More chess stuff

Here I am again, getting ready to challenge the computer. It gets rather boring tying the computer time after time, but it's training for when I take on real people. I hope to get to GM status someday. How long does it take to become a GM, and what does it take to get there? A near obsession, perhaps? It seems that may be a requirement.  There's a question I have: why is it that you can neither queen or kingside castle when the king's in check? That's a rather ridiculous rule. Think of it like this: the king is in his chariot, and an enemy is about to trap him. Can he not spur on his horses to take refuge behind a captain who's better able to handle the opponent? There's some food for thought.