Hi Mark,

I also wasted a whole lot of time during my winter semester playing chess.. Since I am in Uni, the problem is not so serious like yours. But I understand your problem. Counselling might help. Please know that u r not alone. There are people like me who have been through this and it is not difficult to come out of it...

Cheers,

Maria

Wow? thats pretty serious and strange at the same time. Counselling might help. Maybe u could make a timetable. 2 hours of study then 1 hour of playing chess? 

I don't think it's strange at all.  Chess addiction is not uncommon.  It is closely related to gambling addiction.  Counseling will probably help some, but the fact that you were able to admit that it is a problem suggest that you are more than capable of overcoming this problem.  I actually wrote an essay in college talking about obsession and addiction and chess was one of the examples that I used.

It's all a matter of time management, as an old boss insisted to me. 

If you prioritize your time for girls, booze, and partying, you will still have some time to waste on chess, but it won't interfere with the important stuff.