Opening Master is calling all out STEM graduate degree students who would like to author interesting BIG DATA chess science project. With a massive chess database like Opening Master OTB with 10.2 millions official human games, we are selecting three predictive analytics projects that could yield interesting results for further chess theory study.

Calling All Chess Masters in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduate degree students

Participate in Cutting-Edge Predictive Analytics Research with Opening Master!

Are you a STEM graduate degree student with a passion for chess and a minimum of an International Master title? Here’s your chance to combine advanced analytics with the art of chess in a groundbreaking project with the renowned Opening Master database, holding 10 million human chess games! Plus, compete to win a grand prize of $1,000 and making true chess history

We’re looking for skilled and ambitious players to dive deep into predictive analytics and contribute to pioneering research in chess strategies. As a participant, you’ll work on one of three specialized projects using real-world chess data to uncover hidden insights into openings, player development, and game outcomes. This is an extraordinary opportunity to merge your analytical expertise with your chess mastery and make a signature to Chess Education perhaps once taught in schools. 

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is perfect for STEM students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM who also hold a minimum of an International Master title. We encourage applications from those who are passionate about chess and keen to apply their analytical skills to produce game-changing insights. PhD degrees candidates are welcome too. Are you seeking for Master Thesis or Doctorate Thesis? This is perhaps a best way to combine it with your passion to chess.

What You’ll Gain

Real-World Research Experience

Engage with vast, real-world data from the Opening Master database. Get insights from real players behind. Opportunity to talk to them for Qualitative analysis. 

Publication Potential

Collaborate on findings with opportunities for research publications. Ready with publication? The project paper will have interesting thesis advisors (or dissertation advisor in case of PhD paper) and publication committee supported by international Grand Master. 

Networking

Connect with fellow high-ranking chess players and data enthusiasts. With these highly exposed chess projects you could connect to international Grand Master or even World Champions. 

$1,000 Grand Prize

A cash reward to recognize outstanding contributions to any of the three projects. On top we are willing to support your expenses (necessary software licenses, travel, publication costs)

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter explaining their chess background and analytical experience, and a brief statement on which project they’re most excited to work on. Applications are open until February  15, 2024

Don’t miss this unique chance to revolutionize chess strategy and analytics—apply now to make your mark on the future of chess! Contact us via our form. We reply to all applicants

The projects

Project 1. Opening Effectiveness Analysis

Hypothesis: Certain chess openings statistically lead to a higher win rate for specific player ratings or styles.

Methodology

• Data Segmentation: Divide the games by player rating, color (white or black), and outcome (win, loss, or draw).

• Feature Engineering: Identify the first 10 moves in each game to classify it under a specific opening (e.g., Sicilian Defense, Ruy López).

• Predictive Model: Use a logistic regression or decision tree model to predict game outcomes based on opening choice, player rating, and color.

• Testing: Measure model accuracy using cross-validation and compare the predicted win rates across openings.

Result

A ranked list of openings by effectiveness across different player skill levels, allowing players to adjust their opening strategies.

 

Project 2. Player Style Evolution Over Time

Hypothesis: Players develop more aggressive or defensive styles as they gain experience and increase in rating.

Methodology

• Data Preparation: Track player IDs across games to observe changes in playstyle (e.g., move frequency in attack-oriented moves like pawn pushes and piece sacrifices).

• Feature Engineering: Calculate metrics that indicate aggressiveness (average piece activity, sacrifice rates) or defensiveness (use of pawn structures, castling frequency).

• Time Series Analysis: Use time-series clustering or a Markov model to map style evolution over a player’s career.

• Testing: Compare the evolution models across different rating tiers to validate consistency in patterns.

Result

Insights into typical playstyle development paths, which could serve as benchmarks for player progress.

 

Project 3. Prediction of Game Outcome Based on Position Strength

Hypothesis: Certain types of positions have a higher probability of leading to a win, loss, or draw based on board configuration after specific moves.

Methodology

• Position Encoding: Use board states (e.g., FEN notation) from games at critical points (10th, 20th, 30th moves) as features.

• Predictive Modeling: Employ deep learning models like CNNs or reinforcement learning to predict game outcomes based on position strength.

• Testing: Validate predictions using a test set of unseen games and evaluate accuracy based on move sequences leading to the final outcome.

Result

Predictive insights into game outcomes from key positions, helping players assess win probabilities based on positional strengths and weaknesses.

These projects would generate data-driven insights, allowing players and coaches to make more informed strategic choices based on historical performance trends.

Be part of the history and sign up now. The committee will select best candidates by March 15, 2025.

Not interested into projects? Download the biggest chess database and prepare for the players

Yes, we have them all. All 10 million of them (OTB human chess games). The biggest collection of official FIDE rated games. Download players Fabiano Caruana, Wesley So, Leinier Dominguez Perez, Levon Aronian Levon, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Liren Ding, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Anish Giri, Magnus Carlsen, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Richard Rapport and many others in just few clicks.

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Cooperation with International Chess Federation (FIDE)

Are you lucky one and just completed the teachers education from FIDE? We have good news for you. According to the Global contract with FIDE, Opening Master provides free access to the teachers who completed successfully the FIDE education course. Please consult with your instructor and FIDE EDU representative how to obtain the free license. 

Today, Opening Master is more than just a database; it’s a community that spans the globe, connects non-profits, funds projects or is official educational tool for Global FIDE. We provide monthly updates to players from Slovakia to the USA, Nigeria to Australia, Germany to the UK, and over 160+ countries. Our database is an invaluable resource for players, coaches, and enthusiasts at all levels.

 

 

Breaking Records

This month, we are proud to announce that our OM OTB (Over The Board) collection has reached an unprecedented 10,200,342 human chess games. These games are now available for our subscribers to download in both CBV and PGN formats from our cloud folder.

For our correspondence chess players and fans, we also offer the OM CORR special chess database version, featuring 2,212,494 correspondence chess games. Whether you prefer over-the-board play or correspondence chess, we have the resources to help you study, learn, and enjoy the game.

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