Exploring chess skill

Dr Robert Howard of the University of New South Wales in Australia is carrying out a survey on chess skill among internationally rated players. You can join!

Quite a lot of research has been done on chess skill. Adriaan de Groot's thesis Thought and choice in chess (1965) is still a classic, although some consider it out of date.

Dr. Robert Howard's study of chess skill looks at effects of amount of practice, coaching and age of starting chess on chess skill and at chess players' views about chess skill. The study involves a short online survey and for anyone who has, or who ever has had, an FIDE rating.

The survey, available in English, Spanish, Russian, and German, takes only about 5-10 minutes to complete. All responses are completely confidential. To take part, you must know your exact FIDE ID number, which can be found next to your rating.

A summary and analysis of the study findings will be posted here when it is complete and will be emailed to any participant who requests it. If you would like to participate, please go to the study's website.

For any queries, please contact Dr Robert Howard, University of New South Wales.