Are chess players athletes? 💨
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Yes, they are athletes.
I think anyone who knocks themselves out, trying to reach a rating of 2000 , deserves to be called an athlete ! ✌️😎
Optimissed wrote:
What is the point of this ridiculous conversation?
The same topic more or less has already been extensively debated in a previous thread~
https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/is-chess-a-sport-ending-the-debate?page=1
(at 1800+ posts right now)
And I see about the same group debating here as well, so I guess it's cause people just like arguing. 
The true athlete is the guy who spends most of his time, trying to fight his way out of the patzers level , believe me I know what I’m talking about, cos I’m constantly trying to do just that ! 😤
CooloutAC wrote:
I'm exaggerating? It seems you don't know your history. Now you can claim it was because he was eating right, the same thing was said by Levy of Gothamchess about himself when he went directly to the hospital after the last game of his tournament overseas recently. Thats just another way of saying exhaustion and dehydration like I already said. And both of these things were exacerbated or caused directly because of their chess matches. period.
And if you don't believe the guy went to the hospital directly from the tournament, as did Levy, you better do better research. FIDE did not call off the tournament because Kasparov was winning. What are you even talking about lol.
Name me another championship in any sport that was called off because of a players health. I'll wait.
No, I said it was because he was NOT eating right. You have this persistent habit of intentionally misquoting and misrepresenting what other people say. And no, it had nothing to do with playing chess. Kasparovs health was just fine, "excellent" I believe is the word some officials used. It was only Karpov who wasn't up to the challenge.
So, why not cancel the match after game 46 if it was for "health reasons"? Nothing changed between 46 and 48 except one thing. Kasparov won two games in a row. Immediately after those two wins the match was cancelled. Karpov was up 5-0 after 20some games and both players wanted to play on.
Over the course of 5 months Karpov lost weight, some say 20 pounds. Which is not unusual. Losing 20 pounds over 5 months isn't dangerous or unhealthy by itself. He lost the weight because he didn't keep up on this health. Kasparov didn't lose weight, and Kasparov was BEHIND, under even more stress. So why is that? It's because Kasparov maintained a normal health routine, just like if someone was going to their 9 to 5 job for 5 months. If Karpov was dehydrated he should have drank more water. Unless drinking water was banned for those 5 months, I don't know.
Oh, which hospital did Karpov go to and who claimed he "almost died"?
And another championship called off because of players health? Well, there have been many. A recent one was the 2020 Masters golf tournament. It was called off for not just players health, but the fans too. The difference is most of the time tournaments or events are called off due to health reasons, that's exactly the reason. The Karpov match was called because he suddenly started losing badly. How else do you explain a score of 5-1 after 46 games but a score of 5-3 after 48 games? Kasparov was simply better, and he was learning how to beat Karpov.
CooloutAC wrote:
lfPatriotGames wrote:
CooloutAC wrote:
I'm exaggerating? It seems you don't know your history. Now you can claim it was because he was eating right, the same thing was said by Levy of Gothamchess about himself when he went directly to the hospital after the last game of his tournament overseas recently. Thats just another way of saying exhaustion and dehydration like I already said. And both of these things were exacerbated or caused directly because of their chess matches. period.
And if you don't believe the guy went to the hospital directly from the tournament, as did Levy, you better do better research. FIDE did not call off the tournament because Kasparov was winning. What are you even talking about lol.
Name me another championship in any sport that was called off because of a players health. I'll wait.
No, I said it was because he was NOT eating right. You have this persistent habit of intentionally misquoting and misrepresenting what other people say. And no, it had nothing to do with playing chess. Kasparovs health was just fine, "excellent" I believe is the word some officials used. It was only Karpov who wasn't up to the challenge.
So, why not cancel the match after game 46 if it was for "health reasons"? Nothing changed between 46 and 48 except one thing. Kasparov won two games in a row. Immediately after those two wins the match was cancelled. Karpov was up 5-0 after 20some games and both players wanted to play on.
Over the course of 5 months Karpov lost weight, some say 20 pounds. Which is not unusual. Losing 20 pounds over 5 months isn't dangerous or unhealthy by itself. He lost the weight because he didn't keep up on this health. Kasparov didn't lose weight, and Kasparov was BEHIND, under even more stress. So why is that? It's because Kasparov maintained a normal health routine, just like if someone was going to their 9 to 5 job for 5 months. If Karpov was dehydrated he should have drank more water. Unless drinking water was banned for those 5 months, I don't know.
Oh, which hospital did Karpov go to and who claimed he "almost died"?
And another championship called off because of players health? Well, there have been many. A recent one was the 2020 Masters golf tournament. It was called off for not just players health, but the fans too. The difference is most of the time tournaments or events are called off due to health reasons, that's exactly the reason. The Karpov match was called because he suddenly started losing badly. How else do you explain a score of 5-1 after 46 games but a score of 5-3 after 48 games? Kasparov was simply better, and he was learning how to beat Karpov.
FIrst of all you claimed they didn't call it off citing his health, then in the same breath claim he was not healthy cause he was not eating right. Stop contradicting yourself and make up your mind. He was not eating right because he was playing a chess tournament. That is another way of saying exhaustion and dehydration. What you are confirming is how much chess can even affect your eating and why health is important and these chess players must maintain it, just like any other sport.
No, it was over the course of the tournament he lost the weight. It lasted 48 rounds. He went to the hospital according to many, again most likely because he was severely dehydrated.
Your example of the 2020 golf tournament has nothing to do with a player suffering from exhaustion or fatigue because of playing the tournament. Try again.
The Karpov tournament was called off only after he lost 2 games, which was controversial. And FIDE literally cited his health as the reason why. You are simply in denial of this fact. So what are you calling the president of FIDE at the time a liar? I don't think he is like you my friend. Who was it again that called me a conspiracy theorist? They should be looking at you..wow. I think the only sport I've seen similar happen, is in boxing. lol
I've never personally seen it, but I've heard boxing matches are called off due to health reasons for one or more participants. However, when that happens I'm guessing that's the actual reason. Like one boxer can't stand anymore or is bleeding too much. So health is the actual reason. Officials dont want anyones health to be in jeopardy. Same with the 2020 Masters. It was called off because they didn't want anyones health to be put in jeopardy.
Karpov simply didn't take care of himself. Nobody was stopping him from drinking more water if he was dehydrated. Why wasn't Kasparov dehydrated? It's because he did what any normal person would do, drink fluids when they are thirsty. The match went on for 5 months, so losing 20 pounds isn't unusual. But that was his choice, he could have ate more and drank more. He didn't. And how much you eat and drink and rest has nothing to do with playing chess. So Karpov lost two in a row and the match was called off. Thereby ensuring a victory for Russia. Kasparov was learning how to beat him. Again, if it really was for health reasons, why not call it off after 46 games instead of 48?
So what hospital did Karpov go to and who there claimed he almost died?
CooloutAC wrote:
and as far as which hospital? who knows. I first heard about it from PhotoChess as I said, telling gmcanty about it. And i have read about it as well I couldn't tell you where. After the tournament he went to the hospital for 3 days. If we want to talk conspiracies, FIDE publicy cited his health as the reason for ending the tournament. that you can look up. But I believe him being hospitalized has been covered up due to embarrasment by the Russians and himself.
Maybe even FIDE because lest face it. The reason why you stated Kasparov was in good health even though I did not mention his health, is because you know FIDE also cited his health as well! He might of been fine, but the fact is this tournament bought to light how physicall demanding these tournaments can be for all players. When Polgar talked about how classical and rapid time controls should be shortened, its not just because of the mental breakdown that nepo had, I'm sure she is cognoscente of the physical dangers as well.
Here is Karpov admitting he went to the hospital for 3 days, exactly the amount I said. Anatoly Karpov tells all (4/4) | ChessBase But he claims it was for a nasal septum correction. Now, if you do a little research you will see that severe weight loss is one of the symptoms of such a malady. Coincidence? So it might not be that he was not eating right, it could be that the tournament itself was putting his body over the edge, in fact he might of found out he had this issue during it, and was putting off the procedure. <<<< conspiracy theory... lol
So if Karpov claims he hasn't been to the hospital for 52 years, except for a nasal septum correction, why on earth would you claim it was from a chess tournament? Do you EVER tell the truth? Besides you, who is claiming Karpov went to the hospital, for 3 days, for anything related to chess? It's certainly not Karpov, or any hospital.
Every member of this site is an athlete, I mean it takes a lot of stamina to put up with the daily grind of the stuff that’s being posted on the forums ! …….Woolly’s excluded of course ! ✌️😎…..do have a nice weekend !
Jun 3, 2022
0
#192
it may be a sport in the context of 'I do chess for sport'. lol
Chess requires physical exertion as mental exertion manifests itself physically. Chess has rules and etiquette which are officially recognized internationally. Chess is competitive as the participating players feel the drive to win.
CooloutAC wrote:
lfPatriotGames wrote:
CooloutAC wrote:
and as far as which hospital? who knows. I first heard about it from PhotoChess as I said, telling gmcanty about it. And i have read about it as well I couldn't tell you where. After the tournament he went to the hospital for 3 days. If we want to talk conspiracies, FIDE publicy cited his health as the reason for ending the tournament. that you can look up. But I believe him being hospitalized has been covered up due to embarrasment by the Russians and himself.
Maybe even FIDE because lest face it. The reason why you stated Kasparov was in good health even though I did not mention his health, is because you know FIDE also cited his health as well! He might of been fine, but the fact is this tournament bought to light how physicall demanding these tournaments can be for all players. When Polgar talked about how classical and rapid time controls should be shortened, its not just because of the mental breakdown that nepo had, I'm sure she is cognoscente of the physical dangers as well.
Here is Karpov admitting he went to the hospital for 3 days, exactly the amount I said. Anatoly Karpov tells all (4/4) | ChessBase But he claims it was for a nasal septum correction. Now, if you do a little research you will see that severe weight loss is one of the symptoms of such a malady. Coincidence? So it might not be that he was not eating right, it could be that the tournament itself was putting his body over the edge, in fact he might of found out he had this issue during it, and was putting off the procedure. <<<< conspiracy theory... lol
So if Karpov claims he hasn't been to the hospital for 52 years, except for a nasal septum correction, why on earth would you claim it was from a chess tournament? Do you EVER tell the truth? Besides you, who is claiming Karpov went to the hospital, for 3 days, for anything related to chess? It's certainly not Karpov, or any hospital.
do you read any of my posts, for the 3rd time I first heard it from photchess telling that to gmcanty. You probably don't even know who they are lol. Do you think its a coincidence they both said 3 days? Do you think its a coincidence severe weight loss is a symptom? Are you still denying FIDE called off the tournament citing the players health? After you slipped and mentioned to me Kasparov's health was fine, because you know they cited his health as well, while you are implying FIDE had ulterior hidden motives? lol.... keep trolling me over this. I love it.
lets address your conspiracy theory. First of all. FIDE was controlled by Russia, the President was severely pressured to ensure Karpov's victory by his own admission. I doubt he was doing anything in Favor of Kasparov, who actually broke away from FIDE and started his own league to spite them. Think about what you are implying, its not logical. I believe the guy didn't want Karpov's death on his hands, period, and if Karpov and Russia have too much pride to admit that, then you believe what you want.
All I know is besides boxing and fighting sports, I don't know what other sport has players almost dying from exhaustion besides chess.
No problem, then put up your source. You already put up a source for Karpovs comments, which completely contradict your opinion. He said in 52 years he's only been to the hospital for a nasal problem. He was the world chess champion, had it been in any way related to chess it seems pretty reasonable he would have said so. He didn't say anything about dehydration, or dying, or the chess match causing him to be hospitalized, none of those things.
But you did. You said he was hospitalized right after the chess match was cancelled and that he almost died BECAUSE of the chess match. Well, what proof do you have? Do you have anything at all or is this just another one of your outlandish claims based on what you personally wish to believe?
Because I personally find Karpov a lot more believable than you.
No.
@Ziryab : ty
some are, someare not
Jun 4, 2022
0
#198
No, because Chess doesn't involve physical exertion.
[1]https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athlete
[2]https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/athlete
[3]https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport
[4]https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sport
Jun 4, 2022
0
#199
autumncurtis wrote:
Or generally esports players? ♟️ at a professional level*
I'll say no because the definition of an athlete is someone who is proficient in sports or other forms of physical exercise (definition found by Googling the word just now). I'll claim that chess is not meeting the criterion of "physical exercise."
I will mention that I don't consider chess a sport for the same reason though. For all who consider chess a sport, then I suppose they must also consider chess players athletes for sake of consistency.
Chess is a board game and by this token, it is a "game." Should we consider poker players athletes as this is a card "game"...?
This is basically the "Is chess a sport?" debate posed slightly differently xD