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Question:

What is the difference between a game, sport, and an art?

I've read the answers to similar questions, but I am still not clear.

Some people have said that sports tests a person's physical skills and endurance. If so, what about bowling? That's not really an endurance sport. It tests skill, though.

What category does pool/billiards come under? What about darts?

What about figure skating, which tests skills and endurance as well as other things, but is a solo or pair activity rated by judges. Would then ballroom dancing be considered a sport? Or any dance?

And what about stage combat - the kind of sword fighting you see in movies? That takes great skill, endurance, control, but like figure skating and ballroom dancing, it is choreographed. People are judged in it when they go for their certification. Could this be considered a sport? It's not really a game, but it can be considered an art.

I'm just so confused. Perhaps there isn't a clear line? I would really like to get some help on understanding the difference between sports and games.

Additional Details

4 weeks ago
Figure skating is not exactly divided into teams. It's not competitive in the same way as football or baseball. They get points for artistry. Would you consider this a sport? Or an art?

What about gymnastics? The floor routine is done to music. Is it an art or a sport?

How about competitive ballroom dancing? Or any form of dance competition? Is this an art or a sport?

Stage combat - an art or a sport?


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

you need to keep things simple. a game is played for sheer fun. who cares who wins or loses. it's just a game.
a sport is divided into teams and an effort is made to have enough skill over the other team to beat them and win.
I don't know why you threw art in, really, but I'll take a stab and say some people probably view some games as an art. like golf. the art of perfecting your stance and swing is a seperate pursuit from winning or losing or having fun. it is a personal challenge.
I hope that helps. it seems very clear to me, at least! :)