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December 07, 2004
Chess is a sport
I cannot believe it. There is so much hatred towards chess. Especially in my exercise science class. Those fools just refuse to accept that chess is a sport. Their argument hinges on the fact that chess is purely a mental activity whereas conventional sports (e.g soccer, basketball) are not.
However, Chess is well-measurable, ratable and just as competitive.
Well-measurable means that any position may be evaluated: one could decide the state of the game (whether its check or mate). But chess offers a bonus: one could provide a full or partial analysis as well (giving a sufficient amount of time). If chess wasn't well-measurable, it would be an art.
Chess strength can and is often measured by means of a rating system. Otherwise, it would be music. But for me, what makes chess a sport, is its inherent nature of competition. And believe me, chess competition is the bloodiest of all. Otherwise, it would be a performance.
Worth of note: Chess is a clocked game but is not exactly real time. Fast internet chess can cause players to develop RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). Now that is a physical injury.
Posted by Oleg Ivrii at December 7, 2004 06:26 PM
Comments
"Especially in my exercise science class. Those fools just refuse to accept that chess is a sport." Good one!
Posted by: Eric C at December 15, 2004 04:51 PM
One thing i have to add, chess also exercise you, not physically, but mentally. Let's take those fools in Oleg's science class for example, they don't consider chess as a sport because they have never used that part of their brain- the thinking part. Therefore, to get rid of that obesity in their brain, they should play some chess!
Posted by: Eric C at December 15, 2004 04:51 PM