Why do you love chess?

I love chess because of the puzzle of discovering, what is the next best move for white or black? in positional situations where there are no immediate tactics available for use. 

 

I used to hate these positions. It was either attack or defense. But chess is not that simple. Sometimes, both sides are at a grey area between attack and defense, a slippery battleground. If someone attacks too early, it's a mistake. If someone is too passive, they'll get clobbered. Both sides have to remain vigilant and improve their position every single move until a tactic appears (which is always due to a mistake).

Incredible...

Wow. Am I in the wrong forum?

You are not in the wrong forum. It's just that sometimes people don't know what to write in response or you post in slow hours.

As far as your reasons for enjoying chess, it seems you described what chess is and that you like it. You should think of some reason outside of the board why you enjoy playing.

In my case I enjoy chess because a couple of reasons. For me the main one is that playing chess and focusing on calculation reduces my anxiety attacks and stress. When I start thinking about what move to make I find it easier to forget about some things that I worry about.

Another reason I like playing chess is very similar to the reason I like playing video games. It activates some kind of hunting instinct because you compete with the other player for the win. It's probably the same as when people enjoy competitive sports. It makes me feel like I am fighting or hunting. And in case of chess it's a refreshing alternative to playing video games or playing sports.

Chess makes me think.

I wouldn't say I love chess... It's more like a love-hate relationship...

I've been on the forums for about 8 years, and this is asked a lot. Over time I don't care about answering anymore.

I like chess because it's not designed for me to be good at it, the difficulty is up to my human opponent, and I saw it as something I could continue to learn about and compete in for as long as I live.

When I was a teenager, I would play video games, break them down into their elements, and try to maximize performance. I wasn't the best, but I was often better than all my friends, which was boring. I saw chess as something where there would always be someone better than me, and this is also what I meant by "it's not designed for me to be good at it."

Ah, young guy, in any forum, you might post some thread thinking it's cool and kick ass, and for some reason, your thread goes un-noticed when those few who spotted it won't reply for the many reasons one can only imagine. "Don't know what to say" "Seen it before" "To long to explain", etc.

 

Take it easy. From a guy who lost a rook endgame with an extra pawn in the Ile-de-France "qualified only" championship U2200 for not knowing engames enough...  (1996). Still bites me in my sleep...

I love chess as you can be creative--can do something that nobody in the world thought of before.

I live chess for the women it's a great sport for getting introduced to the opposite sex .

Oh, and okay,

 

Well, I'm not sure I "love chess". But I love the mental wrestling, and chess is an ideal support for it

I lost a rook endgame with an extra pawn as well recently, in the Chicago Open.

Duh, think you gained experience (and of course seize the occasion to deepen your knowledge of the thing, goes without saying), courage!

mm

To fill in all the empty hours, and at 63 it may help prevent brain deterioration....

I love chess for the competition.. it's fun and enjoyable at all levels of play.. Also love that there is always room to improve and new things to learn.

I love complex puzzles and I think the pleasure derived from deriving a tactical or strategic solution is what keeps me spending time on chess.