Genetic Limits in Chess
Sort:
Interesting... I thought studies on GM's show that their memory is no better or only slightly better than that of the masses when trying to remember an illogical chess position. Therefore, that which is often interpreted as a "photographic" memory may actually be an extraordinary familiarity with stereotypical chess patterns based on thousands of hours of practice/repetition/study. I can now easily play the first 4 moves of the exchange variation of the Ruy Lopez blindfolded ... I certainly couldn't do that a few years ago and I know my memory has only gotten worse.
Oct 12, 2016
0
#3
Meh, even kids can be GMs, so logic is not so important.
You also don't need a photographic memory to play blindfold chess. My memory is average to low-average and I can play blindfold and remember at least some games I've played in the past. Just depends whether the moves make sense.
Also it's hard to believe you've hit a permanent wall after only 1.5 years. You want to talk about normal distributions, almost no one hits their ceiling so soon. (Also your account is over 2 years old so...)
I do agree that genetics matter though.
Chesss Strategy for Club Players by Grooten has a good study(back up by scientific experiments) on how GMs differs from mere mortals.
I have noticed that most IMs and GMs can play completely blindfolded. Imagine how easy calculation would be if you had the whole board with all the pieces in your head. It seems that to become truly exceptional at chess you need a photographic memory.
From my observations here are some genetic abilities that an individual must have to become an IM or GM at chess.
-photographic memory
-excellent at logic (understanding of cause and effect)
-Exceptional Pattern recognition and pattern memory
Here are some important attributes of an exceptionally strong player's personality
-competitive
-focused
-objective
I am always in awe watching GMs and IMs play chess. They take so much into consideration and seem to have such a great understanding of chess positions. It is hard to believe that anyone could beat them. The fact that these players are so strong is a testament to how much genetic ability plays a role at the top of any human endeavor.