Checkmate or coffee break? study tests caffeine boost for chess grandmasters

NCT ID NCT07641335

First seen Jun 14, 2026 · Last updated Jun 14, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether drinking caffeinated coffee helps professional chess players think faster and make better moves during tournament games. Twelve top-level players (rated 2300-2600 Elo) will play chess after drinking either regular coffee or decaf, without knowing which they got. Researchers will measure their accuracy, reaction time, and puzzle-solving skills to see if caffeine gives them an edge.

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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Saint Louis University

    St Louis, Missouri, 63104, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Mental Fatigue

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.