interesting to see whether the device you built can be found using the same metal detectors that they use in a tournament. That, for me, is the benchmark to see if the device is discreet enough for OTB games or not.

[@24pavlo]

Music is too loud.

[@polymorphicprocrastination5345]

Nieman is 19, not 17. Magnus didn't have a 53 game win streak, he had a 53 not-loosing streak. Not the same thing as there are many draws

[@violetasuklevska9074]

53 winning streak? Easy 3000 rating

[@Jimothy-723]

@@violetasuklevska9074 the ratings are completely arbatrary in the grand scheme of things, and are made up by "professionals," to trick people into thinking they are smart.

[@end.olives]

Hikaru gets these streaks all the time on bullet

[@seya_2]

​@@end.olives I think they're talking about otb classical games

[@Taco_cat1239]

I was watching this video thinking you were at least at like 500k subs. amazing video honestly, cannot wait till you blow up

[@teddywarner]

Thank you! :)

[@jackhollingsworth24]

why human do the chess when the computer do the chess more better? I LOVE IT

[@CT2507]

So after all these tests you still don't think Niemann could have cheated?? Very strange thinking considering all the details in this case and your own work.

[@terencefagan276]

Great video, great planning, great editing. Well done guys!!!

[@howardlam6181]

Now go through a metal detector and then if you pass it, play with hikaru.

[@not_glad]

I thought shoes were more likely than a rectal device. I would of looked into delivering small electronic shocks rather than vibrations, no noise generated and easier to sense. Also picking the right shoes to modify, a smart pair of business shoes could fit all the hardware in the heel without altering the fit, then a small padded electrode someone on the sole.

[@DN-kz7xl]

What is against Hans using such a device, is the fact that he needed another person to be involved, which is a risk, for that person could sell the story to any news agency in the future and destroy Niemann's reputation.

[@mclarensaleenf7]

That’s a true and a good point. However, Niemann’s coach is a notorious cheater who has a life ban from chess competitions. So I wouldn’t be that surprised if he or a buddy were involved. Beating Magnus had the potential to propel him to fame and fortune, which could have earned them money in return.

[@DN-kz7xl]

@@mclarensaleenf7 Thanks.

[@jockin]

A reputation built upon cheating cannot widthstand if cheating is taken out of the equation, if he has always cheated he cant just stop cheating as that would do as much damage as him getting caught.

[@stephenr80]

This other person wins more money if niemann gets money

[@RaindeerMC]

you deserve so much more exposure bro, this video is top tier quality, amazing job

[@ChrisContin]

I investigated this myself, and found Hans Niemann did receive one piece to move as cheating information during this match. Unbelievable he filed $100 million in damage to lawsuit!

[@alexmorton6911]

10 minute live video delay seems to solve this problem completely for live matches.

[@TodayFreedom]

I read the instructable and yet (unless I completely missed an entire section) I cannot see how the data relaying the opposing player’s moves is fed back to Stockfish. Am I being obtuse?! I can’t see anything explaining how Stockfish is receiving that information. How the device receives your recommended move is covered in depth, but I can’t see how Stockfish is getting the response moves.

[@teddywarner]

In our instance, an opponent’s moves must be logged into a terminal manually, and then the best move you can play in response is relayed to you via the insole. Because Niemanns game was broadcasted, you could potentially write some code to read your opponents moves automatically, eliminating any third party whatsoever. While this operating principal is mentioned briefly in our article, we definitely focus more on the development of the project and not so much it’s use. The topic is covered at 4:41 in the video if you’d like a bigger picture of the entire system. Thanks you for your interest!

[@avalagum7957]

So, you think Hans had a device which is small enough to put in his axxhole, has enough energy to work for a few hours, has a cpu and software to decode the incoming signals and has a motor to tickle Hans ...? Who can make such a device? It cannot be a single person but a company, I guess.

[@japanesecar1501]

This is below college level electronics and programming basics. There are loads capable, coming out of school every year, man. Basically zero computational power needed, bar chump change cheap, mass produced parts, basic, low power stuff. It can work for days and days even, depending on how it's made, longer, way longer. It does basically nothing.

[@daytonagreg8765]

Very easy. I've done software development for 25+ years at a very high level in the intelligence community. As a retired dude I have been playing with electronics and building custom circuit boards. This would be a piece of cake to pull off.

[@sloganmac1135]

Do you have contact information so I can talk to you? ​@@daytonagreg8765

[@YouHideSlow]

finally youtube putting quality content on my start page. subbed

[@reesmp98]

No chance you only have 40 subs wtf

[@charlesdemey3929]

Let’s go Teddy and Jack! Really cool project

[@holtdaniels5878]

absolutely demolished the editing teddy

[@wc11133]

Cool video and shows how a move could be communicated to someone cheating over the board. But how does one communicate the oppositions move back through to the cheating device so that it knows how to respond over and over? This is a half the story missing.

[@miguelpanta]

excellent video, one remark. chess is typically played without conversation, so the testing of the buzzing was inadequate, logically speaking.

[@wyatt7741]

Really well-made video, congrats Ted and Jack

[@Cynis001]

You want to know how you gain massive rating points without cheating? Press the clock with the same hand that did your move. As someone who plays OTB tournaments, seeing this is always irritating me (since it's also not allowed) lol Other than that, amazing video. Keep it up! :)

[@teddywarner]

LOL - It’s worth mentioning that immediately after recording the finally chess game, a much higher rated friend of mine flamed me for my improper clock pressing. I’ll definitely be considerate of it in the future ;).

[@percybyssheshelly]

Actually you are supposed to press the clock with the same hand you did your move.

[@gabrieldunn7384]

You mean the other hand. See how long you get away with it.

[@PLASKETT7]

Good video. But, I must learn: would not the transmission, by whatever means, have left some tangible "interference" which would have registered on the many other communications and tele-comunications devices in the playing hall? I think that´s a VERY important qustion here.

[@Jimothy-723]

yea, and also there is a 30 minute delay for all streams and also no comunication devices and also all players were checked for devices and neiman never left the table.

[@wisemenlife]

are you sure you have 91 subscribers i thought you had 90k before i saw it good quality video

[@Kolblue]

While I'm not sure I agree with your stance regarding the situation, this video is really well shot, edited, and scripted. Well done!

[@grippingstranger9021]

I thought 474K subs. You're really on that level if you continue making videos. The sound needs some tweaking but besides that you have everything dude.

[@feraldrgn]

It's certainly odd that Hans would rise so quickly while also having to cheat previously (& downplaying the numbers). If the guy was truly talented enough to rise quickly through legitimate games then they would have never had to cheat.

[@aire111]

Great video. Out of curiosity, why did you opt for transmitting to/from coordinates rather than the much more dense algebraic notation?

[@jackhollingsworth24]

Hey, I wrote the code for the device. It honestly wasn't a particularly conscious choice on my part. The Stockfish library outputs in to/from notation so I just never decided to translate it to algebraic before sending it, but you're definitely right that this would save time buzzing the moves!

[@UrMyAngel18]

By the way just wanted ask ,r u guys nominated for Oscars in best acting categories. 🤦😅

[@georgesmith7507]

Really well made video and just a super cool project. Great job y’all

[@themasterproller7638]

bro I was watching this thinking that you had to be a famous youtuber that I've never seen. Then I see your subscribers and you only had 404!!!???? Dude you deserve like, idk, 10000x that literally. Very nice video :)

[@stephenr80]

Music anoying. How u send data? If 15min delay you compromised still it workz cos a gm only needs help twice a game

[@uns70ppabl35]

So are you the one who inputs the moves or someone else do this and gave to the device the correct response?

[@eugeneericson]

Only sandals and socks for the next chess tournament, I guess

[@andysPARK]

The law suit got thrown out.

[@alkaholic4848]

Good up to the conclusion. "Well this was really effective and really easy to do..... but i'm sure Niemann didn't do that." Wtf lol. He's even been proven to cheat in serious tournaments in the past. Once a cheater, always a cheater.

[@TomTKK]

Nope not true, he won and magnus is just a sore looser

[@lpretsbom]

Your channel is really underrated

[@sockeyetrout8143]

please TURN ON CLOSED CAPTIONING. KZbin WILL TURN IT ON IF THE PEOPLE UPLOADING THE VIDEO REQUEST IT. IT IS ALL DONE BY COMPUTER. SOME PEOPLE TURN IT ON A HOUR AFTER UPLOADING. I DONT KNOW HOW IT IS TURNED ON BUT ALMOST ALL VIDEOS HAVE IT. I AM SHOCKED AT THIS VIDEO AFTER 10 MONTHS AND POOR SOUND HAS NOT TURNED IT ON. MOST OF THE VIDEO I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND ANY WORDS. PEOPLE PAID TO DO THIS VIDEO. TURN ON CLOSED CAPTIONING. THANK YOU

[@AakashKumar-gl2fk]

Even if it was OTB, I will give benefit of doubt to Magnus not some online serial cheater. If he's good he shouldn't bother about it and defeat him in future tournaments. Chess will speak for itself

[@SavageBeastism]

Wow man this video is great, keep up the good work man. You’ve got a future ahead of you on YT!

[@Insitika]

Magnus Carlson should stop being a sore loser and accept defeat; it'll silence those with nothing better to do then to make baseless accusations and bizarre theories.

[@UnknownMoses]

Saying cheating at that level is exceptionally rare does not evidence of not cheating just as data patterns are proof of cheating. One thing is for sure he’s self admitted to cheating in the past and I believe he is continuing to intermittently cheat.

[@raylopez99]

Wait, is this a one-way receiver or a two-way transceiver? Dude do you just want page clicks or do science? To do science, you need a two-way transceiver since at the St. L Chess Club there was no audience observing, so you need a way for Hans to relay moves to the outside, not just receive moves (i.e., a two-way transceiver not a one-way receiver)... not watching the whole video

[@raylopez99]

Ok, just as I thought, it's a routine one-way receiver. I'll give a thumbs up. From my knowledge of ASICs having worked in Silicon Valley, you could do a two-way transceiver but last I checked (a while ago, prices may be different now, probably lower) you need about $100k to build such a transceiver. Niemann might have rich parents but would they put up the price of an expensive car just to satisfy junior? To cheat? I dunno, but I doubt it.

[@ilusoriob]

It's sad people have to spoil Magnus as much. The guy lost and went crazy about it.

[@lucashawranke]

broski how do u have only 247 subs

[@JOSELOPEZ-rn2nl]

Great video !! Subscribed !! You build that device like nothing out of this world, imagine if you have lets say 10 or 20 K budget to make something really really special . I m sure you will come up with something really unique.

[@scottekoontz]

Bravo for stating the OTB accusations are absurd. Also, submitting opponent moves would have been impossible for a potential cheater OTB, especially with the rapid pace at which some moves are made. I watched some of the so-called "Hans cheated" games and there's zero possibility Hans was able to send moves that quickly. Moves to the public were delayed as well, so no on-site accomplices.

[@IulianMihaiu]

You are so off, the game in question was a classical over the board game, meaning hours of play, not rapid or blitz, and there were people present in real time. Niemann probably didn't cheat then but the analysys of his rise was clearly dubious at least, which means he himself destroyed his own career.

[@scottekoontz]

@@IulianMihaiu "and there were people present in real time." Ah yes, there were helpers in the room with powerful computers and transmission equipment they snuck into the tournament. Easy peasy! Note that some of the OTB games the "Hans cheated" crowd cried about were in fact rapid or blitz. "the game in question" is not a single game but a lot of games, because so many people cannot help themselves but think one particular 2700 player may have cheated, but all other 2700s have not been cheating... or something. Yup, one guy is cheating OTB and nobody knows how. "but the analysys of his rise was clearly dubious at least" Like the young player whose Elo rose faster than Niemann? Any idea how he did it? PLUS the simple fact that Niemann has been playing at or above 2700 since the Magnus game, so the "Hans cheated" crowd has a hard time understaffing how that is possible. What about the silly "100% top move games"? You know, where online reviewers could not get a single engine to show top moves for some questionable moves? There was no known algorithm to get to 100% and that is why the issue was dropped. Use another engine and/or another depth and the % changes. "The game in question" was nowhere near 100%.

[@IulianMihaiu]

@@scottekoontz So, in your opinion this is just a case of sore loser and there is nothing, NOTHING, close to questionable in Hans career so far?

[@scottekoontz]

@@IulianMihaiu You just made up a statement, attributed it to me. Learn to have a discussion like an adult. No, I never said Hans never cheated in his "career so far". I claim that the people all giddy about the "game in question" as well as any OTB games hold insane assumptions, so insane that the very same could be asked of Magnus. Did magnus cheat, but not well enough? Magnus has had so many 100% top move games. I'd say the odds that Hans cheated are so slim it's a statistic tie with Magnus, or Rapport, or So... I will agree that Magnus, with zero proof (and I mean absolutely no proof whatsoever) is a sore loser, at least for the game in question. He played that game poorly, and Hans was not without a few questionable moves. It's what we call "playing chess".

[@IulianMihaiu]

@@scottekoontz Of course I attributed to you, your entire post was about the "rapid pace of the moves made". What rapid pace at an OTB classical game? All that I said started from your words. As for Hans rise, take a look at other young players, they don't have a rise, then long stagnation, than fulminent rise again. Any current super GM started and stayed there more or less, so, yeah, I don't know if Hans cheated and Magnus lied, but I sure believe that something is not right. I don't know what, it's just a feeling, perhaps a stupid one, but I accept it and live with it. Both players are arrogant sob's, but in Magnus case, at least, he has something to show for, and just like in the case of Michael Jordan, man, when you will win something in your life, then come to talk to me. Not me, I'm a simple and mediocre person. *I'm not here to offend you or anyone, we express different opinions, that's all.

[@keaton718]

Many, surprised Hans declined an interview for your 480 subscribers.

[@emrecoskundeniz4805]

how does the machine know what the oppennent played next move?

[@bethm2131]

I cant hear over music

[@NotQuiteFirst]

Bro it wasn't a 53 game _win_ streak, it was a _no loss_ streak

[@paulwoll1748]

Next WPT tournament someone could try this.... Poker.

[@ophello]

Why didn’t you try a raspberry pi zero 2? It’s powerful enough to run stockfish. No wireless connection required. Music was way too loud most of the time.

[@XtarlitCS2]

Incredibly good video. Enjoyed it thoroughly!

[@pooliner]

Wow nice video, subbed ;))

[@johnnysubnami]

I like it! Maybe cut back on the tucked-in elbows and hand gestures, but I love the video, engineering, and fun with friends. Cheers!

[@teddywarner]

Ha! Good to hear - It’s definitely an unconscious practice, but i’ll try to switch it up more in the future.

[@colinjava8447]

They say Carlsen just didn't play that well and made mistakes, that's why he lost. I don't know if they test for metallic devices before the games or not, you'd think so.

[@TomTKK]

They have a metal detector

[@jaybingham3711]

Had you folded in the functionality of temperature taking, an anal thermometer would not be ‘offensive’ nor problematic for Google. That it also could be used for communicating other information is just an expansion of functionality. Please consider a part deux. Also shoe devices are an actual thing and old news. And your device would very much be detectable.

[@michaelsmith6094]

But who's operating the laptop for Hans?

[@C0nstellati0ns]

A known cheater that lies and uses litigation to silence critics? How american.

[@MrJtin69]

Have magnus an hans play in a pool in speedos

[@bpmachete]

It's in his mouth and very small not this... that's why he has to talk without moving his mouth the normal way

[@p1xelat3d]

This is sick

[@ianprovencher7461]

unsocked foot 7:46

[@shellaValenzuela-ks9fr]

Maaarin ka bang mag benta saken Ng ganyan gadgets. Or paano Yan Gawin ?

[@ninjaaljun7674]

Nice video im the 212nd sub, cant wait to see you succeed

[@DrugsBunny973]

I don't believe this story. Magnus lost square

[@ayden7241]

Brother, keep making this amazing content!

[@DN-kz7xl]

Interesting video. Everyone was talking about cheating and a device, but no one could explain exactly until now.

[@claudiaedward8055]

Magnus fears Stockfish

[@twitch7406]

Bro says how the video is "different" then states exactly what other KZbinrs have already done/said....

[@Sakthibalankk]

So metal detector didn't detect his device

[@xtripx4273]

Where is the device? I dont want to see Hans story. Seen it.

[@roycinco7759]

lets try it here if it does work

[@andrewj2k_]

Bro is a full on KZbinr. You even have a sponsor haha.

[@Ray-dt7wo]

Great work dude

[@StudyWithNika]

Amazing video. Subbed.

[@percybyssheshelly]

A chess cheating device would certainly be feasible. These kinds of devices have been used for card games like casino blackjack. However I do not think Hans Niemann used a device like this to beat Carlsen. Hans sullied his reputation with the on-line cheating but I think he currently plays genuine grandmaster quality chess and I think the whole unfortunate affair was caused by Carlsen going on tilt from losing.

[@NotQuiteFirst]

Editing: 5/5 Soundtrack: 4/5 Humor: 3/5 Zoomer hairstyles: 2/5 Explanation/demonstration of the device itself that everyone clicked expecting to see: 1/5 Objectivity when assessing the case of a repeated cheater and self-serving liar: 0/5

[@cmvc95]

Dancing dog at the end: 5/5

[@OfficialMoreBeta]

This is the best recreation video I have seen

[@vincentparagas9162]

whats this sheet

[@laz1c19]

Great video underrated tbh

[@youtubecommentor69]

Very well put together video, entertaining.

[@gbcommando]

Keep it up bro!

[@rennyskiathitis8178]

Magnus only losing 20 times as white in his career would be amazing if it was true, it's not though.

[@tomasgomez3617]

Who else came to see sextoy hacking ? i'm very disapointed guys

[@sauceless6666]

Magnus is really notorious for being an untight baby when it comes to losing. He is also getting to the age where he will be having a harder and harder time staying on top in chess, whole thing seems like an obvious desperate attempt to extend his Carrer by picking an easy target (which hands niemann a known online cheater certainly is)

[@haklzmusic]

Very good video, incredibly underrated

[@NightThings99]

If you cheat in online gaming and you are a pro, you will cheat in a real game. It is like cheating in online school and if you have the chance you will cheat in a classroom. He cheated. 100%

[@kikiraindeer7782]

nice video skills

[@philoby_angry_cat9840]

this man DESERVES MORE SUBS

[@laurencejohnston2191]

Clever

[@flockyyy9763]

Great video

[@galaxygalaxy4429]

Probably Niemann's hair dresser knows more....

[@Khldemsry]

Best youtuber ever

[@batmanthegreatencoder]

Wow, this video is very informative...

[@petes.7967]

Bravo!!!! Well done good sir!!!