Beyond Pieces: Role of AI in Chess Strategy Precision

This study analyzes the evolution of strategic precision in chess via quantitative and documentary analysis of 1204 historical matches. Stockfish 16.1 was employed to measure 'Centipawn Loss', and the data were organized via Excel and JASP. The results highlight an increase in precision and a reduction in errors, particularly since the 1990s, emphasizing the role of AI. A significant inverse correlation between precision and centipawn loss (r=-0.85, p<.001) suggests improvement in player skills over time. Champions displayed greater precision than challengers did (t=4.563, df=63, p<.001), with Magnus Carlsen achieving the highest average precision (97.364%) and the lowest variability (CV=2.12%). This illustrates the impact of AI on the development of more sophisticated strategies. The study underscores how AI enhances human intuition and strategic thinking through interactive computational systems. This study concludes that chess players' precision has significantly improved with AI integration, particularly since the 1990s, when unprecedented performance levels in competitive chess have been achieved.