Is chess really worth??


Chess is a waste of time if it negatively interferes or takes time away from important things (study, work, sport, social life - real social life, I mean...).
If you can combine it and the rest, chess is a stimulating activity, and also beneficial for your mood. The key ( IMO ) is to focus on the game in itself and the pleasure you get from building your games; only worrying about ratings when you're sitting at the table during a tournament.