Chess is one of the most predictable deterministic games there is. Strict rules force players to move in certain ways. Some people are naturally better at playing chess because they have a better capacity to guess what their opponent might do. This is almost like mind reading, but is actually an understanding of the rules and what someone "should" do if they are trying to win.

I enjoy playing chess but at the same time I am not really competitive. I think people benefit from learning how to play chess. It is fun and also a way of understanding how other people think.