Chess a real sport?????

who knows ?

could be some time in the future, there will be an Olympic champion web browser.

or a world champion "sneezer"!!  and chess flexes more muscles!!!

The OP started this thread with a question that just begs for a yes or no answer. Obviously, one cannot be provided because the very definition of "sport" has such fluid boundaries. If sport is competetive, then fly fishing is not a sport. If sport requires superb physical conditioning, then bowling and curling are probably out.

Perhaps a better way to phrase the question would be "What has chess got in common with more mainstream sports?" Then, of course, you have: rules, competetiveness, national and international governing bodies, training, fans, amateurs and professionals, etc.

"What has chess NOT got in common with more mainstream sports?" Broken bones, lost teeth, torn ligaments, sweat, strength, agility, hand/eye coordination, careers ended by old age at 30, multi-million dollar contracts, supermodel spouses, and fans who paint their faces with in checkered patterns and throw beer on each other for rooting for the other guy.

Actually, the loaded word here is not "sport" but "real." It sounds like the OP's friends are using it as a synonym for "manly," which says nothing about chess, sports, manliness, or realness, but plenty about the friends' insecurities. 

.... and then run... run like the wind, Forest!

(Yeah, "Jock baiting" is a real sport)

Spelling bees are competitive and you use your brain ,is it a sport?

Your loss 

the best high-jumper is the knight, the pawn is a good walker, the bishop makes a nice javelin thrower, the Queen the best decathlete, the King makes a good drunk ............. wha ???? wait!! drinking is only an irish sport!

My personal definition of "sport": any activity (1) with a competitive aspect and (2) where at an elite level there is a skill requirement that supercedes chance. Thus, to me, chess is a sport.

Anything can be a sport if we use personal definitions...you're a chess fan, naturally your definition excludes a mainstay feature of most sport definitions allowing you to categorise it as a sport.

So, knitting, paper folding, flower arranging and tiddly winks are all sports?

Do you draw the line at Poohsticks?

I dont think is a sport.....falls into game category maybe? You do exercise your brain though!!!!!! (well.....sometimes)   lol

The real question is not whether it is a sport, it obviously is, but whether people should be required to wear chess helmets.

Chess is only a sport if it's one of those huge sets, where the pieces weigh 150lbs.

@Doggy_Style ... A speed-knitting competition would qualify under the narrower definition by virtue of being physical, and would qualify under mine as well.

Dont mind what people think about you and your chess. I picked on but I dont really care. They are just jealous that they cant do anything good. But dont worry about it, I would say chess is a sport for your mind.

chess>cricket

why cant we have good national sports... 

About a hundred years ago, there was a German master... can't recall his name... who still holds the world record for resigning by sweeping the pirces off the board and smashing the wooden board over his opponent's head. Eleven times in one tournament. I'm surprised that his opponents didn't start showing up for the games wearing Pickelhaubes.

good one blueemu!

and i guess the real question is not whether chess is a game or sport, but whether it's worth a laugh!!

Chess is a sport, it mainly is only a brain sport :)