Originally posted by divegeester
Perhaps I can help to disprove it.
hypothesis: luck has something to do with winning a game of chess. (assuming of course that we are discussing statistical good fortune, not talking lucky horseshoes!)
1) If luck had nothing to do with winning then better players will win every game
2)A fully computerised game of unlinked randomised moves woul ...[text shortened]...
3) I've won two games by checkmate tonight so that must be a luck encounter of the first kind!
As has been pointed out, luck has a variety of meanings, some more stringent than others.
It isn't being used in a consistent manner in this thread. I would suggest that one could argue this either way, depending on what one considers "luck", because psychological factors (such as being tired or lacking focus or feeling rushed) could be considered luck, or deemed not be be luck.
And psychological factors DO enter into the results. This includes the "presence" of the players, as the concept of 'Fischer Fear' has shown. But is this luck, or is this something else entirely?
I would suggest the ability to remain collected during play, and focus on the position at hand and read it with precision and accuracy are skills a good chessplayer needs, rather than merely an element of luck, although they are certainly less tangible than other skills a chessplayer may use.
I would also note that precision and accuracy are also aspects of computer chess engines as well, since the AI used may have weaknesses in play, or may miss best moves. Now it doesn't have to deal with time pressure or psychological issues (unless programmed to), but chess engines aren't perfect any more than human players are.
What is meant by "unlinked, randomised moves"? Just curious, because based on what you mean, the second statement may not necessarily follow.
In regards to the theoretically drawn comment I made, I understand that nobody has yet to prove the opening is drawn (or possibly a forced win for white), but if play at grandmaster level is any indication, I understand most people believe it to be drawn, although white's overall winning percentage does give credence to the fact that white does have an advantage.