Chess and Go have completely different feels. They're both abstract representations of combat, but the combat is in no way similar. Chess feels kind of like a

Chess and Go have completely different feels. They're both abstract representations of combat, but the combat is in no way similar. Chess feels kind of like a sniper duel. You have two high value pieces (the kings), and the rest form a kind of terrain for them to fight in (although the kings don't literally attack each other). It's all about careful maneuvering so you can take a clear shot at the enemy king. Victory depends on high pressure calculation, with no room for the slightest error. Knowing the terrain in advance (memorizing openings) gives you a big advantage. Go feels more like a huge bar fight between two criminal gangs. It starts off with just posturing, but the participants move into position and prepare, and eventually the violence breaks out and you get multiple fights. Sometimes fights merge together into a big chaotic brawl. The winner is determined by calculating which side got the best of it after it's all over, and both preparation and fighting skills matter.