Ally Clifft, Student at Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma State University
Kalbe Abbas Agharia, Student, Oklahoma State University
With the rise in internet usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is no surprise that there was also increased popularity of online chess. In this study, we have investigated and analyzed low to moderately rated online chess players and the games they participated in. We utilized data sets from Chess.com in which we were provided with data concerned with individual players, clubs, tournaments, teams, countries, daily puzzles, streamers, and leaderboards. We utilized JMP and Python to complete our analysis. We took a random sample of low to moderately rated players from October 4, 2020 to March 4, 2021. We noted the portable game notation and specific moves completed by each player. When beginner-level chess players utilize certain moves constantly, they are more likely to see consistent wins, therefore increasing their status from beginner to moderate player. When looking at these moves on an individual basis it is unclear the impact on success, however when move combinations were further examined, the prediction of success was much more accurate. The results of our analysis allowed us to identify a series of moves most moderately rated players employ leading up to a game-losing move. With the COVID-19 pandemic occurring during the data collection, the data may be skewed. External environmental factors such as the pandemic may lead to inaccurate results and findings. This research and analysis aims to help chess trainers and coaches in better formulating strategies and training exercises to help beginner to moderately rated players improve their skills.
