serious amusement online

I will begin blogging about technology in my daily life by focusing on what I do online. If I'm not emailing or reading political news/blogs, I am usually playing chess. I got passionate about chess about 8 months ago and now it is a major hobby (sounds more dignified to call it a 'passion'). Technology has fundamentally changed the nature of chess (a game that's about a millenium and a half old) as more and more people play online, and as computer engines are increasingly seen as superior analysts of the game.

I mostly play at chess.com, where I can play against people from Mongolia to Mexico, chat with them, and enjoy the full aray of interactive practices (video, forums, expert commentary, etc.). Although I sometimes go to the Seattle Chess Club on Friday nights to play "over the board," I am increasingly fond of playing online. The psychological dimension of the game is less of a factor, and time pressure is not much of an issue. I hope that I will keep going to the club, just because I continue to believe that "real" chess takes place over the board, and that there is a value to playing face to face. I am a little worried that my motivation to do so will succumb entirely to the ease of playing online.