I'm inadequate

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So the last couple of months there's been this girl who's been going to the same chess club that I go to. I really like her. The problem is there's another guy there, the same age as me, who is superior in nearly every respect.
He looks better than me.
He plays chess better than me.
He's socially competent, and I have AS.
He has a cheerful, optimistic view of the world, and I have grown cynical and jaded.

In fact, I only have a couple of advantages over him, and even those are relatively minor. 1) I am much more intelligent than he is. 2) I, like another person I read about recently, have the special interest of knowledge- in other words, I live to absorb information about many different topics. I am competent enough to hold a conversation on just about any topic, whereas his area of expertise is limited to chess.

But really, the main problem is that I am f*cked up and he is perfect. Can anyone else relate to this? I mean, who in their right mind would choose me over him? He always knows what the right thing to say is, and I can't even make eye contact.

All of those things don't make him superior to you. I know for myself (I'm and NT female) none of those things matter. For me it's always been a chemistry thing. Most of the guys I've dated have been people no one would expect I'd be with. I went out with a guy who wasn't what most folks would call attractive but the chemistry was AMAZING. Looks aren't everything. Beauty fades, dumb is forever! Sometimes guys who are very social are too social and it's hard to keep their attention because they are all over the place. I have dated several folks and have been married. All to guys who were NT. I am currently in love with an amazing guy who happens to be an Aspie. He's quiet, socially awkward, has special interests,doesn't know crap about pop culture and shuts down on me sometimes. Guess what? I'm the exact opposite! BUT, he's sweet, caring, intelligent,sincere and much much more. Add some chemistry to that and it's a wonderful mix.

That other guy may have all of those things and still be a jerk. If you are interested in her, go for her. Chess and social skills do not a perfect man make. Oh and by the way NOBODY is perfect

Remember it's easy to judge yourself and take a self defeatist attitude, it's more difficult to be understanding towards yourself. You shouldn't jump to conclusions based on what she is feeling, simply ask her first and find out how she is feeling.

When you say you really like her, what exactly do you mean? Have you become friends? Do you talk regularly? Has there been any indication that she likes you? Has anyone else said to you that she's said anything about it? Has anyone teased the both of you about being a couple, when you're together?

Thanks, everyone, for the advice. I really appreciate having WP. A collective shoulder to lean on when one feels like a leper is always a good thing.

Yes Joker Wolfheart does give great advice

I think you've got to find a way to do something or go somewhere without the "other guy". You need to spend some one on one time with her. Sounds like the other guy is interested in her too. But it's good that she's inviting you places. It makes me think she likes having you around.

This makes me think that I should join a Chess Club and see where it takes me now...

Just ask her!

Well, I'd take my first opportunity to be alone with her (help with making coffee or snacks, or something) and rather than make some insane declaration, ask her out, and if she says to bring Other Guy along, just say no, you'd prefer it if it were just you and her, and if she asks you if you're asking her out, be direct and say yes.