Mental activity requires a lot of energy, but chess is different from other sports in the sense that you get tired in another way. We don't run marathons, but still sometimes feel completely exhausted. ... After one game you might not notice that, but over the course of a tournament, fatigue and tension can build up.

Is chess good for mental health?

Chess can also help with the symptoms or severity of several health conditions, including dementia, ADHD, and panic attacks. In addition, playing this challenging game can help you find a sense of flow or improve the effectiveness of your therapy sessions.

Is chess mentally taxing?

Chess is mentally tiring just like other sports are physically tiring. It is part of the game. In my opinion, it is also part of the fun of the game. See this ESPN article on how much energy top players use during a tournament.