The are so many chess sets available today that it can be quite 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 regarded 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 will also fit your personal taste in the style.
2. Price
It is advisable to choose the best quality chess set that your budget can afford. An excellent chess set can last an eternity and may even become an heirloom. You will definitely be admired by friends and family when you take out a lovely chess set. Of course, a finely crafted chess set can boost every chess players? playing experience.
3. Tournament Guidelines
Unless you are using the chess set for official tournament use, that can be done away with considering the size of the chess pieces in relation to the board. Nevertheless, the general guideline is that the King?s base ought to be 78% of the width of a square. To obtain this, divide the King’s base diameter by 0.78 and you also obtain the proper square size. You can increase the square size by 1/8, however the square size shouldn’t be any smaller. This info is valuable when you are buying the pieces separate from the board.
4. Durability
Choose an exceptionally durable chess set if you’re 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 will get a travel chess set which are small and compact. These types of chess is usually magnetic or pegged to protect against bumps and jolts. The boards could be folded and the pieces and pawns can be kept inside. Travel chess sets ara designed for for somewhere around $20 A very basic one can even be had for $10 or less. chess game may find miniature ones sold generally in most dollar stores.
6. Special Considerations For Wooden Sets
If you are investing in a chess set that is made from wood then choose top quality wood. Wood is definitely a good material for a chess set. They are very impressive to look at and the pieces feel very solid. The only disadvantage is that they can be really heavy and so are therefore not ideal for traveling. Wood chess sets will certainly be a great addition to your house or office. Wood sets and the costs can range between 50$ to as high as $5,000. Generally, ebony is more expensive than rosewood, which is, subsequently, 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 investing in 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 that may represent around 50% of the full total cost of all the chess pieces. The quality of the turnings, the final and the uniformity also add to cost of the set. You must also check the craftsmanship of the King’s crown that’s usually decorative. Remember that the King and the Knight are two of the most crucial pieces of a chess set.
8. Decorative Sets
Chess sets that are made from crystal or bone china are usually termed as Glass. These sets are generally used for decorative purposes but you can also find glass sets which are practical. Crystal pieces are usually heavy while china pieces will feel a little light unless they have weighted bases. This type 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 may become an issue 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.
