Interesting. Some time back I read one on chess, using MRI, I believe. Masters accessed the graphical memory area(s); amateurs were accessing the calculating area(s) - demonstrating that without pattern recognition, one literally has to resort to more intense calculations each time. Perhaps a bit like counting on your fingers to figure out what 2 + 3 is, versus simply remembering that the result is 4. Oh, wait - 5. 
Difference between pro and amateur brains
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Jan 21, 2011
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Jan 21, 2011
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It was interesting to read that the part of the brain they pros activated is often used in experiments with rats and mice. It's almost like the brain gets tired of seeing the same old thing and gives the tasks to an older processing center.
This is similar to other studies that have been done. In this case the study was in Japan for shogi which the BBC equates to chess.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12250687
In essence after years of trainings the pros are able to make intuitive moves using another part of the brain while amateurs can't access that area. It dovetails nicely into the advice to train patterns 15-30 minutes per day as it will pay off over years.