There are different kinds of smart. A person can be quick and creative at something (math, mechanics, music, marketing ...), and less so at everything else.

If the something is -complicated-, then a lot of learning is needed, and a good qualified teacher will help you sort out what is really important to know. Chess is complicated, and you need to learn basic strategies of how to move and not get eaten alive. There are some books that can help with that. But a human teacher can get you there a lot faster. If you're really motivated but you're not remembering enough? it may not be your 'something' !

If you are smart, you know that you really aren't smart

I have been always terrible in maths, and this deficit represent imho a major obstacle in getting a decent job these days.

Structurally I know how things should work, but sometimes trying to program it tho...

There is so much I don't know, so when I do know something there's still someone who knows more than me.

There are many types of cognition. I don't feel I know much more than how pieces move but certainly I look at the board and possibilities. Some of it is spacial modeling and some is a sort of logical progression. That being said people that have particular chess gambits memorized. well that is just memorization. There is also talent and such to consider. That being said when you personally know somone who is good at some particular thing. Its sensible to follow their lead. I know folks who I would take their medical advice above others and others where I trust their economic viewpoints and others for their scientific.

Adding on to what many have already said to give it a name: multiple intelligences

No idea, I'm just here to chill with da boyz

There are very different kinds of "smartness". The currently favored (by most modern societies) kind weighs logical and structured thinking very heavily, that doesnt mean someone "isnt smart" if they dont possess those qualities. Also, chess does not even rely on the commonly referred to "smartness" that much. The most important aspects are long term memory ( for remembering situations from games and acting accordingly)and thousands of hours of practice.

I suck at maths or anything that has to do with numbers. But besides that, so many do say I’m intelligent. Though tbh, I’m far from it lol, there’s so much I need to learn about and the list just keeps building up so I guess it ain’t a bad thing after all. It’s just I’m always willing to open my eyes to new things.

I was told smarter people are more likely to be cursed with things that count as mental illness.

[off topic?]

The book 'Starship Troopers' is a lot different from the movie.

In the book the Bugs have space ships and other tech, so it's obvious that their leadership in intelligent. The question is whether the soldiers in the field are thinking for themselves or just genetically programmed to fight.

The narrator opines that if the Bug can kill you, that makes it smarter than you.

I also know how chess pieces move, other than the rare en passant, but will lose to anyone willing to challenge me and I don't think I could get much better than mediocre with any amount of practice. However, I got full marks on a Mensa IQ test so I'd say I'm intellingent in a way but with my mild autism, likely ADHD and lack of practical skills, it's hard to tell. I have done lots of stupid decisions IRL, often repeatedly.

Would I say I'm "smart"? Depends. Intelligent, probably. Wise, hell no.