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

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Avatar of AlCzervik
BigChessplayer665 wrote:

Please explain to me HOW it isn't a sport. You guys keep just saying "it isn't a sport" and have no facts to support your claim.

And don't say

No physical activity

There's sill activity

Just a different kind

no physical activity IS the argument.

using your "logic", one could ask you to prove how grass grows but you are not allowed to mention photosynthesis.

Avatar of Ziryab
DrSpudnik wrote:

Annie Oakley could shoot the crack off a gnat at 300 yards!

She was a good shot, but this claim stretches the truth, I suspect.

Still, most of what I know about Annie Oakley is what I read at the Josephine County Shhoting Range in the early 1970s. There, the women’s bathrooms were marked with her name, while the men’s were marked with the name of some famous buffalo hunter or gunfighter.

Avatar of BigChessplayer665
AlCzervik wrote:
BigChessplayer665 wrote:

Please explain to me HOW it isn't a sport. You guys keep just saying "it isn't a sport" and have no facts to support your claim.

And don't say

No physical activity

There's sill activity

Just a different kind

no physical activity IS the argument.

using your "logic", one could ask you to prove how grass grows but you are not allowed to mention photosynthesis.

But a sport doesn't require physical activity just activity though

Avatar of BigChessplayer665

A1 C ]

gamecompetition, or activity needing physical effort and skill that is played or done according to rules, for enjoyment and/or as a job:
It needs either physical effort or skill
Chess is a skill I guess it is also a competition /game and it can be both for enjoyment or as a job it fits the requirements for the definition of a sport 
Avatar of MaetsNori
BigChessplayer665 wrote:

A1 C ]

gamecompetition, or activity needing physical effort and skill that is played or done according to rules, for enjoyment and/or as a job:
It needs either physical effort or skill
Chess is a skill I guess it is also a competition /game and it can be both for enjoyment or as a job it fits the requirements for the definition of a sport 

True.

But now look up the definition of "board game" ... The word "chess" is, quite literally, in the definition itself ... playhand

Avatar of BigChessplayer665

Yes but a board game is still a game

Avatar of MaetsNori

Yes, but chess is already defined as a board game. That's the correct definition of it.

We could argue that "Board games are sports", I suppose - but would that be accurate? Or would we just be trying to redefine something, despite it already having a definition?

Consider, for example, "accounting": the skill or activity of keeping records of the money a person or organization earns and spends

Now someone could say, "Ah hah! Accounting is a skill or activity. That means we can call it a sport, too!"

But would that be accurate, as well? I'm not so sure ...

Avatar of BigChessplayer665

 A board game is a tabletop game

A tabletop game is still a game lol 

Maybe a boardgame is a less broad and more accurate definition but that is still a game it fits both categories 

Avatar of BigChessplayer665

Now someone could say, "Ah hah! Accounting is a skill or activity. That means we can call it a sport, too!"

Yes but what's more impressive being able to see something ten moves deep without panicking or getting stressed or correctly or adding and subtracting ?

Avatar of MaetsNori
BigChessplayer665 wrote:

Now someone could say, "Ah hah! Accounting is a skill or activity. That means we can call it a sport, too!"

Yes but what's more impressive being able to see something ten moves deep without panicking or getting stressed or correctly or adding and subtracting ?

I actually dabbled in accounting for a bit and I found it much more confusing than chess.

Assets and liabilities and equities, accruals and amortizations, compound interest and present/future values and ugh ... I'd rather study the Najdorf ... tongue.png

Avatar of BigChessplayer665

Stats is harder than chess the issue is it has to be in a form of some sort of competition or game accounting and stats aren't really

Unless it is like speedmath or something

Avatar of MaetsNori
BigChessplayer665 wrote:

... the issue is it has to be in a form of some sort of competition or game accounting and stats aren't really

Well ... not according to the definition that you quoted.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, something has to be a game, or a competition, or an activity, to be considered a sport.

Accounting is obviously an activity, so it still applies. It also requires skill (financial literacy, data manipulation) and physical effort (you've got to move your hands to write and/or type in your data), and it's done according to the rules.

Therefore, Accounting satisfies all the defined criteria of a "sport".

This, of course, is the problem with broad definitions - nearly anything can be loosely defined as a "sport".

That's why I point to the definition of "board game", in which the word "chess" is literally mentioned. There's nothing vague about that definition - it clearly defines exactly what chess is ...

Avatar of BigChessplayer665

I think it has to be a competition first if I recall...

Avatar of BigChessplayer665

It is sorta like how matching band isn't considered a sport because it is an art instead for whatever reason 🤷

Avatar of MaetsNori
BigChessplayer665 wrote:

I think it has to be a competition first if I recall...

It makes sense to use competition as a metric, I agree. And chess definitely is competitive.

But, to me, calling chess a sport is like calling a whale a "giant fish". Sure, whales have a lot of physical and behavioral similarities to fish ... but they're ... technically mammals.

And it's true that competitive chess shares a lot of common traits with competitive sports ... but it's ... technically a board game. tongue.png

Avatar of BigChessplayer665

And still a board game can be a sport if it fits the right critieria cause it is still a game

Like thinking for 6 hours straight and not trying to mess up is a lot harder... It is like a full time job almost I also bet chess raises heart rate more than accounting you don't have to be fit to do it but if you aren't you might get a heart attack

Avatar of lfPatriotGames
BigChessplayer665 wrote:

And still a board game can be a sport if it fits the right critieria cause it is still a game

Like thinking for 6 hours straight and not trying to mess up is a lot harder... It is like a full time job almost I also bet chess raises heart rate more than accounting you don't have to be fit to do it but if you aren't you might get a heart attack

What "criteria" would a board game have to fit to be a sport? Thinking 6 hours straight? I didn't realize that was any sort of criteria for a sport. Lots of things require thinking for 6 hours straight. Like, oh I don't know, remaining alive.

What about Noland Arbaugh. When he plays chess, is he participating in a sport?

Avatar of landloch

Is arguing about whether or not chess is a sport a sport?

Avatar of BaseballDiamondCLE2
landloch wrote:

Is arguing about whether or not chess is a sport a sport?

lol

Avatar of Ziryab
Jared wrote:

*Ahem*

Chess is a game that has been played for centuries, and its status as a sport has been a topic of much debate. While some may argue that chess is not a sport because it does not involve physical exertion, I believe that chess is indeed a sport due to the mental skills and strategic thinking required to excel in the game.

First and foremost, it is important to consider the definition of a sport. The Oxford Dictionary defines a sport as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” While chess may not involve physical exertion in the traditional sense, it does require an immense amount of mental exertion. Players must use their cognitive skills, memory, and strategic thinking to outwit their opponents and make the best possible moves.

In fact, studies have shown that playing chess can increase cognitive skills, improve concentration, and enhance memory. The mental demands of chess are comparable to those of other sports, such as tennis or golf, which require participants to think quickly and strategically in order to succeed. Just like in physical sports, chess players must train and practice regularly to improve their skills and stay competitive.

Furthermore, chess is recognized as a sport by various international sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Chess Federation (FIDE). The IOC recognizes chess as a sport because it meets the criteria of being a competitive, skilled activity that requires training and discipline. FIDE, the governing body of chess, organizes world championships and other competitive events that attract players from around the globe. These events are highly competitive and prestigious, with players competing for prize money and titles.

Additionally, chess tournaments are governed by strict rules and regulations, just like in any other sport. Players must adhere to a code of conduct, follow time controls, and abide by fair play guidelines. Cheating and unsportsmanlike behavior are not tolerated in the chess community, and players who violate the rules can face penalties and bans.

Moreover, chess has all the elements of a traditional sport, including competition, strategy, and skill. The competitive nature of chess tournaments, where players vie for victory and accolades, mirrors that of any athletic contest. Players must outthink and outmaneuver their opponents in order to win, using their intellect and creativity to come up with successful strategies.

Chess also requires a high level of skill and expertise to excel. Professional chess players spend years honing their craft, studying openings, endgames, and tactics in order to become masters of the game. Just like in physical sports, chess players must train diligently, analyze their games, and seek out coaching in order to reach the highest levels of competition.

In conclusion, while some may argue that chess is not a sport because it does not involve physical exertion, I believe that chess is indeed a sport due to the mental skills and strategic thinking required to excel in the game. Chess meets the criteria of being a competitive, skilled activity that requires training and discipline, and is recognized as a sport by international sports organizations. The mental demands, competitive nature, and skill level required to succeed in chess are comparable to those of other sports, making it a legitimate and respected athletic pursuit. So next time someone questions whether chess is a sport, you can confidently say yes, it is.

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