Chess: a game that's losing it's value?

aha! 

To some, yes.

Hey, was that a cut?

I somehoew get the feeling your "experiance", and the local folk you speak of don't know the game.

To some!

Pawn stocks are still trading at a value of 1, Bishops at 3, Rooks at 5.

What's the value of Queens, Knights and Kings at the mo ?

Should I short sell?

I must say i'm impressed by you and Andy. So, to sum up, there is no "official" way to say Kasparov's name? There is no rule?

Of course there is an official way to say it, but not to write it down using the latin alphabet.

a barcode might be unique.

Thanks Sred

next up is fred.

There is an interesting dynamic at work that makes it difficult to evaluate chess popularity.  Back in the 70's I recall the Fischer-Spassky matches broadcast on television in the U.S. - something almost unheard of.  But that was before the internet made such events available to most of the world.  Chess was played primarily at public venues such as clubs, schools and occasionally in parks.  Those who might have been avid players were found mostly in large cities where facilities and opponents could be found.

Today, the internet allows us to play any time, anywhere, night or day, correspondence or live.  Those of us living in chess-barren environments have a way to play.

Contrast that facility on the other hand with the advent of the same computer/internet culture that provides gaming to youth that attracts many who might otherwise become attracted to a "simple" board game.  How many potential converts have we lost to the first-person-shooter world of instant gratification and quick hand-eye coordination challenges?

So perhaps chess has morphed into an "intellectual" game in the eyes of many.  It takes time and study and practice to become proficient which might hurt its following.  Regardless of the balance, it is most refreshing to be able to play chess on a world basis with those who speak other languages, and until the massive speed of computers may someday "solve" the game, it remains a rich alternative to other means of entertainment.

Not sure what this means exactly.  How about the "instant gratification" of capturing a queen or mating, or the hand-eye coordination of playing bullet?

Ah, I should never try to duel with somebody holding a club in his hand. 

That's what people said about Magic The Gathering and the Street Fighter video game franchise. Guess what. those two survived WOW, COD, runescape and Skyrim as well...

If your having fun with your friends and bonding with other people through chess and you love the game that's all that matters.

Ignore the sneering types and people who say bad things about chess!

No surprise. Indeed it seems people don't even know Carlsen, Americans especially.

Chess always attracts a crowd. When I was playing a casual game in school one time, another wanted to play, then another and yet another. In no time I was playing the 4 of them after some more boards had been brought in.

Though honestly, chess and checkers at the same time is more challenging.

It's Гáрри, and he preferred the transliteration "Gary."

Chess is a game one either falls in love with or takes no interest in.  I have never been a great player but since taking it up in the military I greatly enjoyed playing it.  You  can't make someone like chess anymore than you can make someone like baskeball or soccer.  The same applies to those who want to force women into playing in equal numbers as men.  Nothing more than politically correct claptrap. 

If you like playing chess do so and don't worry about everyone else.