Core Concepts
Fundamental theories and terminology used in our cognitive research. Understanding these concepts is essential for interpreting our datasets and studies.
Tilt Horizon
The measurable period of time (or number of moves) following a significant blunder where a player's move accuracy remains statistically below their average performance rating.
Read Deep DiveChunking
A cognitive process where individual pieces of information (piece locations) are bound together into a meaningful whole (pattern). This is the primary mechanism for expert memory in chess.
Read Deep DiveCalculation Depth
Not just the number of plies ahead a player sees, but the *accuracy* of the evaluation at the end of the line. We distinguish between "hope chess" (deep but inaccurate) and "concrete calculation."
Read Deep DiveFlow State
A mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus. In chess, this correlates with optimal time management and intuitive accuracy.
Read Deep Dive