Is Chess just a philosophical experiment?

Chess, what is it all about? Why do we play it? What are we trying to achieve? 

As I've said before, I'm no different than any other chess enthusiast. My mornings are busy with the voice of Kingscrusher in the background, and the tactic puzzle projected on my screen. 

Today my morning routine was shaken however. I looked up at the framed photograph of Gioachino Greco which hung on the wall opposite my person, and began to wonder why I am doing all this. 

I immediately turned off Kingscrusher's harmonious voice, and exited out of the tactics puzzle. I was in great despair. For I began to wonder: Have I been wasting my time? 

Chess had not brought any monetary gains, or women. Chess had not brought me fame or power. Yet, I was deeply invested into it. For I believed that the mental stimulus it provided would surely improve me as a man or give the deep reward of philosophical satisfaction. 

However, I feel no different than when I first started, I don't feel improved in any way. Why continue to play this game of complexities when the reality of life is chaotic enough in itself?

Money? Heh. Power? Heh. A chess-man craves not these things. And well he should not, for there is none to be had in this pursuit!!!

Because you enjoy mating? Besides when non-brain-game players get old they get alzheimer or dementia. We chess players don't. Study more to get better. If you are not mating once a day, keep Silmaning away

Life makes no sense.

It's just a game. Don't take it too seriously.

I can't speak for all, but myself, I am high on life. 

Chess does not require a reason to play. Chess is love.

You thougt Mr. Google knew chess quotes but he doesn't know what a gnat is...?

sounds like an existential crisis and that youre going a tough time right now. with enough practice and your apparent dedication (a framed photo of greco!!), youll master chess. its an amazing game that advances your logical skills and way of thinking. no way youve been wasting your time! just stay strong, be positive. bad things make good things better c:

It is just a fun game and it helps develop your memory, your ability to analyze situations, and so on. In other words, it can be a good workout for the brain. 

Of course if you are playing chess hoping that you will become rich or a pussy magnet then of course you will be highly disappointed. 

Well, there are some noobs here that actually think they are on their way to become a high level pro. 

I am not talking about the one who says is the future world champ, but about the people that ask "How long it will take for me to become a GM? I do 1 hour of tactics a day and I play about 10 games everyday"

Chess is a great board game, but I still like a good game of scrabble now and then too.

"The world is a chessboard, and the phenomena of the universe are the rules of the game."

(two huygens and a chess piece that has not been discovered yet).

am I REally the only one to have noticed this? lmao.

  its really the  little details that make this dude one of the best trolls of the bunch

(HEY FM GUY I want to change my vote!)

Q ?....do u think a elephant would live if it was dropped from the Golden Gate Bridge ?

answer:

yes.

any rating above you own is a good rating-- and if its one that seems strong and significant to you (and not unrealistic to achieve) that makes its a great goal.