I've always been fascinated with the near-infinite complexity* of Chess occurring on just 64 squares with only 32 moveable pieces. I also enjoy the aspect of retreating into the solitude of Chess via move contemplation and Chess books, new and, especially, old. *10^120 possible moves. Compare that to physicists' best estimate of the number of electrons in the universe: 10^79, or the estimated number of grains of sand on earth: 7.5 x 10^18.

After playing on-line now for over a year, I still love the game even though I don't seem to be getting much better.