For players of Chess choosing the right board and pieces is one of the most important purchase that they will make. Finding the right board and pieces is especially hard as there are so many choices on the market for chess accessories. You will need to ask yourself, will your game be used mostly as a decoration or for practical uses or will it be used for both reasons. There are many places where you can get information regarding chess pieces and boards, but the decision will ultimately depend on your own style and of course your own budget.
When you are choosing to buy a chess board, you will want to choose the very best quality that your budget will allow, because having a really good chess board will last for a very long time and can be passed on to family members. You will also find that people will treat you like a seasoned player when they notice the time and effort you put into choosing your finely crafted chess set. You will also want to find the correct look and weight of your pieces, especially if you are buying a tournament style board. One of the best styles for tournament play is the double weighted Staunton Chess Set.
Another of the best designed chess pieces are the Reykjavic II Chess pieces, these are the type of pieces that were widely used by world title winners through out history. Owning this set can be expensive, but you will not find a better board for playing.
Another thing you will need to consider is whether you chess pieces fit your board. The size of the pieces and how they relate to the board is mainly a matter of taste, however when playing in tournaments has specific standards that must be followed to the letter. One of those specification are the size of the pieces which should measure approximately between 3 3/8″ to about 4″ and it should have a diameter of at least 40-50% of the total height of the piece.
Another set you may want to consider is the Monarch, this set is designed to be used frequently, especially popular for chess clubs and for use in tournament play. Keep in mind when buying these and any other types of sets to check each for the height and the diameter of the base of your King piece. This is an effective way to choose the right pieces for you to use for both game play and tournament play, this will allow you to prepare yourself for the game when you are in a tournament. The proper square size is another important thing that you should consider when buying your set. Again the rule of thumb is to divide the King’s base diameter by approximately 78% to get the proper square size.
When choosing the pieces and the board, you will find that while it is not necessary, having pieces that match each other is pleasing to the eye and more comfortable in game play. You will like to buy sturdier pieces if you plan to use them on a daily basis or if you plan to carry your set with you to tournaments. You may consider buying weighted plastic for this instead of more expensive pieces. Choosing the right set will ensure that you are ready anytime you are ready to play the game.