I've been playing chess since maybe the age of 12(?). Most of my experience has been against computers. it's easier to fit a machine into my schedule . But their games are kind of--I don't know, lacking in originality? sterile? not as much fun as people.
I'm not out to be the next U.S. or World Chess Champion. To me it's interesting, fun, thought-provoking and no two games are alike.
In case you're ever asked "What good is it to know how to play chess?" here's an answer from Fred Reinfeld, who at one time taught chess at a New York college and has written many books on the game.
He said that since chess is a long game, it teaches patience and working toward a long-term goal. Since you have to figure what your opponent might do, it teaches you to see another person's point of view. It also requires logical, rational thinking, both in chess and in life. Since pieces of differing abilities are made to work for a common goal, it teaches management skills (I'm not sure if he said that or not actually).
So if someone ever says chess is a waste of time, here are benefits of the game you might not have thought of before.