The 20-Dollar Hobby that Keeps on Giving

Author: Billy Sandoval

Date: 1/6/2026

Photo by Marina Zvada on Unsplash

I once joked with my wife that her hobby was way more expensive than mine. We had just moved to Jackson, WY, in one of America’s most beautiful wonderlands.

Not long after getting settled she got lift tickets to enjoy boarding on the mountain. I did some quick mental math. Snow gear, boards, and lift tickets add up fast. 

Then, being the analytical person I am, I did an approximate audit of the enjoyment that came from that price tag. Spoiler alert: it’s not a lot for snowboarding!

My little plastic chess set started looking better and better.

That less-than 20 dollar set had traveled with me across the country several times, more than paying for itself in years of enjoyment, friends, and experiences. 

I thought of playing with Jude Acres in the French Quarter, crushing chess hustlers in LA, the friends I’ve made, and coaching professionally in Seattle, CO, and TX.

“Chess is just the best”, I thought. 

And I still think that.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Few other activities challenge you like chess does. It’s accessible enough for anyone to start, but it’s deep enough to enjoy for a lifetime.

Here’s to 2026. Here’s to a hobby that slows us down, helps us breathe, and connects us with other chess enthusiasts in our communities.

If you’re in need of chess gear, you can head over to my choice partner House of Staunton for quality sets, bags, clocks, and more.

Happy playing, friends.