Opening Master and FIDE Education Commission 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 10.3 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 and FIDE EDU!
Are you a STEM graduate degree student with a passion for chess and a minimum of ELO 2000? Here’s your chance to combine advanced analytics with the art of chess in a groundbreaking project with the renowned Opening Master database, holding 10.3 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 at Universities who also hold a minimum ELO 2000 (exceptions will be granted based on individual evaluation). 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 FIDE and Opening 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. Need mentor? Each project will include assigned mentor from STEM area whom you could discuss your findings
$1,000 Grand Prize and life time access to Opening Master
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)
FIDE announcement
https://www.fide.com/news/3419
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 April 15, 2025. Email for applications: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.
email for application: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.
email for application: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
STEM Chess Academic Committee
The STEM CHESS ACADEMIC COMMITTEE will consist of 3 people. They will provide expert insights and feedback to ensure educational rigor and alignment with STEM learning objectives and hypothesis. They will collaborate with Opening Master and FIDE EDU on project development and implementation. .
Cooperation with International Chess Federation Education Commission (FIDE EDU)
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 Preparation of Teachers course. Please consult with your instructor and FIDE EDU representative how to obtain the free license.
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About Opening Master
We are proud to announce that our OM OTB (Over The Board) collection has reached an unprecedented 10,200,342 human chess games (October 2024). 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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Opening Master chess databases are an invaluable resource for chess players of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. With our comprehensive collection of opening variations, game analysis, and historical data, players can deepen their understanding of the game and develop their skills. Our databases are regularly updated with the latest games and variations, allowing players to stay current with the ever-evolving landscape of chess theory. Whether you are looking to improve your tournament performance or simply want to enhance your understanding of the game, Opening Master chess databases are an essential tool for your growth and education as a chess player.
Support underprivileged communities to have access to chess.
Our mission is to provide underprivileged communities with access to the educational and social benefits of chess. We believe that chess can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development, and that everyone should have the opportunity to learn and play this fascinating game. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to break down barriers and promote inclusivity, enabling individuals from all backgrounds to engage with chess and benefit from its many advantages. By supporting underprivileged communities, we hope to create a more equitable and just society, where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.
Chess federations, associations, clubs, schools, coaches but also individual chess players who love chess
At our organization, we are proud to work alongside a diverse range of partners, including chess federations, associations, clubs, schools, coaches, and individual chess players who share our passion for the game. Together, we strive to promote the growth and development of chess, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration along the way. Our partners play a vital role in supporting our programs and initiatives, helping to expand our reach and impact, and enabling us to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. We are grateful for their ongoing support and look forward to continuing to work together to advance the game of chess.
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About FIDE Education
The focus of FIDE's Chess in Education Commission is to expand the global outreach for chess in education. Since children enjoy learning through play, chess is a powerful educational tool for the development of intellectual and 21st-century skills. Chess can be implemented as a stand-alone subject or integrated into other subjects in the form of exercises, investigations, and chess-related activities. Game-based education engages students and improves the quality of the learning experience. Motivated students thus gain skills for success in and beyond the classroom.
2025 FIDE EDU Annual Plan
All of the following programs and activities are aligned with the Strategy Action Plan (SAP) developed by FIDE and FIDE EDU in 2021-2022 as a result of the global Chess in Schools Survey conducted in 2021 as a partnership with FIDE and the ECU.
FIDE EDU Mission
To make chess an essential tool for educating students around the world.
FIDE EDU Objectives – 2023 - 2026
Position FIDE as the Global Leader in Chess in Education
Double the number of teachers delivering chess-related instruction (from 92,500 to 200,000)
Double the number of students involved in scholastic chess (from 25 to 50 million)
To increase the number of participants in FIDE EDU courses (teachers and lecturers) by 20% each year.
FIDE EDU General Strategies
Develop training and resources.
Promote/Certify other training and resources.
Create marketing materials and opportunities for CIE promotion.
Highlight existing work and resources- increase visibility.
Respond to requests from Federations and organizations.
Identify models for scalable and sustainable programs.
Collaborate with Federations and Organizations for conferences, promotion, etc.
FIDE EDU Priorities for 2025
Improve Communications and Visibility
Develop Training
Expand Resources
Build Sustainable Programs
Learn more about FIDE EDU at: https://edu.fide.com/introduction
https://www.fide.com/news/3419
Download section
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Interesting documents and links for consideration
Project STEM CHESS 2025 Announcement
Download the TOP 8 benefits to play chess thanks to CHESS MASTER YELIZAVETA ORLOVA
https://www.fide.com/news/3419
