Is chess really for kids?

Now some further controversy.

I've been thinking about this for some time.

The question is, is chess really a game for kids rather than adults?

The reason I ask is because should a 36-year-old man be spending several hours a day obssessing over a bunch of tiny figurines on a board?

That's how my family sees chess anyway, as "playing". Not something adults should be doing. I'm embarrassed to get my OTB set out and practice with it lest I be seen as "playing" some more. I tend to use my computer for all chess-related activity, it just seems more sophisticated.

Think about it. Most people are exposed to chess/learn chess as children and now we have all the hoo-hah in the schools about "scholastic chess". Clearly in this context chess is something children do.

True, virtually all the top players are adults. But are they doing something children should be into? My family thinks so, anyway. I'm embarrassed to admit to my friends I'm into chess so much lest think think I'm retarded too.

It's a paradox, as I find this game addictive and I desperately want to get better.

Has anyone else experienced similar reactions to them being a chess nut?

Cheers!

Chess is for everyone.  I play the guitar.  It's called "play", but does that make it for children?  No it does not. 

If these people (and/or you) think adults shouldn't be "playing", then they/you have bigger problems.

IMO a more important question than the one you are asking (for you), is why you care what they think about what you do with your free time.  Seriously?  You're "embarrassed" about doing something that hurts no one else?  Wow.

No, of course chess isn't just for kids.  But obviously if we aren't actively trying to get them to play then the game's future isn't going to be very promising.

No, no reactions. I'm 15 and love chess. Many people I know play chess too. Don't listen to people. Play chess.

All work and no play is a very bad policy. Play is something adults should be doing as well as kids. If you don't play at all you will become super stressed. Keep on playing!

How many of the people who look down on you are into sports? That is only play as well. How about watching tv or movies? Children do all of these things too.

There was a really nice article about being proud to play chess that I will look for and edit in. Here it is: http://blog.chess.com/CharlyAZ/about-chess-inner-beauty-and-rockstar-pride

If you want to overcome ridicule you should act proud to play. I pulled off playing competitive Pokemon that way, which has potential to be way more embarrassing than chess.

I teach chess in a number of schools, play chess and hang out with chess players. My wife plays chess. I seriously don't care what my family has to say about the matter. Be proud of playing chess. Chess is a game of intellect and the fact that you play puts you miles ahead of some of the knuckle dragging nitwits who make disparaging remarks about the game. You might want to mention to your family that chess has been played by Presidents, Kings, actors such as Humphrey Bogart ans Sean Connery. Be chess proud and hang out with us.

     I think of chess as more than a game. Chess helps the development of the mind and is good for all ages. Chess teaches logic, discipline, patience, and many other skills. You learn chess as a child, but develop your game and mind throughout your life. Studies have shown that keeping your mind active (e.g. chess, puzzles, etc.) help slow the progression of dementia in the elderly.

     As far as being "addicting" and wanting to get better, I agree with you. But this is no different from any other hobbies (e.g. golf, bowling, etc.)

     Chess is for all ages. Keep playing.

The same could be said about any game.

At least chess is a, relatively, cheap hobby.

"We're fools whether we dance or not so we might as well dance." - Japanese Proverb

While you put chess rather harshly as "tiny figurines on a board" you can also view it as a [sometimes] relaxing hobby that you enjoy.  If you really love chess and in your post, you imply you do, then nothing anyone can say should make a difference! You should go with the flow. I mean, if your wife said, "quit playing chess or we'll divorce" then yeah, I'd quit. Other than extremes such as the aforementioned, nothing should phase you. 

-Oroht

I have several hobbies. Chess is only one of them.

I like it because it requires precision thinking...a good exercise for the brain...it is the king of games, there is a history and nobility about the game found nowhere else (IMO)...it is something that is always a challenge and always offers new things to learn...it can be played anywhere/anytime, either with electricity or without...and etc., etc.

OTOH, I know people who play simpleton card games. That is good for them. I don't scorn them. And, if some simple-minded people feel intimidated because I am a thinker and I prefer chess...well, tough...tough something or other...I am too polite to use those kinds of naughty words.

But...I just learn this game this morning. I could be wrong about all this stuff.

Chess is for anyone who has a desire to strengthen their mind. It is a game that requires memorization, intuition, tactical prowess, foresight, and the willingness to take risks to best your opponent. For your family and all those who see chess as a kids game, tell them to F off. Have a conversation with any chess master and chances are you'll find that they are incredibly intelligent. They aren't geeks or losers. They have mental capabilities far beyond the average human being and should be much more respected. 

Do we have the same hobby?

It can be cheap. It can also be less than cheap.

Your family's logic is based on something false i.e. that chess is just a simple game, but you, I, and every other dedicated chess players know that that's not the case and have experience to back it up. Your family's view is based on what they think about the game, while yours' is based on your own time and work with it; which one do think is a more mature assesment?

No offense, but your family seems rather oblivious to anything that is Chess, and thus shouldn't be taken seriously when it comes to anything related to chess including your desire to play and improve. Normally people being oblivious to chess' intricacies isn't a problem, but it seems to me that your family is peer-pressuring you into quiting something you enjoy. 

tl;dr Play chess, ignore family.

Not trying to be snide here, but does your family think adults should have any hobbies for enjoyment?  If so, it sounds like it's just a matter of preferences.  I can see someone not sharing enjoyment of a particular activity-- different strokes, and all that-- but I wouldn't be concerned about what other people think of activities I enjoy.

Now, if their complaint is that you indulge to the point of missing time with the family, that's another matter . . . 

Now when you get out your chess pieces to "play" with them, are you studying the game of chess or are you making little explosion sounds and banging them into each other? If the latter, then they may have a point.

LOL! Hardly.

Thanks for the encouragement guys, I feel better about it.

But since I never play OTB and always on a 2D screen, I assume I can learn just as much practicing on my computer than I can with an actual physical chess set. Anyone disagree?

Im nearly world champ for my age. ont be an idiot

     I can definitely learn better on the computer. It's more relaxed. But there is a different feel playing a live person across the table from you. It's much more difficult because you are not only analyzing the game, but you are analyzing (and trying to keep your opponent from analyzing you) your opponent nonverbal cues. It's more exhilarating to me. It's kind of like the difference between emailing and texting vs. talking to someone in person.

     You can definitely learn more on a computer, but don't miss out on the live head-to-head competition.