Is the pursuit of skill good?

Right now in my life all I can focus on is the development of skill. I want to satisfy my need for skill in a few different areas, but they have nothing to do with dhamma, nor with other people, nor would they really be of benefit to other people. Specifically, I want to be more skilled at chess and mathematics, two things I've had a passion for for years but haven't really devoted myself to them. Now it feels like the only thing in life I can imagine focusing on is cultivating my skill in those two areas.

In mathematics I have real intentions to contribute to that world if I can, but it's not directly related to alleviating suffering.

I want to reduce suffering in real people, and in myself, and I feel like seeing mathematics and chess in more skillful ways can help me better see "good," but I'm wondering what other people will say to all this.