Fancy a challenge of both brains and brawns? Â Take up the new sport of Chessboxing, which combines the mental rigors of competitive chess with the physical demands of knocking somebody out into oblivion.
Originally concocted as a sport in a comic book by French author Enki Bilal, the first Chessboxing world championships crossed over to real life in Amsterdam on November of 2003. Â Since then, it has attracted more athletes and even has its own international governing body: the World Chess Boxing Organization (WCBO).
In Chessboxing, two individual players go through alternating four-minute rounds of chess and three-minute rounds of boxing, with a one-minute corner break in between. Â The match is held over six rounds of chess and five rounds of fisticuffs, with either a K.O. or a checkmate putting an end to a contest. Â In the event that the fight goes to the scorecards, a winner is decided based on both the results of the chess match (board advantage) and boxing points.
Hybrid sports has long been a favorite goofball pastime (think Baseketball), but this is the first time I’ve really seen one that looks pretty organized, complete with a governing body. Â Even the FIDE Â (World Chess Federation) chairman has a video going around of himself in a Chessboxing match, which lends the sport quite a bit of credibility. Â Can you imagine an enraged boxer having to sit down for a round of chess after getting heated up in an exchange of blows? Â That creates a hilarious picture.
Don’t expect to see it on ESPN anytime soon, but those interested in participating can contact the WCBO to find out how to join. Â Yes, they do offer training.
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