Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
Does this atlas rank groups by IQ, race or nation?
No. Pathways and evidence stay individual. Scores are browsing aids — never group biological or racial ranks.
What did de Groot find?
Masters did not always search deeper in simple measures; they saw better positions. Perception as expertise.
How much does practice explain in games?
Macnamara et al. 2014: about 26% in their games coding — minority, largest among their bands.
Were the Polgárs a proof of nurture?
László Polgár’s project produced three elite players, including Judit. It is a powerful family experiment, not a proof that any child can be world number one.
Is go the same file as chess?
Shared search and pattern; different aesthetics and institutions (Japan/Korea/China houses).
Does chess make you smarter at life?
Near transfer to similar search tasks is likelier than far transfer to every decision. “Chess in schools raises IQ” is a weaker claim.
Development here follows Gagné-like honesty: aptitudes, practice and catalysts. Strategic talent is not a finished essence.
Windows differ by domain. A closed sport window is not a closed writing window. Read the clocks.
Stages
- Learn rules deeply
Win conditions first.
Clarity.
- Study a model game
One structure.
Chunks.
- Play and review
The designed hour.
Ericsson.
- Change one variable
A new time control or colour.
Transfer inside the domain.
- Model the opponent
A written “they want”.
Theory of mind.
- Teach a beginner
Gap check.
Vygotsky.
Levers
- Designed study — Not only games played.
- Stronger peers — Club density.
- Post-mortem honesty — Information.
- Engine hygiene — Teacher, not ghost.
- Time to think — Search needs seconds.
Windows
- Childhood games — Rules as play.
- Club adolescence — Hours become identity.
- Adult entry — Open, with speed ceilings.
- Machine era — New literacy: using engines.
Supports
- State chess/go schools — Soviet, Chinese, Korean houses.
- Scholastic clubs — US/India pipes.
- Polgár-like family projects — ethically watched — A controversial support.
- Expertise papers in coach education — de Groot on the shelf.
Strategic talent: catalysts and windows do the daily work. Destiny talk is the failure mode.
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