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Myers-Briggs Types and Chess


  • 5 months ago · Quote · #1

    D_Plew

    Anyone familiar with the old MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)?

    If not, it is simply a method of dividing everyone into 16 distinct personality types, based of 4 axies. There's a quick test to determine your type here: http://www.personalitytype.com/career_quiz

    I'm wondering what the most common type or types are of chess players. Personally, I'm an INTP. I would imagine the ideal chess player would be a ISTJ type, although chess does also require N I would imagine.

    So what type are you?

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #2

    msiipola

    I'm a ISTJ type (http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/inspector.aspx), but I'm not sure if thats a ideal type. For example my imagination is weak, and often get very tense when the position gets complex and tactical.

    Because my personality type likes simple and clean solutions, I always play the Scotch as white if I'm allowed. The Scotch is a simple and easy to understand opening.

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #3

    waffllemaster

    Took this a few years out of highschool.  Got INTJ.  Glancing at website seems correct still.

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #4

    jwalexander

    I'm INTP too. We use this at work quite a bit so I've wondered about this and chess players too. 

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #5

    vadsamoht

    INTP here too.

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #6

    KalunaDarlin

    Fascinating topic! 

    Speaking as someone who has administered and interpreted these things for a living, I can't see any one type as being an indicator of (eventual) success in chess.

    However, I would expect someone on the "I" side of the coin to have one advantage...he/she would relish those long, solitary hours of study and be energized by it.

    I'm an ISTJ btw.  Laughing

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #7

    NimzoRoy

    I'm dubious about the MBTI being reliable or valid, but of course as long as someone's making money off of it it must be valid - at least for the people making money administering the MBTI tests.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myers-Briggs_Type_Indicator#Reliability

    http://www.skepdic.com/myersb.html

     

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #8

    JakeThomas

    I'm INTP as well, higher than a 5% chunk of the population on chess.com I'd imagine!
  • 5 months ago · Quote · #9

    usnrjnr

    I'm also INTP and believe that's a type drawn to strategy games generally, not just chess. Differences in type likely account for such variances in style of play (S vs N, for example). So, intheory if you know your opponent's type you could mallet some reasonable predictions about how he/she might play.
  • 5 months ago · Quote · #10

    usnrjnr

    Sorry, that should have been "make" predictions.
  • 5 months ago · Quote · #11

    JakeThomas

    @NimzoRoy I think your right to be pretty skeptical about it.
  • 5 months ago · Quote · #12

    fburton

    ISTJ

    I have a need for other people to like and admire me, and yet I tend to be critical of myself. While I have some personality weaknesses I am generally able to compensate for them. I have considerable unused capacity that I have not turned to my advantage. Disciplined and self-controlled on the outside, I tend to be worrisome and insecure on the inside. At times I have serious doubts as to whether I have made the right decision or done the right thing. I prefer a certain amount of change and variety and become dissatisfied when hemmed in by restrictions and limitations. I also pride myself as an independent thinker; and do not accept others' statements without satisfactory proof. But I have found it unwise to be too frank in revealing myself to others. At times I am extroverted, affable, and sociable, while at other times I am introverted, wary, and reserved. Some of my aspirations tend to be rather unrealistic.

    Wink

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #13

    JG27Pyth

    INTP. And proud. 

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #14

    TreeClimber57

    Well from the few who have replied, the Introvert and Thinker seems to be a common item, not surprised here.  The other two seem to be more variable.  I do find things do change over time; and one can swing back and forth over the years on some of the items I would think.  When I took it years ago, I was an INTJ.  I did not take test, but suspect that has not changed significantly.

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #15

    Nimzov9

    I am INTJ : Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging.

    This may be just right for chess playing.

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #16

    Arctor

    Isn't "extraverted" just another way of saying "stupid"? Laughing

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #17

    electricpawn

    D_Plew wrote:

    Anyone familiar with the old MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)?

    If not, it is simply a method of dividing everyone into 16 distinct personality types, based of 4 axies. There's a quick test to determine your type here: http://www.personalitytype.com/career_quiz

    I'm wondering what the most common type or types are of chess players. Personally, I'm an INTP. I would imagine the ideal chess player would be a ISTJ type, although chess does also require N I would imagine.

    So what type are you?


    I am an ENTP, but my score for extravert/introvert was just barely E. My score for N (intuitive) was by far my strongest. Took it for my current job and a previous one, and got the same result.

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #18

    ChessPraxis

    Thanks for starting the topic, D_Plew. Reading the responses has been a real hoot. INTP here.

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #19

    fburton

    electricpawn wrote:

    I am an ENTP, but my score for extravert/introvert was just barely E. My score for N (intuitive) was by far my strongest. Took it for my current job and a previous one, and got the same result.


    Ah, so when you shake hands with someone you look at their shoes rather than your own? Laughing

  • 5 months ago · Quote · #20

    Sorg67

    Facinating question.  I am INXP - I tend to flop between T and F depending on the questions.  Most people think I should be INTP, but it is close either way.


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