for me the only way i can describe aphantasia is in terms of how a computer works.

I have a visual encoder that can store images in my visual memory but lack a visual decoder to be able to display any image. like if you could only open a jpeg in notepad. that doesn't mean the information is lost or can't be interpreted, just that my cognitive brain deals directly with the binary format. i understand the attributes like depth or color but if asked to recall something i can only verbalize the attributes. this means i can verbalize visual concepts and memories, but can't generate or visualize them inside my head.

the chess example i wouldn't even consider thinking visually to see the moves ahead but create a list of possible actions. I've always struggled with chess as i don't have the ability to store the depth of actions available.