Training the Mind Through the Board: Evaluating the Chess Bot Future_Training96 as a Tool for Enhancing Working Memory and reducing competitive anxiety.

This mixed-methods study explores whether Future_Training96, a high-Elo Lichess bot (2500–3000), can improve working memory and self-confidence in intermediate to advanced chess players through regular training. Prior evidence supports cognitive and psychological benefits of chess training and AI-aligned coaching. Forty-five players (Elo 1200–1600) trained with Future_Training96 over 12 weeks, completing at least five 40-minute sessions weekly. Pre- and post-tests using the Working Memory Questionnaire (WMQ) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) revealed significant gains in working memory (approximately 15%) and reductions in competitive anxiety (approximately 30%), with strong effect sizes. Players reported increased mental visualization, flow states during training, and decreased performance anxiety. This suggests that a human-aligned high-strength bot can deliver both cognitive and emotional training benefits, even for developing players.