Question: Given the increase in chess theory, are different kinds of people likely to be strong chess players now than in the 1800s or earlier (e.g., people with greater memory)?
Answer: It’s also important to realize that brute memorization is not a very important factor in chess success. The important factors that the 19th century chess masters used to excel at chess are by and large the same as today with the main difference being that, in the 21st century, chess is available to the masses and thus talented players have the ability to achieve great success regardless of their family wealth. The ten main factors for chess success common between 19th century and 21st century chess players are… https://www.quora.com/Given-the-increase-in-chess-theory-are-different-kinds-of-people-likely-to-be-strong-chess-players-now-than-in-the-1800s-or-earlier-e-g-people-with-greater-memory/answer/Chris-Torres-13?ch=10&share=069c8895&srid=i4Sz