How do I defend the arguement that chess is a sport?

This post has not been addressed in any detail by the side arguing the negative.

TL/DR

because every point in the post is either irrelevant (example below) or has already been debunked.

this "debate" has become redundant with both sides just repeating everything. nobody is changing anyone's mind here.

then there are the arguments that are not arguments at all. in the post you cite, z, one part states "chess tournaments are governed by strict rules and regulations". using this flawed logic, driving to work is a sport.

You don't!

I was going to say almost the same thing. Every point has been gone over so many times, there isn't a good reason to repeat them again. Most of what Jared brought up are just good reason why chess is NOT a sport.

If there is no physical exertion in shooting how does the gun get aimed and the trigger get pulled? Or do those things not matter in the results of a shooting competiton.

I agree

In competitive shooting, at least some forms, the gun is supported so well that the physical acts are mostly carefully preventing the human action of pulling the trigger from affecting anything. 

chess is a sport even video games r sport (e-sport) why can't chess be? and chess is boardgames

Well I'm not sure what you mean by lazy. By lazy do you mean saying something like moving chess pieces requires a similar amount of movement as shooting? Or do you mean lazy like you personally moving the chess pieces results in the outcome of the game. Meaning nobody (not a proxy, not a chess server, nobody) is allowed to move the pieces for you. When you go shooting, is someone else allowed to shoot the gun for you, and then you get credited for the result?

How much physical effort, how much "movement" does Noland Arbaugh exert when he plays chess? Is he playing a sport?

Chess, often debated as a sport, transcends conventional physical activity yet embodies the essence of competitive athletics through mental prowess, strategic acumen, and rigorous training. While some may argue that the absence of physical exertion disqualifies chess from being labeled a sport, a deeper examination reveals that chess meets and often exceeds the criteria defining a sport.

At its core, sport involves competitive engagement that demands skill, strategy, and training. Chess embodies these elements profoundly. Players dedicate countless hours honing their cognitive abilities, studying past games, and refining their strategic thinking. The mental stamina required to compete in high-level chess tournaments rivals that of any physical endeavor. Grandmasters, the pinnacle of chess excellence, are athletes of the mind, pushing the boundaries of human cognitive performance.

Moreover, chess tournaments adhere to strict regulations and codes of conduct, similar to traditional sports. Players must adhere to time controls, maintain decorum, and compete under pressure, all while adhering to a set of rules enforced by arbiters. The competitive environment fosters intense focus, resilience in the face of adversity, and the ability to perform under stress—qualities synonymous with athletic competition.

Chess also mirrors the structure of traditional sports in its organizational framework. It has international governing bodies like FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) that oversee tournaments, establish rankings, and enforce standards of play. Professional players earn sponsorships, endorsements, and compete for substantial prize money, paralleling the economic ecosystem of mainstream sports.

Furthermore, the physical effects of competitive chess cannot be overlooked. While not strenuous in the traditional sense, the mental exertion and physiological responses during intense chess matches—increased heart rate, perspiration, and heightened sensory awareness—mimic those experienced in physical sports. Studies have shown that competitive chess players experience similar levels of adrenaline and cortisol as athletes in physically demanding sports, indicating a profound physiological response to the demands of the game.

Beyond its competitive aspects, chess fosters qualities essential in sport—discipline, dedication, and resilience. Players must endure defeats, learn from mistakes, and continually evolve their strategies to remain competitive. The mental discipline required to maintain peak performance over the course of long tournaments is akin to the physical endurance demanded by endurance sports.

In conclusion, while chess may not involve physical prowess in the traditional sense, its demands on cognitive abilities, competitive spirit, and adherence to rigorous standards qualify it as a sport. Chess challenges the mind with the same intensity and rigor that physical sports demand of the body. It embodies the essence of competition, requiring skill, strategy, and endurance to succeed at the highest levels. Thus, chess stands as a testament to the diversity of sports, illustrating that athleticism transcends mere physicality and encompasses the boundless capabilities of the human mind.

chat gpt

Move the chess clock 500m away from the chess board.

At its core, sport involves competitive engagement that demands skill, strategy, and training. Chess embodies these elements profoundly. Players dedicate countless hours honing their cognitive abilities, studying past games, and refining their strategic thinking. The mental stamina required to compete in high-level chess tournaments rivals that of any physical endeavor. Grandmasters, the pinnacle of chess excellence, are athletes of the mind, pushing the boundaries of human cognitive performance.

It is a sad commentary on posters here when a statistics-based writing app manages to construct the most intelligent contribution to a thread with nearly 700 posts.

It's an AI and unfortunately most humans suck at english it isn't that the ai constructs the most intelligent contribution it's that it sounds way smarter than it actually is I have a feeling it's due to correct grammar and using big words

I’ve had long arguments with ChatGPT, but these two sentences are the clearest expression I’ve seen of what I’ve been arguing in these threads for nearly ten years.

“At its core, sport involves competitive engagement that demands skill, strategy, and training. Chess embodies these elements profoundly.”

Ah, that clears things up a bit. Because the idea that chess can be played ONLY in the minds of the players has been brought up. Many times. I'm not sure it would be lazy to bring it up again, or it was lazy the first 20 times. Or maybe it would be lazy to suggest that the definition of sport precludes activities conducted SOLELY in people minds. Such as dreaming.

Or maybe it would be lazy to suggest some forms of chess are sports and others aren't. I, as well as many others, have said things like speed chess could certainly be considered sports, since they rely so heavily on the physical aspect. Speed, co-ordination, etc.

Having covered all those tihngs so many times before, maybe it's NOT lazy to concentrate just on what most people are talking about, normal regular play. Which is what Noland Arbaugh plays. Is that a sport?

As others have mentioned, this has already been done. Many, many times. The elements of sports that are uniquely common are the participants themselves most perform the tasks the sport requires. Every single sport shares this unique requirement. From curling to weightlifting. From target shooting to swimming. From darts to boxing. You name it, the participant must do it.

Chess, however, has no such requirement. Most people do it of course because it's the most convenient. But it's not REQUIRED. If it were required, how would someone like Noland Arbaugh play competitive chess?

Except for one thing. Chess is not a competitive physical engagement. It can demand skill, strategy and training though.

Do you think that clear expression of what a sport is meant to include things like making dinner, driving to work, arguing for a raise or mowing the lawn?