The psychology of chess
Schedule
Mon Apr 13 2026 at 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm
UTC+01:00Location
The Royal Institution | London, EN
About this Event
Do you need to be a genius to be good at chess – or is dedicated practice enough? What does it really take to become a Grandmaster? Can computers now display intuition? This talk will answer these questions through insights from psychology, cognitive science and artificial intelligence.
Along the way, Fernand Gobet will challenge some popular beliefs about talent and expertise, including why the famous “10,000-hour rule” does not fully explain success at the highest levels of play.
The talk will also tackle topics which push the boundaries of our understanding of psychology, such as why chess has long been associated not only with exceptional intelligence, but also with obsession, intense focus, and even madness.
By the end, you will see how this ancient board game offers surprising lessons about learning, creativity, and the limits of human intelligence.
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Event Image via Unsplash Alexander Mils
Where is it happening?
The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 7.90 to GBP 21.44
