8 ball pool, which calls for intense focus, is my favorite pastime. Tuan, one of my closest friends, is an accomplished chess player. I begged him to show me the ropes since I was so intrigued by the game. The game of chess is equally at home indoors or out. Two players face off over a checkered board in an intense struggle to come out on top. Each side of the chessboard contains 16 pieces. Soldiers, queens, rooks, knights, and bishops are all game pieces that can be used to attack the opponent. The game appeals to me because it is cerebral, requiring concentration and strategy. Discovering your opponent's next move and taking measures to protect your soldiers and other pieces is a lot of fun, too. In a nutshell, chess is a fun and engaging pastime.