Is chess a sport or a game

what physical activity?
Walk to the chess place.

It's mental activity some gms burn over 1000 calories just on chess cause overthinking and anxiety =burn energy

Chess is a wonderful game.

Ray Duque III, GMBD

Chess and tennis and poker are all activities/sports/games where both/all players must degrade the ability of opponents to play well if they are to compete and move up in competititon.
Golf is a 'nicer' game.
You play your game. Your opponents play their's.
Opponents don't interfere with each other.
Many sports/games/competitions are like that.

Chess is fun to play.

Ballroom Dancing is an exercise to the body and playing chess is an exercise to the brain. Enjoy and cheers to all.

Sport. It is identified by the IOC as a sport, because, whilst it doesn't require the physical exertion of other sports, it requires mental stamina, strategic thinking, and concentration, all necessary components of what defines a sport.

chess is 100% a sport, because:

Chess is considered a sport because it involves intense competition, requires high levels of skill and strategic thinking, and demands significant physical and mental stamina to maintain focus during long matches. While not physically exertive in the traditional sense, the mental stress and physical demands on the body can be equivalent to that of other endurance sports. It also has a structured, global competitive environment, an official ranking system (the Elo rating system), and is recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Key Reasons Chess Is Considered a Sport

Competition and Skill: At its core, chess is a competitive activity where players strive to win through strategic planning and the application of skill, much like traditional sports. 
Mental and Physical Stamina: Elite chess players must endure long matches, often lasting for hours, which requires intense concentration and mental endurance. This sustained focus leads to significant physical exertion, with increased heart rates, respiration, and energy expenditure, comparable to marathon runners. 
Organized Structure: Chess is a well-established global activity with a long history of organized competition, including world championships dating back to 1886. 
Official Recognition: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized chess as a sport, a crucial factor in its legitimacy within the wider sporting world. 
Ranking and Doping Controls: Like other sports, chess uses the Elo rating system to rank players and has anti-doping controls in place to ensure fair play. 
Global Participation: Chess is a truly universal game, played and celebrated worldwide, fostering national enthusiasm and international competition across diverse cultures.

also what is the definition of a sport?

an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competesagainst another or others for entertainment.

How does chess require physical exertion?

Chess demands physical exertion mainly through intense, sustained mental effort, which elevates heart rate and burns calories due to the stress of high-stakes competition and long hours of focus. While players don't run or jump, the required mental stamina and the physical stress it induces necessitate physical fitness and endurance, with some grandmasters reporting significant weight loss from prolonged tournaments.

checkmate

has to be both

Golf is a game and not a sport?? Are you serious??

You wanna get nuts?! Come on! Let's get nuts!

I personally think chess is a game

The question of whether chess is a sport or a game has sparked spirited debates among enthusiasts, scholars, and sporting authorities for decades. Both viewpoints have strong arguments, and the distinction often depends on how we define “sport” and “game.”

Chess as a Game

At its core, chess is classified as a board game played between two opponents on a checkered board. It is governed by clear rules, relies on strategic thinking, and has been enjoyed recreationally by millions for centuries. In its most basic form, a “game” is an activity engaged in for enjoyment and amusement, often involving competition. From this perspective, chess—like checkers, backgammon, and go—is a quintessential game, requiring mental skill, strategic planning, and tactical acumen.

Chess as a Sport

However, the definition of sport can be broader than just physical activity. Many modern interpretations of “sport” include any competitive, rule-based activity demanding skill and discipline, and many sporting authorities now recognize the mental and competitive aspects as essential to sport.

Notably, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially recognizes chess as a sport. Competitive chess involves training, preparation, tournaments, an international rating system (Elo), anti-doping regulations, and even time controls—features analogous to those found in traditional athletic sports. Moreover, at the highest level, chess demands extreme mental focus and stamina over hours-long matches, which can lead to physical manifestations such as increased heart rate, calorie burn, and fatigue—some elite players reportedly burn thousands of calories during a single tournament game due to nerves and concentration.

Arguments For Each Side

• In favor of chess as a game: Chess does not involve the physical activity traditionally associated with sports such as running, jumping, or throwing. For many, the absence of overt physical exertion is the dividing line. • In favor of chess as a sport: Chess meets several key criteria: structured competition, skill and preparation, stamina, fair play regulations, international oversight, and a global competitive community. Its physical demands are less obvious but real, especially at elite levels where focus and stress take a toll on the body.

The Verdict

Ultimately, chess is both a game and a sport. It is a game because it is fun, intellectually engaging, and playable at any level of seriousness. Yet, its competitive, structured, and demanding nature allows it to fit under the definition of a sport, recognized by institutions worldwide. So, whether you see chess primarily as a mentally challenging pastime or a demanding competitive discipline, both views are valid—chess occupies a unique place at the intersection of games and sports.

good question

yay i revived this forum