Poker V Chess

[ironman2007]

Chess and Physical Conditioning

The noun sport comes from French and Latin as a contracted form of the
verb disport, which means to make merry. Thus, the core meaning of sport
is simply pastime, diversion, or recreation. Like many other sports,
chess is also a game (a competitive activity governed by rules) and a
competition (a rivalry involving the demonstration of skill or ability).
Furthermore, and typically unlike ice-skating, chess is an adversarial
sport: the outcome of each chess game is profoundly affected by the
opposing interaction of the players.

Chess requires extreme physical demands: a single game might last six
hours or more, and several such games might be played in one weekend. A
study at Temple University reported that tournament chess causes physical
changes similar to a comparable session of boxing or football. For these
reasons, chess competitors undergo extensive physical conditioning.

Although chess knowledge is relatively more important than physical
stamina, physical conditioning can affect match outcomes. For example,
Kasparovs superior physical conditioning was an important factor in the
Karpov-Kasparov world championship matches. Vishy Anand, contender for
the 1995 World Championship, explained, give or take a very small
difference [in chess preparation], the stamina . . . will make all the
difference. . . . the physical aspect assumes really huge proportions.
Years earlier, World Champion Bobby Fischer admonished, Ive got to stay
in shape or its all over. In addition, dexterity is vital in fast-paced
blitz chess.