Chess Know How
What Should I Look for in a Good Quality Chess Set?
Materials and craftsmanship. Most good quality chess sets are crafted of exotic woods like Ebony, Rosewood, Boxwood, Bubinga, and the like. Mid-range chess sets are generally constructed of Maple or Walnut. Cheaper boards are made from tropical hardwood.
When shopping for chess boards, determine if the material is solid wood or a wood veneer. Also, make sure that the squares are crafted of inlaid wood versus a chess board pattern that has been simply painted on.
When choosing pieces examine the knight. This is the flagship of the set because of the capacity for flair and intricacy of design.
After the knight, the rook carries subtle detail that adds to the value and quality of the chess set.
The size of the pieces in relation to the board is mostly a matter of personal taste. Tournament play is the exception, since very clear specifications are given for piece sizes and boards. U.S. Chess Federation standards specify a King that measures 3-3/8″ to 4-1/2″ with a base diameter of 40-50% of the height.
A general rule for determining the proper square size for a set of good Staunton chess pieces is that the width of the base of the King should be 75% of the width of a square. So, divide the King’s base diameter by 0.75 and you get the proper square size. For example, a Staunton King with a base diameter of 1.75″ would require a square size of 1.75″/0.75 = 2.33″. Hence, you should use a chessboard with a square size of at least 2-3/8″.
Why Is the Weight of the Pieces Important?
Weighted pieces make the game more enjoyable, are more valuable and have a quality feel about them when held in the hand. Chess piece weights are classified as Natural, Single, Double, and Triple.
Weighted Pieces – Approximate Weights: o Single Weighted 15-25 grams o Double weighted 30-50 grams o Triple Weighted 50-115 grams
Natural weighted pieces may include Wood, Marble Resin, Metal, Stone and Plastic. These pieces are the natural weight of the material in which they are made.
Chess pieces in a set that is designed for travel will have magnetic bases so weighting is not an issue.