I personally like chess, though I rarely play. I think I wouldn´t make much use of it as I have little time (for long games) and the htpc respectively the tv is used for tv or music.
If you are looking for new game ideas, how about:
# checkers (Dame) - chessboard but not so many gfx needed
# nine men´s morris (Mühle)
# Battleships (Schiffe versenken)
tomtom
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