 NEW 7" HANDMADE TOP QUALITY MAGNETIC WOODEN CHESS SET - FREE SHIPPING!!! US $17.96 
|
 Wooden Folding Chessboard Travel Chess Set Square Box US $.99
|
 32 Piece Chess Set US $46.91
|
 LARGE 19" STORAGE CHESS BOARD WOOD W/ 2 Drawer US $109.95
|
 Wooden Ivory Black Folding Chessboard Travel Chess Set US $.99
|
 Inlaid Walnut Style Wood Chess Set Staunton Wood Pieces US $27.98
|
 Wooden International Competition Chess Game Black Yellow US $14.13
|
 Handmade Romanian Chess Set US $29.99
|
 Vtg Old Traditional Antique Carved Turned Hard Wood Wooden Chess Pieces and Box US $17.20
|
 HANDMAADE WOODEN CHESS BOARD -16" x 16" -VERY HEAVY - PROFESSIONAL WOODWORK US $71.00
|
 CHESS SET US $34.99
|
 Genuine Amber CHESS Board with Figures Madrona HAND Authors work SINGLE piece US $7,859.00
|
 Large Wooden Chess Set made in Poland US $134.99
|
 Tall and Slim Wooden Chess Set made in Poland US $134.99
|
 Chess Set with Folding Walnut Board US $29.99
|
 Persian Inlaid Art Wooden Chess Board US $80.00
|
 NEW LUXURY HAND CARVED CASTLE WOODEN CHESS SET 49x49cm WITH WEIGHTED PIECES US $57.83
|
Father's Day will soon be here and one of the choices that you might have considered is a Chess Set. If you are an experienced chess aficionado choosing the right set might not be such a big deal. However, if you are not a chess player yourself the thought of buying a set might be daunting. The intent of this article is to give you some insights into the things you need to consider.
Where Is The Set Going to be Used?
Is this going to be a travelling chess set or will it stay in the home? If you expect your dad to take the set with him wherever he goes you'll want to purchase something that is fairly light but sturdy. Folding chess sets that have a compartment for the pieces is a good way to go. There are some sets that have the look of wood but are magnetic. Handy, if you are playing in an area where the board might get jarred.
If the set is going to stay at home then you have another set of considerations. If your dad has an area where the chess board will stay then you need to consider the size of the board. Boards will range from 12" x 12" to 21" x 21" or greater. Another possible consideration is to buy a chess table with a built-in board. It's not at all portable but if you have a place picked out in a family room or library then this might be the way to go.
If your dad is serious player who attends tournaments you might want to consider a good tournament set. The pieces are usually plastic and the board is made of flexible vinyl. A tournament often comes with a tote for carrying the chess set.
Consider the Materials
Chess sets can be fine conversation pieces. The come in a variety of materials including marble, alabaster, brass, pressed leather on wood and wood. Wood chess boards are the most popular and come in a variety of materials including ebony and maple. Note that most wood boards have a veneer on top of a wood composite. Materials such as marble, alabaster and brass can be very attractive but also fragile. Be sure that they will be placed any areas where they are not likely to be bumped or dropped.
If You Are Choosing a Board and Pieces Separately
You can find chess pieces and chess boards that come as matched set. However, if you are going to purchase the pieces and board separately you need to be sure that the pieces match the board.
Descriptions of chess pieces will usually have both the height and base diameter of the King. The King will be the piece that is the tallest with the widest base. The description of chess boards will include the size of the square. There are formulas that suggest that the width of the base should be 78% of the width of the square. Therefore if you divide the King's base by.78 you should get the proper (and approximate) square size. Another simple way is to just add.5 inches to the King's base. For example a King's base of.5 inch would look good on 1" square board.
Other Options
Of course, you don't have to go the traditional route. With modern technology there are a lot of electronic options. You never have to find a partner with an electronic chess sets. These sets usually have a number of expert settings that allow you to adjust your opponent to your level of play. Some come with "coaching modes" that will provide hints or analyze your play. Now, before you run off and get one of these electronic sets you need to ensure that your dad is the type who's comfortable with technology. These sets aren't for everyone. If you are going with an electronic set I would get something that is backlit. They are a lot easier on the eyes.
If your dad would prefer a human partner but doesn't have a lot friends who are chess players who might want to consider a subscription to websites such as chess.com or gameknot.com. These are great sites that not only provide you a lot of human partners but provide a tremendous number of teaching tools to improve your game. In fact, on both chess.com and gameknot.com you can play for free. Subscriptions are available if you want to take advantage of some of the advanced teaching options.
Other electronic options include software programs that run on your personal computer. Check out shredderchess.com for more info. Very handy if you are in places that don't have access to the internet. Schredder has programs are adjustable to any level and will provide a complete analysis of your game. All at a very reasonable price. There are a lot a great choices out there. If you consider the above guidelines you will be able to purchase a great gift.
Jerry Kita is an I/T professional who also owns and operates MyChessPieces.com
Whats On My YouTube Today?
Wood Chess Set
Here Are A Few Items From Amazon You Might Be Interested In.
 Backgammon Sale Price: $9.22  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days  |
Items recently purchased on this site:
Thanks for visiting!
Tags: wooden chess board with drawer, wooden chess board plans, wooden chess board, wooden, wooden chess board price