Growing up with Chess

Hey all,

I'm very new to this forum, and thought I'd share my experience with chess. 

From about 4-5 years old, I was taught to play chess, and started playing competitively at about age 7. I didn't particularly enjoy the game however, but my parents were fairly insistent that I play. At the age of 15, I quit chess, after a "career" of fairly good wins, and some losses. It's been 5-6 years since then, and now I'm just playing for enjoyment. These days I'm at university, studying computer science/ engineering. 

What have everyone elses experiences with the game of chess been so far? 

:-) hope to learn from your experience. .

Chess is great for young children provided they show a natural interest in it. Should never be forced IMO.

My dad insisted I play until I started beating him. Then he refused to play anymore. Lol

Started playing in the summer of 1972, when Fischer was making headlines with his match with Spassky. 

Been a fan every since.

In '72 is when I started my chess book collection.  549 books later, I'm still collecting them.