When I was 7 years old my brother who was 18 at the time sat me on the dining table placed a chess board and then proceeded to put the pieces in their positions. I still remember how amazed I was by it. I remember looking at the two army's (that's how I saw it back then) face to face. As my brother taught me how to move the pieces I just couldn't take my eyes away from the board. I learned how to move the pieces then.....and I have been facsinated by the game ever since. Now, my brother and I had some rough times growing up.....but we always had our chess set to cheer us up. I have to admit, I never really became good at it......but I don't care, I still love the game and I might even go as far as to call it my only addiction.
Very similar for me. I love the game, and learned at about age 8/9, and also never got very good. No matter how good one gets, there is always more to know and learn. In fact, the more you learn about the game, the more you realize you don't know, and how much more there is to know. Plus, regardless of the level of your play, it sharpens your thinking strategies. That is why I like it.
It's like a mental martial art. Plus, it helps you become a better thinker.