Ayush Lodha

Chess can be considered both a game and a sport, depending on the perspective. Here's a breakdown of both viewpoints:

Chess as a Game:

• Played on a board with set rules and objectives.
• Focuses on mental strategy and problem-solving rather than physical exertion.
• Can be enjoyed casually by people of all ages and skill levels.

Chess as a Sport:

• Recognized as a mind sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to the high level of mental skill and strategic thinking required.
• Requires intense concentration, focus, and planning, similar to some physical sports.
• Competitive chess at the professional level involves high stakes, pressure, and physical stamina to endure long matches.

Ultimately, whether you see chess as a game or a sport depends on the emphasis you place on its physical or mental aspects. It can be both depending on the context.

There isn't a single definitive reason why white goes first in chess, but it likely boils down to a combination of practicality and historical convention:

• Standardization: In the early days of chess, the color moving first might have been decided per game. Around the 1500s, having a standard color move first became more convenient, especially for recording and analyzing games. White became the established choice, possibly due to its association with light and beginnings.

• Fairness: In theory, having the first move grants a slight advantage (called "tempo"). However, since both players have the full set of pieces and all possible moves are available to them, this advantage is minimal. Ultimately, white and black have equal chances to win.

Here are some other interesting tidbits:

• Some believe the color choice might have originated from earlier strategy games where a lighter colored piece represented the attacking side.

• While uncommon, there are some games (like antichess) where black actually has the first move to compensate for some perceived disadvantage in the game rules.

So, while the exact reason might be lost to history, white goes first mainly because it's the established standard that ensures fairness and simplifies game recording.

There are a couple of reasons why chess isn't currently included in the Olympics:

• Focus on Physical Activity: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) traditionally emphasizes sports that showcase physical athleticism. While chess requires mental stamina and focus, it doesn't involve the same level of physical exertion as most Olympic events.
• Appeal and Viewership: The IOC also considers the spectator appeal of events. Chess can be slow-paced and might not translate well to a broad audience compared to fast-moving sports.

However, there are arguments for including chess:

• Mental Challenge: Chess demands strategic thinking, concentration, and planning, all qualities valued in athletes.
• Existing Competition: Chess already has a well-established international competition, the Chess Olympiad, held every two years.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has lobbied for chess to be included, but their bids haven't been successful so far.