Purchasing a Chess Set: Suggestions and Advice

Feb 15
08:19

2010

David Powers

David Powers

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This article includes a number of lessons to help you with selecting a chess set to take home with you; after all if this is your first time, perhaps you need some help; I know I did!

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There are always useful pieces of advice that can make your chess set purchase worth the price,Purchasing a Chess Set: Suggestions and Advice Articles and you’ll learn some of them here; after all if this is your first time, then it’s highly probably that you need some help; I know I did! For instance, you should know what you really want and where you can purchase it. In addition, you want a chess set with the right cost. It could be that you are looking for a gift. Whatever your reason, this article will, I hope, be of some help.

A) First lesson: you must match your board and pieces.

Just imagine a beat-up automobile pieced together from various spare components. Chances are that car won’t look as good as the real thing. You see what I mean? It’s just like showing up in school with mismatched foot wear. Hilarious!

The heart of the matter is this: both pieces and board should match. Whenever possible, it’s vital that the chess pieces and the chess board share the same or similar make, because if you go ahead with the circus of materials - say pine and mahogany – the overall look will seem strange. Aesthetics makes a world of difference. In the same manner, don’t neglect sizing. Will tiny pieces look befitting on a large chess board? Obviously not.

When your pieces and board are in harmony, the effect is pleasing and enjoyable, and come to think of it, this adds value to your set. Unless you have a thing for antiques, finding a matching set should be a piece of cake for even the average shopper.

B) Second lesson: don't rob the bank.

Select what you can afford. Never consider overspending. Caveat: Almost always, you can relate the quality of the set with the price you spend for it. The truth is that you can find great bargains from time to time, but they aren’t your everyday fare.

Chess sets that become heirlooms are obviously more valuable than any high-priced commercial set. Beyond the price tag, you’re dealing with family tradition.  Almost always, good quality doesn’t come for free. When you pay for quality, you get to enjoy games of chess with your friends and family for years to come.

As you can see, the more expensive products offer you more of that “feel good” factor than do cheap sets. Admittedly it may be purely psychological but still, one seems to play better with a good set. It's rather like driving a vehicle which is of a slightly lower class than your own; it just feels different even if it serves its purpose of getting you from A to B.

C) Third lesson: know what you are hunting for.

Scout aimlessly, and you’ll come home bothered and empty-handed! Way before you begin searching for that perfect chess set, know the qualities you should look for. For one, decide on the sizing; Does it take up too much space on the table? Can you shelve the set easily when you’re no longer using it? Apart from size, consider the fit. How nicely does the set match your stuff such as that coffee table? Try guessing how your partner will find the new set as well. Will he or she be happy about it?

Lastly, project how often you will use the chess set. Will you use the board and the pieces sometimes only or all the time? Sturdiness is definitely a crucial criterion for the avid chess player.

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