I once had an obsession with chess, beginning with my 6th-grade, 2nd-place tournament status. There were brilliant twins in my class, and I beat Dennis but lost to George. Unfortunately, post-high school years I became less of an enthusiast. Today, I couldn't possibly play at the level that I did at age 14. Perhaps I am exaggerating, but the thought of that sucks. New Humanist has a really interesting piece on chess.
Because it is above all a game of pure reason, without luck or chance or subjectivity, it has always attracted rebels and free spirits. Writers, scientists, musicians and artists have all been drawn to the game and taken succour from it.