On: Why are the Russians so good at chess?

[jefffoster]

Is there any evidence that there is a strong correlation between playing chess at a high level and being a great mathematician?

[varjag → jefffoster]

If you are a great chess player you wouldn't have time to become a decent mathematician.

[pixcavator → jefffoster]

In my experience mathematicians become quite good at chess - if they take it seriously. That's why I gave up playing long time ago.

[mquander → pixcavator]

In my experience, anyone of average intelligence becomes quite good at chess, if they take it seriously.