Is Chess a Sport? Or is it not? Let’s Settle This

Is chess a sport? This is a question often asked by people, especially those new to chess. 

Upon studying the history of chess, you will discover how the game of chess was invented to build tactical and strategic skills. In the era of kings and queens, it was a mandatory game for nobles and rulers. However, in the 19^th century, the game went to full championship mode. 

But many still debate about its standing as a sport. In this article, we will answer the question “Is chess a sport?”. 

But before tackling that burning question, let’s look at the definition of a sport. 

Is Chess a Sport?

Yes, chess is recognized as a sport by most of the countries. 

Chess is officially recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee. You can check out this link and see for yourself. But that doesn’t mean the sport is recognized everywhere on the planet by every country. 

There are a few exceptions, and the most notable exception is the United Kingdom. The UK does not recognize chess as a sport. Getting recognized by a country means having a sports body with public funding. In the UK, chess does not receive any public funding. 

Chess is often compared to poker. There is a key difference between chess and poker, the luck factor. 

In poker, the rules are clear, but the hand of the opposition is not clear. Also, you don’t know the additional cards added to the game, they are drawn on a random basis. So, players need luck on their side to play well. 

This is precisely why most other board games are not considered a sport where the luck factor is involved. 

How is Chess a Sport?

When you look up “what is a sport” in the Oxford Dictionary, you get this. 

Sports is an “activity that you do for pleasure and that needs physical effort or skill, usually done in a special area and according to fixed rules.”

So, many would argue that chess is not a sport because it does not include any physical effort as mentioned in the definition.

However, one must carefully read this definition, it mentions “physical efforts or skill.” So, if a game is skill-based, then it could be considered a sport. Here, the word skill is meant for both physical and mental efforts. 

We all know that there is no sport in the world that requires as sharp skills as chess. 

The last bit of the definition is that the game should be played in a “special area and according to fixed rules.” 

We know that chess is played on a chessboard and has a specific set of rules decided by the governing body of chess. 

So, by dissecting the definition of a sport, clearly, chess is a sport. 

Chess as a Physical Activity

As pointed out by the definition of the Oxford Dictionary, sports demand physical exertion or fitness. 

Especially more physically demanding sports require players to be at least physically fit to practice it. In some cases, endurance and conditioning are required just to fully engage in those sports. 

When we come to chess players, the endurance and conditioning part is spot on. You might think that if they play the game while sitting, they can sacrifice their physical training. 

Sometimes chess games can take up to 7 hours. These hours can fully test the endurance of a player, they require full concentration, nerves, and sweat. You can go ahead and check out the training of top chess players in the world. 

So, if you are hung up on “Is chess considered a sport,” then I hope you’ve got your answer. 

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Reasons Why Chess is Considered a Sport? 

Now, it’s time to check out some reasoning behind why is chess a sport. 

Chess is Competitive

The competitive nature of chess is well known. Anyone who has ever played the game of chess can testify to it, the drive to win is too overpowering. 

You will see chess players zone out on their own to better strategize than the opponent and win the game. One false move and you are done for. Every chess game is a grand setting where the outcome isn’t fixed. 

A Physically Demanding Sport

Chess players do not compete with their athletic prowess but they need to be in excellent shape to play for long hours. 

In the classical chess format, the games between the top players in the world can last up to 7, 8, or 9 hours depending on how competitive they are. A slight mistake can result in a big loss for a player. 

Just go and watch the world no. 1 chess player Magnus Carlsen’s interview about how he keeps himself in shape for the big events. 

Chess Requires Skill

The top players in the world of chess spend a lifetime perfecting their skills by practicing openings, studying endgames, solving studies, and much more. 

The routine of a chess player is nothing short of a professional athlete. Chess players are always working, even when they are eating, sleeping, or working. 

Chess has a Set of Rules

Chess is not a board game where you just push the pieces around with no objective. It has a set of rules players need to adhere to – each piece moves a certain way. Apart from this, there are certain special moves that are performed according to the condition of the game. 

In a FIDE – the governing body of international chess – event, the players are required to adhere to a certain etiquette and dress code. Players need to do this for hours. 

Chess Has Recognizable National Accolades

Various high-ranked chess players like Magnus Carlsen, Vishwanathan Anand, and Veselin Topalov have been awarded the National Sportsman of the Year award by their respective countries. 

This is the kind of award that is given to players with more physically demanding sports in any country. 

International Player Ranking System

Ever since the establishment of the international chess body, FIDE, in 1960, a ranking system has been in place for players. This ranking system gives them global status as a sportsperson. 

Chess players are ranked based on their ratings in the respective format of the game. The ratings are decided by the results of the games they’ve played. 

Conclusion

Upon looking at all the things above, we can give a rest to questions like “is chess a sport”, or “why is chess a sport”. I think I’ve answered all these questions in this in-depth article, and we’ve concluded that chess is a sport, indeed. 

So, if you have questions related to this, do let us know via comments. We’d be happy to answer them for you. 

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