Being an ok chess player(FM) I used to be a big believer in Polgar story, but lately I've realize you do need more test cases. With such a small sample size it

Being an ok chess player(FM) I used to be a big believer in Polgar story, but lately I've realize you do need more test cases. With such a small sample size it is hard to make conclusions. If one of the Polgar daughters had been adopted, this would lead more credence to theory that practice by itself leads to excellence. I fear that you need at least some modicum of talent. I've realized tutoring my own kids and my nephews that there is quite a range in natural abilities for certain skills in otherwise seemingly normal children. One nephew in particular is miles ahead in picking up chess concepts and he is the youngest of the group (at 7 years old). If he was not going to a specialized music school and getting his 10k deliberate practice hours there, I am sure he could become at least a master.