Glass Chess Set

For those of us that play chess when we are required to purchase a new or even spare chess board it is very important to take the time to select the right board and the right pieces to match the chess board of course. There are many different places to buy a chess board but choosing the right one is always difficult as it is something that you will cherish and use for a long period of time. This should not be a decision taken lightly especially if you are a regular player because you will be using the board frequently and choosing a board that has a great style can only add more pleasure to the game of chess itself, both to you and to your opponent. If you are searching for a chess board purely for its decorative or display attributes rather than for functionality for game play then there are a multitude of options available as well as a huge range of chess pieces. You will find there are all forms of novelty and unique pieces available that will suit almost every kind of chess board. Therefore the decision as to whether you plan to use the chess board or whether you just want a chess board for decoration needs to be decided from the outset. Chess boardscome in all types of materials, wood such as elm and maple are very common choices. You can also find chess boards made from alternative materials such as plastic, glass and marble however you want to pick a board that best suits your needs and your style. The prices will vary depending on the size of the chess board as well as the materials so the consideration of what material you would like is a big factor in the relation to cost. Once you have made your decision regarding the material within this general quality and price range that you will begin your search. When purchasing a board you also need to consider whether the chess pieces you currently have will fit the new chess board that you buy. The size of your existing chess pieces and the impact the pieces will have on your new chess board need to be considered, for actual game play and for the way the two will look when set up. The size of your new board is generally just related to your preference unless you are planning to use the board for tournaments and in that case you need to be looking for exact sizes of board and pieces. You do of course want to choose a board of the best quality that you can afford as the chess board should last you a great deal of time and you want to be happy with your final decision when making your purchase. In many cases a chess board and pieces can be passed down through a family so keep this in mind when making your selection. You want a chess board that is sturdy and will be long lasting as well as appealing to the eye. If you are planning to use the chess board on a fairly regular basis then you need to ensure you spend the time to find a board that is long lasting. There are of course other options for chess boards such as folding sets and travel sets and if you are looking for something that may be more portable then perhaps one of these options may be a better choice selection. There are various designs available in the folding or travel sets as well and of course varying price ranges to match. Some of these sets are made from very functional materials and are very versatile for taking away on holiday with you so you can play anywhere. Whatever the chess board it is you are looking for, there are many options for finding the board that suits you best all that is required is your initial plan as to the main reason you will purchase the new board and then your research into finding the chess board that suits you best. It is not as difficult a task as you might think, in fact there may be too many options available to you and that may be your most difficult task, finding the chess board that suits you.

The are so many chess sets on the market today that it can be very confusing when you are trying to buy one. Chess sets are either used in playing or as a decoration in the living room or den. Chess sets are even used as centerpieces for libraries and studies. Some chess sets are even considered as heirlooms and are valued for their collectible quality.

1. Determine Your Reasons

Are you going to play with it or you going to use it for decorative purposes only? If you are going to play with it then look for a practical looking set. It should also fit your personal taste in the style.

2. Price

It is advisable to buy the best quality chess set that your budget can afford. A good chess set can last a lifetime and can even become an heirloom. You will definitely be admired by your friends when you take out a beautiful chess set. Of course, a finely crafted chess set can enhance every chess players’ playing experience.

3. Tournament Guidelines

Unless you are using the chess set for official tournament use, you can do away with considering the size of the chess pieces in relation to the board. Nevertheless, the general guideline is that the King’s base should be 78% of the width of a square. To get this, divide the King’s base diameter by 0.78 and you get the proper square size. You can increase the square size by 1/8, but the square size should not be any smaller. This info is valuable if you are buying the pieces separate from the board.

4. Durability

Choose an extremely durable chess set if you are planning to use your chess set daily and take it to tournaments and clubs. A weighted plastic chess set would be a good choice. If you need a handy chess set that you could carry anywhere then it is advisable that you get a travel chess set which are small and compact. These kind of chess is usually magnetic or pegged to protect against bumps and jolts. The boards can be folded and the pieces and pawns can be kept inside. Travel chess sets ara available for for somewhere around $20 A very basic one can even be had for $10 or less. You may even find miniature ones sold in most dollar stores.

6. Special Considerations For Wooden Sets

If you are buying a chess set that is made from wood then choose good quality wood. Wood is definitely a good material for a chess set. They are very impressive to look at and the pieces feel very solid. The only disadvantage is that they can be really heavy and are therefore not ideal for traveling. Wood chess sets will definitely be a great addition to your home or office. Wood sets and the prices can range from 50$ to as high as $5,000. In general, ebony is more expensive than rosewood, which is, in turn, more expensive than boxwood, etc. Exotic woods are more expensive still. There are less expensive sets that are made from oak, pine or walnut. In buying a wooden chess set let your budget be your guide.

7. Check For Uniformity

When buying a chess set check out the pieces, particularly the knights which can represent up to 50% of the total cost of all the chess pieces. The quality of the turnings, the finish and the uniformity also add to cost of the set. You must also check the craftsmanship of the King’s crown that is usually decorative. Keep in mind that the King and the Knight are two of the most important pieces of a chess set.

8. Decorative Sets

Chess sets that are made from crystal or bone china are generally termed as Glass. These sets are commonly used for decorative purposes but you can also find glass sets that are practical. Crystal pieces are generally heavy while china pieces will feel a bit light unless they have weighted bases. These kinds of chess sets are definitely nice to look at but they are very fragile and will break once they are dropped. They are also easily dirtied by dust and fingerprints. Although beautiful to look at, the pieces will break if dropped and fingerprints can become a problem on some models. They’re dust collectors too. Many people keep a glass set for looks and another type for actual play. Glass chess sets average in the $300 to $2,000 range.