I play way too much blitz chess. It rots the brain just as surely as alcohol.
Chess is ruthless: you've got to be prepared to kill people.
Surely, serious problems can't be solved just by talking about them.
I know that with perfect play, God versus God, Fritz versus Fritz, chess is a draw.
Unlike my esteemed colleague Garry Kasparov, I don't restrict the strength of opposition to Elo <2000, as fly-swatting makes poor spectator sport. (on simultaneous exhibitions)
I cannot claim to thoroughly enjoy coaching, because it is very hard work if you are even moderately conscientious. Nevertheless it does provide a degree of satisfaction - not to mention a steady income, which is why I do it occasionally.