Why do you play chess?

The game itself has pure simply defined rules which creates for me a quiet order. It's the only thing in life where one action plainly and Unarguably justifies the next.

In chess there is a coalescence of art and science. As such lends itself to vast enrichment and as well as continual appreciation of its beauty and complexity. It is an activity that allows us to express our humanness. It strengthens the mind and builds character. Virtues of Honor and Sportsmanship are fostered. Camaraderie develops. Enduring bonds form out of our commonality that connect us all to this all enthralling passion. We are privileged to be a part of the game, but it transcends us.

Thanks Erik for this brief opportunity for each of us to express our introspection.

It keeps my mind sharp. And life kind of imitates chess at certain places. I remember thinking of trading strategy in chess when getting in an oral fight with my girlfriends :P So yeah, chess is just really fun and I seem to be loving every second of it =)  

~Amanda     

My Reasons

1. The feeling of accomplishment after a game well played

2. The escape from the real world

3. The groupies

Chess is more than a game it's an adventure!

It's a great challenge of the mind, body, and soul!!

I love mating, specially with a Queen. lol.

Seriously, this game has been my friend. It has always loved me the way I love it.

I love chess.

there are so many different reasons I love chess. It's a wrestling match between two war machiness, both of equal strength and speed. class, race, physical gifts all go out the window. it's pure thought. it unites both players on common ground with common tools. you cannot be lazy or play half-hearted in any way, you will for sure lose. then it's not even worth playing the game. it makes you challenge yourself and develop your brain whether you like it or not. and there are no boundaries as to how high we can climb. it's visionary's canvas.

Usually people have free time , and they want to fill it with something suitable  and acceptable to their way of thinking ,  when they find chess they start playing and learning and find that it is a good challenge , some of them find it good  so they make it as a job ( to get money from it and live) .. some will get addicted to it , it is not easy in this life to find something good as chess and stick to it , but also we should know that chess will not give you anything it is taking  your power , making you tired , nerves, i think if we read a book , or browse a good  website  we can get a lot ,

mostly men play chess to proof thier strength , and superiority , or to check their level or their power of thinking .... i like it , but as ERIK SAID , you can feel that something is strange ?! [[[[what is with me and chess??? chess does something to my brain. (erik) ]]]]]

I was just trying to analyse the chess and it is effects and with respect to everybody and to the chess itself ,,  thank you

I love that one about how you can learn a lot about yourself by how you play. I agree. When I'm playing against someone new and who may possibly be very good, I play defensively... if it's someone I've played many times before or if I'm confident that I can beat them, I attack.

It doesn't really say anything good about me though. :)

The thing that i like about chess is the challenge the thought of out smarting pepole just turns me on i just like puzzles in general

If chess is just a game...then music is just random noise.

I used to play chess before because it was a method of relaxation and because it developed my mental agility. I realize now, however, that there are methods of relaxation that increase mental agility in a more practical way, improve the body, or are simply more worthwhile (reading, socializing, working out, and even watching the news). Chess is only helpful for increasing... spatial ability and memory is it? Reading helps the mind to think about topics more relevant to life, socializing trains the imagination, working out improves the body, and watching the news informs one on relevant information in the world. I seem to have outreasoned myself here, because spatial ability and memory is fairly important. If I were to begin playing again however, it would be something I do only 15 minutes every few days because of the other better methods of relaxation listed above. They are all more relevant to life.

Another point goes back to what jawadhf said about how chess is actually not so very relaxing -- it drains mental ability and nerves. Of the methods of relaxation, chess is one of the most demanding.

The last point that needs to be made is the idea that chess can be very addictive -- like every other method of relaxation. But - to me at least - chess seems to be in a class of its own. It can hook you and consume your mind.

That is why I am now exceptionally careful when I tread in hot and sticky waters of the dark cave of chess.