Bad spectator sport
Why is Chess Less Popular
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Chess could use some PR in the USA. It's true that for many, once they start to investigate the game, they discover it to be a special game: "chess is a sea that a gnat may bathe and an elephant drown."
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm good point!
There have been times when Chess was very popular in North America -- when Bobby Fischer won the world championship! It sparked a huge increase in club players, and general interest in the game.
But it doesn't last forever -- the game needs promotion and support. In Europe, countries promote it, put money into training, and indeed make it part of the countries culture.
The other problem is that most people these days are not interested in thinking games. It's all about electronics, video games, and the like. As fyy0r pointed out, it's a terrible spectator sport. You either need to be present and walk around from table to table, or view smal pieces from a distance. The only way to truly enjoy chess is to be part of it.
The way to look at it is that it's probably a good thing that it is not overly popular. Only those who are truly interested play, so your quality will be higher. As much as I prefer over the board play, the internet provides an unlimited number of players.
The best thing any of us can do is promote the game locally to our family and friends, and try to organize successful tournaments and events.
I dont get it, why is chess less popular. I mean as soon as you start playing it is as fun as any sport or even better for some people like me.