Selecting Chess Sets

The finite arrangement of figurines and playing surfaces has led to a wide variety of Chess sets over the years. They range from cheap plastic Chess sets to beautiful hand-made works of art worth thousands of dollars to collectors.

On the low end, Chess sets can be had for little. Many boxed sets come with plastic pieces and boards from the large toy companies, usually bundled with pieces for the other preeminent board game, Checkers. It's a great way to start learning the game with little investment in equipment. The durability of plastic also makes a great choice for children.

Chess clubs, on the other hand, usually favor even less expensive chess sets. Vinyl boards that can be rolled up for easy portability, along with a bag of plastic pieces are the Chess sets of choice. They make for practical large-scale playing sessions that can be moved to any place, be it a park, cafe, or school auditorium.

Once the decision is made to invest in a quality Chess set, the choices are all but unlimited. Specialty shops, both online and on the street, usually carry an assortment of boards and pieces made up of of different styles and materials. The first step up is usually a wooden set, either machine or hand-carved. Above that, almost any material is possible. There are Chess sets available in pewter, marble, glass, and even leather. Some high-end Chess sets can be found that are made of precious metals and stones like jade, gold, silver and ivory.

Besides materials, the style of a Chess set is an important consideration. This decides how the pieces themselves will look. The Staunton Chess set is probably the most popular in the world and the one used in tournament play. Most people would readily recognize the look of the various pieces in this set, named after the former Grandmaster. There are many more ornately designed styles to choose from beyond the standard, and this is where the fun starts. Some Chess sets show ancient armies, and some may be themed on characters from movies and TV shows--the possibilities are endless.