Why would anyone play chess in this day and age?

By skuas at 22:29 on 02/11/09

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I've read the postings from the Tiverton Chess Club with interest, but why play chess? Years ago we didn't have the Internet, mp3 players, electronic games, digital cameras. BBC iPlayers, 100s of TV channels, foreign holidays or alcopops. So there was a place for chess then - there wasn't much else to do. But now ... ? I am throwing down the gauntlet to the great and the good of the Chess Club - come on guys explain yourselves!

By skuas at 22:29 on 02/11/09
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I have often talked about this with chess playing friends. The consensus seems to be that there are two elements to it. Firstly there is the intellectual challenge. Andrew Thomas, a teacher at Blundell's School in the mid to late 20th century, in his book, 'Chess for the Love of It', puts it like this. "(In chess) a whole world of logical cause and effect opens up, and the intellect meets a challenge which it will never wholly overcome.... (Players) experience the peculiar pleasure which comes from utmost endeavour."

My friends also agree with me that you have to be competitive. You must need to win. Nigel Short GM once said that he really enjoyed trying to humiliate his opponent. I wouldn't agree with that and maybe that is one reason why I shall never be as good as Nigel Short.

There is also aesthetic pleasure to be derived from the game. Frequently I am struck by the pure beauty of what is happening on the board before me.

Thanks skuas. It's a great question!

By Fred_Mandrake at 15:29 on 03/11/09
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I agree with Fred-Mandrake the sheer enjoyment of a competitive mind game and the pleasure in using an aquired skill . Many people compare Chess to music with the similarity of themes mathematical transpositions etc but much of the fun is that one is trying in a metaphorical sense to crush one's opponent but once the game is over win lose or draw you can be the best of friends .And I must admit I have made some good friends through playing chess but so far no enemies a commendation if you like.

By Harrythedog1 at 22:30 on 04/11/09
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Chess is food for the brain, or if you prefer exercise for the brains muscles.Unpredictability also adds to the enjoyment - some games go so well that you feel you can beat the world,in other games an apparently solid position can unravel in a couple of moves.

By kereda at 10:02 on 06/11/09
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Good question but I think the answer is in the question itself. Apart from foreign holidays I am distinctly underwhelmed by your list of alternatives to Chess...The internet (a necessary evil I suppose), MP3 players (don't need one and don't want one), ditto all the other thrilling alternative pastimes you have referred to. I am surprised you omitted to mention that other scintillating pastime- Facebook. In recent months I have frequently heard people say 'I spent most of my weekend on Facebook'. Now that really is a phenomenal waste of time, surely.

Further to these musings of mine, just trust me- I find chess to be great fun! Its not the only thing I enjoy in life, I love wine women and song as well.

The popularity of a game that has been played by millions over many centuries is beyond any explanation I can dream up. It doesn't require an explanation- there are loads of ways of spending spare time, Chess is as good a way as any and nobody gets hurt!.

Why not try it yourself and then you might get it. Its like people who don't know the rules of any sport eg football. If you do not understand it you are going to be bored by it!

By MrDiplomacy at 14:59 on 06/11/09
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And of course the large number of young lonely women that play chess on a regular basis is an attraction

By Harrythedog1 at 22:25 on 06/11/09
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'arry, whas the name of your club then?

By Fred_Mandrake at 21:14 on 07/11/09
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