Why is playing chess called a purely mental exercise?

Answer 1

Chess is a cognitive endeavor requiring the player(s) to use what mental resources that one may have while engaged in a game with an opponent in the hopes of securing a victory over the opponent .

The game of Chess can be an exercise with infinite possibilities for the mind . One which helps to develop mental abilities that can be applied throughout life such as developing the skills of concentration , critical thinking , abstract reasoning , problem solving , pattern recognition , strategic planning , creativity , analysis , synthesis and evaluation , etc . .

Chess can be used as an effective tool to teach problem solving and abstract reasoning .