How rudely dismissive! The minutia do not only matter to newbies; they are the elements from which the larger game is built. Knowing how to do basic things cor

How rudely dismissive! The minutia do not only matter to newbies; they are the elements from which the larger game is built. Knowing how to do basic things correctly is the starting point. From there, you understand what it means to stop your opponent from executing correctly, and how to preserve your own ability. In a good game, rarely is one building perfectly without interference. The game is as complex as it needs to be in order to be the game that it is. I mean, chess might be easier to learn with half the pieces, and would likely demonstrate some of the same principles, but it would not be the same game. Is the complexity justified? Well, I think it's a good game, and though it's taken me years to learn it, I find it rewarding to know. Your mileage may vary; I do not particularly care for chess. Ultimately, whether you find it a "good game" is the only judgement I think is really valid.