Is this the sign of a cheat?

Recently, I was playing an opponent who was under increasing pressure, both in terms of position and material. The opponent 'left the game', I presumed because of a lack of desire to resign or be mated. Then, maybe a minute later, the opponent returned and played an unexpected good move, one which did not necessarily win but which extricated the opponent from the position. Would that minute have provided enough time to set up the position in a robotic program?

Please use lichess.org/report. There's no need or purpose to talk in public.

I wasn't identifying a person, Cedur216, I was asking if this was a sign of cheating. I don't know much about it.

I mean, maybe it is. The description is vague and normal Lichess users (even experienced ones) are not great authorities at cheat detection. But the mods are, so I'm asking you to show this to staff via report, if you can provide the same reasoning then it's already better than the average report.

Exactly... happen to me before... good luck with your report...

@coledavis

A minute is sufficent to set up the pieces and get a moverecommedation from a cheatprogram, site whatever.
That said, many people will tab out and between newspapers, reddit, whatnot while playing.

I guess you should report the guy and see what comes out of it.

Disconnecting is absolutely no hint for cheating at all. The position would be setup immediately automatically, and it would probably need below 1/10th of a second to beet humans at our level.

i looked at some of your recent games, and can't help but notice that you did not request a computer analysis for any of them. that should always be the first thing you do, before you even think about reporting a game.

That is the problem with cheaters (may they be DAMNED FOREVER)
We never really know if they cheated on 2 to 4 moves. So we get paranoid when anyone plays a few brilliant moves in a mediocre game. At 50yrs old I can pull off great moves then forget what planet I'm on.

I'm using lichess exclusively for analysis board right now but on chess.com 50% of my games it feels like they play their rating 80% of the time but when they are stuck they burn 10minutes, sometimes go offline or "lose connection" then play 3 brilliant moves in a row. Then their time is low so they play poorly bc they can't get help.

Keep in mind if they have someone helping them or a 2nd device they can stay "connected."

I really think it's best to play more otb with local people or tournaments. And online create teams of honest players and play your own tournaments.

If you play random people remember the best vengeance is staying focused and playing well. We get frustrated then blunder and lose any chance of winning. Bleeeeed their clock, play solid and fast without blundering, don't let them think on your time. But take time when you need it so you don't blunder. These type of players are bad in the endgame. Try to be equal at end game, play fast and kill their clock.

@drSabrotna said in #9:

> I really think it's best to play more otb with local people or tournaments.

Apparently you haven't heard that people can cheat there too.