| The are so many chess sets on the market | | | | even be had for $10 or less. You may even find |
| today that it can be very confusing when you are | | | | miniature ones sold in most dollar stores. |
| trying to buy one. Chess sets are either used in | | | | 6. Special Considerations For Wooden Sets |
| playing or as a decoration in the living room or | | | | If you are buying a chess set that is made from |
| den. Chess sets are even used as centerpieces | | | | wood then choose good quality wood. Wood is |
| for libraries and studies. Some chess sets are | | | | definitely a good material for a chess set. They |
| even considered as heirlooms and are valued for | | | | are very impressive to look at and the pieces feel |
| their collectible quality. | | | | very solid. The only disadvantage is that they can |
| 1. Determine Your Reasons | | | | be really heavy and are therefore not ideal for |
| Are you going to play with it or you going to use | | | | traveling. Wood chess sets will definitely be a |
| it for decorative purposes only? If you are going | | | | great addition to your home or office. Wood sets |
| to play with it then look for a practical looking set. | | | | and the prices can range from 50$ to as high as |
| It should also fit your personal taste in the style. | | | | $5,000. In general, ebony is more expensive than |
| 2. Price | | | | rosewood, which is, in turn, more expensive than |
| It is advisable to buy the best quality chess set | | | | boxwood, etc. Exotic woods are more expensive |
| that your budget can afford. A good chess set | | | | still. There are less expensive sets that are made |
| can last a lifetime and can even become an | | | | from oak, pine or walnut. In buying a wooden |
| heirloom. You will definitely be admired by your | | | | chess set let your budget be your guide. |
| friends when you take out a beautiful chess set. | | | | 7. Check For Uniformity |
| Of course, a finely crafted chess set can enhance | | | | When buying a chess set check out the pieces, |
| every chess players' playing experience. | | | | particularly the knights which can represent up to |
| 3. Tournament Guidelines | | | | 50% of the total cost of all the chess pieces. The |
| Unless you are using the chess set for official | | | | quality of the turnings, the finish and the |
| tournament use, you can do away with | | | | uniformity also add to cost of the set. You must |
| considering the size of the chess pieces in relation | | | | also check the craftsmanship of the King's crown |
| to the board. Nevertheless, the general guideline is | | | | that is usually decorative. Keep in mind that the |
| that the King's base should be 78% of the width | | | | King and the Knight are two of the most |
| of a square. To get this, divide the King's base | | | | important pieces of a chess set. |
| diameter by 0.78 and you get the proper square | | | | 8. Decorative Sets |
| size. You can increase the square size by 1/8, but | | | | Chess sets that are made from crystal or bone |
| the square size should not be any smaller. This | | | | china are generally termed as Glass. These sets |
| info is valuable if you are buying the pieces | | | | are commonly used for decorative purposes but |
| separate from the board. | | | | you can also find glass sets that are practical. |
| 4. Durability | | | | Crystal pieces are generally heavy while china |
| Choose an extremely durable chess set if you | | | | pieces will feel a bit light unless they have |
| are planning to use your chess set daily and take | | | | weighted bases. These kinds of chess sets are |
| it to tournaments and clubs. A weighted plastic | | | | definitely nice to look at but they are very fragile |
| chess set would be a good choice. If you need a | | | | and will break once they are dropped. They are |
| handy chess set that you could carry anywhere | | | | also easily dirtied by dust and fingerprints. |
| then it is advisable that you get a travel chess | | | | Although beautiful to look at, the pieces will break |
| set which are small and compact. These kind of | | | | if dropped and fingerprints can become a problem |
| chess is usually magnetic or pegged to protect | | | | on some models. They're dust collectors too. |
| against bumps and jolts. The boards can be folded | | | | Many people keep a glass set for looks and |
| and the pieces and pawns can be kept inside. | | | | another type for actual play. Glass chess sets |
| Travel chess sets ara available for for | | | | average in the $300 to $2,000 range. |
| somewhere around $20 A very basic one can | | | | |