If you want to enjoy a hobby, then playing a classic game like chess can become very entertaining. However, just as with any hobby, it can be a little difficult to get into right at first. If you start playing against people before you know the rules, strategy, and how the various pieces function, then you'll get so burnt out you might want to quit. Instead, try an app like Learn Chess with Dr. Wolf. It will help you understand the basics in a quick and convenient manner before you take your talents to live competition.

Then, if you feel ready to play with friends, many of these apps can give you the chance to play chess online. Personally, I think you may want to start against strangers. With online chess apps, you can select your difficult and experience level of opponents so that you don't get overmatched. Playing against strangers on the Internet is a great way to practice your skills without feeling too nervous. You can level up in difficulty as you find which of your newly-learned strategies works best for you, and you might learn a thing or two from playing tougher competition as well. 

Then, once you've honed your skills by competing against others, you can challenge your friends in person or on your phone. Depending on where your friends are in the world or with their schedules, meeting up in person for a game night can be difficult. Plus, playing mobile games is an enjoyable way to stay connected with long-distance friends as well. Online chess mobile apps can help you link up and play against friends in real-time or at a slow pace, one move at a time, which is great for someone with a busy schedule. These apps can help you learn the strategy and practice your moves; all you'll have to do is say "checkmate."