Rationality and Cognitive Biases in Chess: A Comprehensive Review

Chess players have long been cited as examples of logical decision-makers in a variety of scientific fields. Does this description, however, reflect reality? Previous studies mostly relied on controlled experiments where participants' responses were gauged under various situations. It is interesting to note that current research has adopted a novel approach using benchmarks drawn from contemporary chess engine algorithms. With this new method, it is simple to monitor in great detail, track movement, and reveal subtle behavioural tendencies. The complexity of the chess players' rationality and their deviations are methodically discussed in this review. It illustrates the subtleties of cognitive biases by observing the prejudices of chess players. This investigation not only deepens the understanding of the synergy between chess playing and rational thinking but also sheds light on the strategic use of cognitive biases as invaluable tools for mastering the game. More significantly, it looks at how these biases might be effectively applied in various contexts to enhance strategic decision-making.