There definately should be a Chess Merit Badge.

I think that in order to have a badge it has to be backed by a useful skill. Now I'm not saying that chess isn't a useful skill, it's just not a practical skill. But there is there an Archery Badge and some form of a gun badge, the reason behind these is that it's competitive value out weighes their practical value (practically, when will you ever shoot someone with a bow or a gun? Once to never).

Chess is a sport like any other, and chess tournaments are huge in comparison to others. I believe that it's competitive value outweighs it's practical value such as the Archery badge. Through competition we discover exactly where we stand in the world, and chess is a huge sport worldwide.

Now, I'm not downplaying the practical preparedness that chess brings to the board (Haha!). The mental preparation that chess teaches, along with the reactive retailiation or defence, is more than enough to support a chess badge. Your mind is your most useful tool in the world, and chess sharpens the mind immensely.

My opinion: Chess Merit Badge, accepted.  

Thanks, anyway, Interrobang -- that's a debate for some other blog.