I like it that, day or night, there's always a game available.

I like it that no matter how strong or weak you may be, there is suitable competition.

I like it that games can be extremely short and quick, extremely long and thoughtful or anything in between.

I like it that you can play the White pieces or the Black pieces and each one requires a different approach.

I like it that you can play it anywhere and with equipment that can be packed into a little bag.

I like it that that you can play online or OTB with relatively little difference.

I like it that most chess-players really are nice people who want to impose their will on you just for the duration of the game.

I like it that chess has a vast, and vastly interesting, recorded history.

I like it that games played even centuries ago can be followed as if they are happening today.

I like it that even without playing a game, you can take pleasure in chess through problems and puzzles.

Good post! I like everything you said, too. I also like it that even when you loose, you win, because you can always learn from your losses and improve your game.

I like that chess rewards the diligent, thoughtful and intelligent

I like it that the board and pieces can be both a game and works of art and craftsmanship.

I like that chess is not as random as life.

I like that my success or failure is mine alone to bask or wallow in.

I like that it’s a fairly safe form of escapism. I can start a game and when I finish and note the time, I realize that I have no idea where I’ve been for the last 45 minutes or much more if I play several games sequentially.

Though it can take me on a nice mind  trip for hours ,there are no apparent health or quality of life consequences such as delirium tremors or the  possibility of incarceration for this particular habit .  At least, not that I’ve noticed. But I would probably be the last one to realize it.

Great post.  I imagine that these are the things that entrance most of us.

Batgirl - Lovely stuff. Agree on all counts.

I like it because it is the most equal playing field in the world. It is a game where age, size, prejudices, ethnicities, religion, etc. are thrown out the window. Your opponent can be 100 years old or 3 years old. You can be a blue collar worker or a CEO, a college graduate or a kindergarten student. If only the world was as great as a chess board.

It's good to see a forum topic that is focused on the positive aspects of the game in amongst all of the whinging that has plagued the forums as of late.  A few thoughts of my own:

I particularly enjoy the fact that I've had the opportunity to play and speak with so many intelligent and engaging people from all across the world here.  Nowhere else have I ever found quite that experience.

I also love the fact that my game is better than it has ever been because of the accessibility of games with some great competition, the learning tools that are available here and the community that collectively brings so much depth of knowledge to the subject.

Finally, I concur with the sentiment about puzzles.  I'm a chess puzzle addict and traditional puzzles no longer hold my interest the way they did before I discovered chess puzzles.  When I don't have time for a complete game, nothing is better as an appetizer.

I like a good combination.

i like it too, batgirl !!

Lets embrace and Capture this rare moment of UNITY ............... .

.........................................Click................................................

Great post.  Thought provoking. 

"I like it that that you can play online or OTB with relatively little difference."

I wish this was true for all but I fear it is not, for me.

I think there is a vast difference between otb chess and online chess. I think the difference is vast and not at all insignificant enough to even remotely consider them the same pursuit anymore. 

I believe this can be mainly attrubuted to the dynamic of human beings face to face being removed from the online experience.

Some things that are missing, for me:

~ I like seeing the picture of smug superiority that sweeps across a players face when they win a game.

~ I like the post mortem in the skittles room.

~ I like the interaction of others in the room, kibitzers, spectators, gawkers and potential players.

~ I like a coffee house atmosphere filled with ribald stories, lots of personal dynamics, plenty of good looking distractions and access to fine pastry.

Haha, I don't know why but when I read the first post it reminded me of Green Eggs and Ham. I guess the repetitive pattern is what keyed it.

Would you play it on a boat?

Would you, could you with a goat?

I wish I knew where to put my Queen,

I probably would if I wasn't so green.

Central placement would be ideal,

Even then a draw would be a steal.

How did I get into this jam?

I did not see it Sam I am.

Haha pretty good  Not too many people have the courage to commit to the Dr. Seuss style chess rhymes.

OOOOOOPES...........

Paradise Lost

He's a gutsy talented one.  

I like the icebreaker when a stranger at a party looks at a chess board then you, and asks, "Chess?"