Zermelo's Theorem: How To Reach A Standard of Perfect Play in Chess

Authors

Elisha Amadasu '26, DePauw University

Files

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 2024

Abstract

Zermelo’s theorem establishes that in any two player zero-sum game with perfect information (without the element of chance), either one side can force a win regardless of how the other side plays, or both sides can force a draw (if allowed in the rules). This theorem encouraged me to see how I could better my chess to see if I could exploit the existence of this perfect standard. I considered how chess engines play, as they are currently the strongest at playing chess. I understood that they often look 60-70 moves deep from the opening stage of the game, which leads to the endgame. I decided to mimic this method by finding a statistical correlation between opening moves and the type of endgames that may occur from them.

Funding and Acknowledgements

Mentors: Dr. Gelonia Dent and Dr. William Massey for their guidance and general support they have given me over the past 3 years.

Thanks to CAARMS24 sponsors!

Recommended Citation

Amadasu, Elisha '26, "Zermelo's Theorem: How To Reach A Standard of Perfect Play in Chess" (2024). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 163.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/163