Abstract
The ability to play chess is generally assumed to depend on two types of processes: slow processes such as search, and fast processes such as pattern recognition. It has been argued that an increase in time pressure during a game selectively hinders the ability to engage in slow processes. Here we study the effect of time pressure on expert chess performance in order to test the hypothesis that compared to weak players, strong players depend relatively heavily on fast processes. In the first study we examine the performance of players of various strengths at an online chess server, for games played under different time controls. In a second study we examine the effect of time controls on performance in world championship matches. Both studies consistently show that skill differences between players become less predictive of the game outcome as the time controls are tightened. This result indicates that slow processes are at least as important for strong players as they are for weak players. Our findings pose a challenge for current theorizing in the field of expertise and chess.
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Notes
One can question whether Kasparov himself would actually consider a 100-point decrease in rating “slight.” At the time of the simultaneous exhibitions he would have dropped to somewhere around tenth place. In our view, and probably in the view of the strongest player of all time, still a significant decrease. At this moment he would drop from being the strongest player in the world to somewhere around the 60th place in the world ranking.
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Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank Joop van der Pligt, Rene Zeelenberg, Vittorio Busato, and Bruce Burns for insightful discussions and useful comments.
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van Harreveld, F., Wagenmakers, EJ. & van der Maas, H.L.J. The effects of time pressure on chess skill: an investigation into fast and slow processes underlying expert performance. Psychological Research 71, 591–597 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-006-0076-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-006-0076-0