Linking extreme precocity and adult eminence: a study of eight prodigies at international chess

Do prodigies have extraordinary innate talent or do they just start very early and get much practice? Why do relatively few become eminent as adults? Is it because early and later success often need somewhat different abilities and gatekeepers rule? International chess is a good test domain for both issues because it has objective longitudinal data, unvarying task requirements, and no glass ceiling. Eight prodigies were studied. Some did not start chess particularly young but quickly reached high performance levels. Five already are very eminent, one becoming the youngest‐ever world champion at age 18. Chess prodigies probably do have great natural talent. Prodigies in domains with certain characteristics may tend to become eminent if they persist.