How to read NIC Statistics
(Valid till volume 62)
Each NIC survey is accompanied by a statistical evaluation of the line or variation under discussion.
All statistical data is extracted from the New In Chess Database, containing more than 800,000 games, with aid of the statistical functions incorporated in the NICBASE database software. The New In Chess Database is compiled by careful selection of incoming data, by sifting out insignificant or obscure games and tournaments as much as possible. The statistics extracted from the database will therefore present a more reliable picture than those gathered from other, maybe larger, but more indiscriminitely compiled databases.
The data is presented as a graph indicating White's scoring percentage in four different cases.
The number of games upon which the statistical analysis is based is indicated in the white box inside each bar.
Each NIC Statistics item centres around the survey position represented in the diagram at the top of the page.
The first bar shows the score over all games featuring this specific position. Generally the other three bars represent different (sub)variations or entire opening systems, but in some cases the score of a particular player (an expert in the field) has been depicted instead. For correct interpretation of the information it is important to remember that even if the player defends the Black side of the system, the scoring percentage indicated is still that of White. For instance, if the graph shows a score of 40%, this means that the player in question has a success rate of 60% as Black!
1.d4: Best by test!
White's score over the entire NIC Database is 54.8%, as can be seen in the graph below.
Of White's two main opening moves, 1.d4 scores significantly better than 1.e4.
The main culprit responsible for this state of affairs is portrayed in the fourth bar.
