is it worth it ?

Chess—often revered as the ultimate test of intellect—might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Many players spend countless hours studying openings, refining strategies, and chasing the dream of mastery, only to find that the game itself is inherently flawed. A weaker player can force a draw despite being thoroughly outplayed, making the effort feel futile.
The idea that perseverance alone will lead to greatness is a dangerous illusion. For truly gifted players, their talent is evident from the start. But for most, the pursuit of chess excellence becomes a frustrating cycle with little tangible reward. The game offers minimal practical value, and who’s to say whether hours of mentally dissecting geometric puzzles is even healthy? Staring at the board, lost in thought, might do more harm than good.
Simply put, chess can be a drain on time and mental energy—resources better spent elsewhere. Perhaps it’s worth reconsidering whether the struggle is truly worth it.

You’re completely mistaken if you think only beginners let their opponents force a draw—it happens to Grandmasters all the time. Sometimes it’s due to time pressure, other times just a sheer mistake.
I suppose if you truly love the game, the effort is worth it to you. But for me, it consumes a significant portion of my life with very little return. And that’s not even considering the number of people on this site—and every other chess site—who aren’t actually playing.
I don't want to say the c word but it rhymes with eating . It’s a widespread issue that affects all rating levels. The real question is whether this obsession is truly a healthy one—it’s a discussion worth having.

Chess is a wonderful hobby.

in addition to the competition and the effort invested in study, one can also enjoy the art and history of chess.

Play over the games of great masters of the past. Play over the games of great tournaments. Play over the games from world championship matches.

When you do this, you will be learning about openings, middlegame plans, and endings, but you will also be learning stories about the people who have made chess great. You will be learning, but it will not seem like study.

This is something I have recommended to people who are experiencing chess burnout. It is a way to learn and have fun at the same time.

killerwocz 
 "Chess—often revered as the ultimate test of intellect—might not be all it’s cracked up to be." Sqq

Musing publicly of your view of chess, then positing a question concerning your view, to yourself, then answering that same question. Thank you for sharing that scarecrow.

I think chess is a fun way to relieve yourselves of the stress of chess.

> the ultimate test of intellect

If you are good at chess, you are good at chess, that's all

I think it's healthy in moderation. Especially if you can look at it through a metaphorical lens. Also chess can have therapeutic and social benefits if you know where to look & have the resources to utilize places that provide such benefits.

Look at everyone getting upset, as if I insulted their girlfriend—relax! What a bunch of chess snobs and elitists. I've made valid points here; it's not just exaggerated ranting. The game is inherently flawed in how it favors lower-rated players, as for me my performance varies wildly—some days I play great, other days not so much. It’s unpredictable, and you never really know whether you'll be on your game or struggling. Ultimately for me, it’s a massive time sink with no real payoff, aside from proving that you can solve a geometric puzzle better than someone else. In the grand scheme of things, that hardly matters—except to your own ego. And again no one even bothered to point out the other problem with online chess , which as I said is across all ratings distributions. Perhaps a chess sight is not where you voice your opinion that you've grown tired of the game ha ha .

killerwocz, you are rather hazy with this thread. As the room has pointed out, you are only debating with yourself. You're "begging the question" with your posts, which are obviously fact to you, but not to anyone else. The rest of us are just watching this debate, which has only one participant.

no

I love to hate chess...

Is playing the game of chess worth it? is playing chess and losing worth it? is playing chess and winning worth it? Again is playing the game of chess worth it?

Chess reveals ego, impulsivity, fear, resilience. It can become a tool for self-understanding if used consciously.

Yes... Because of that, I love to hate chess...

youre mistake is assuming that we play chess for its practical value. Most chess players play chess because they enjoy the game and/or the process of improving at this game.

with that being said there are some mental benefits for playing chess as it is known for improving memory, critical thinking, and also reduces the risk of mental issues such as Alzheimer's.