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.
Took this a few years out of highschool. Got INTJ. Glancing at website seems correct still.
I'm INTP too. We use this at work quite a bit so I've wondered about this and chess players too.
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. 
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
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.
INTP. And proud.
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.
I am INTJ : Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Judging.
This may be just right for chess playing.
Isn't "extraverted" just another way of saying "stupid"?
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.
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?
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.
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?