Intriguing Fact: Chess masters can burn 6,000 calories in a tournament.

Chess is not just a game of strategy; it's also a mental workout that can have physical effects. During intense tournament play, grandmasters can burn up to 6,000 calories a day, which is equivalent to running a marathon. This surprising fact showcases the intense concentration and mental exertion required to excel in chess.

For example, during the 1984 World Chess Championship, Garry Kasparov famously lost 10 pounds over the course of his matches against Anatoly Karpov. This stark physical impact highlights the immense stress and focus that top-level chess demands. The brain's constant analysis, planning, and decision-making during chess matches can lead to such calorie-burning effects.

While chess may be seen as a sedentary activity, the mental strain it imposes on players is comparable to that of high-intensity physical sports. This fact challenges the misconception that chess is solely a game of the mind, shedding light on the physical toll it can take. Next time you watch a chess match, remember the intense mental and physical effort behind each move.