I want to know more about chess players

1. No

2. I eat, I go to work, I sleep, same as 'regular' people.  Sometimes I play chess.

3. None.  It's a recreational game.

4. You already are a member.

1. The chess culture strikes me as somewhat similar to the gaming/science fiction/fantasy culture that was depicted in The Big Bang Theory.

2. The habits and customs are way too numerous for me to list, and, in any event, perceptions of those things differ somewhat from one person to another. You can get some idea by observing behavior here. Maybe look at the community and beginner discussion areas.

3. I doubt that values and beliefs come from chess very often, but I imagine that many find reinforcement of previously held values and beliefs. For me, an example is heightened awareness of the value of learning from one’s mistakes.

4. I don’t think that membership is a yes-or-no thing. The more you participate, the more you will be thought of as a member.

Do you know anything about the game?

1. I would not consider myself, or other chess players, a sub culture. Of course, that is only how I feel; perhaps there are those who feel differently. However, as with any community there is a lexicon associated with chess, and to a certain extent that might be considered unique and out of the mainstream. In that sense, perhaps, it is a sub culture. Terms such as: Patzer, Castling, Rook, Zugzwang, Woodpusher, Gambits, Openings etc. The list of terms is extensive and most would only be understood by those playing the game. (Google "Glossary of Chess" for a longer list you probably don't really need).

2. I don't have any particular customs or habits; however, I would not be surprised to learn many others do. I would venture to say all Grand Masters (another chess term) have or had certain habits or idiosyncrasies. Again, a google search may prove useful.

3. Chess players are as individual as any other group within society. So, while individual values and beliefs will vary widely, perhaps concentration, vision, planning and determination can be improved upon. These are generally attributes of successful chess players, so if learned or enhanced by playing chess, it is likely these "skills" (for lack of a better word) could be taken from chess and be applied to every day situations?

4. Membership in the sense of community requires very little; get a book on chess, buy a chess set and find some people to play with. You are part of this site; play some games, read some lessons. In that sense you have become a member (perhaps even a founder) of a chess community. Taking this further there are official clubs and organizations you could join (outside of this website), likely requiring membership dues. As you get better, your chess rating would improve and if you got strong enough you would start to receive more recognition, both within your club and if strong enough internationally.

Good luck with your English assignment . . .

Sometimes, for understanding, it is helpful to observe behavior in the native habitat. Maybe, look at:

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/sicilian-defense-najdorf-variation-2

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/goal-of-becoming-a-2200-player

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/who-is-the-worst-world-champion

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/help-support/i-am-rated-1200-in-uscf-but-i-cant-seem-to-get-better-any-tips

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/for-beginners/chess-lover-gives-away-his-new-car?page=12

- Subculture seems a bit dramatic, so "no" I don't really feel that way.

@glamdring27">@glamdring27 and I both seem to agree - chess players are simply normal people too. In fact, even GMs usually have "real jobs" and chess is the "side gig" or "hobby" they are simply good at. Unless you are of say top 50 chess players in the world, then chess doesn't even male you enough money to make a living at. This is why GMs with a lot of credentials try to go after sought after, yet limited, positions such as chess writers, chess announcers, streamers etc. Even with all of the chess-related applications, few can even make a living out of chess.

-Probably no values/beliefs come from chess into my life. If anything, you have it backwards. Chess players bring their life experiences, beliefs and values into their personality when they play chess.

-Chess.com member? You are one already, you have an account. FIDE or USCF (or other chess organization), then there is usually a simple process to become a member.