How to Choose a Chess Set: From Amateur Play to Professional Tournaments

Chess has grown far beyond the idea of a simple game. Now it`s seen as a global expression of strategic thinking and composure. Chess attracts those who like to be proactive, anticipate their opponent’s plans and constantly push the limits of their abilities. This game knows no boundaries – it unites those who like to think ahead, anticipate the opponent’s actions and strive to constantly improve.

Those who have decided to buy chess set and start playing or want to upgrade their set should consider visiting a chess shop. A set of suitable quality and format can not only increase comfort during the game, but also become an important part of a player’s personal space.

Why is choosing a chess set more important than it seems?

Often beginners think that a chess set is just a board and pieces, whatever suits them. In practice, however, it turns out that the quality of the materials and the comfort of the pieces determine how enjoyable the game process will be. Weightless pieces sliding on the board or too small squares can prevent you from concentrating on strategy. Therefore, if you want to enjoy every game, you should choose carefully. Today the market offers many chess sets for sale.

What are the different types of chess sets?

Today, there is no single standard when it comes to chess sets – there are different formats to suit different playing styles and conditions.

Tournament sets

Who want to follow official chess rules or are preparing for competitions, a tournament chess set is the most suitable choice. The board of this set is made of wood or durable plastic, with squares of specific sizes. The pieces are often weighted, which helps keep them steady during rapid or blitz games where fast moves can otherwise knock pieces over.

Professional chess sets

If you prefer not only comfort but also aesthetics, it is worth paying attention to a professional chess set. Such sets are most often handmade, using natural materials. The focus is on everything: the way the pieces are shaped and how the wood feels to the touch.

For those who want to complement such a set, a professional chess board is also available, which will become a worthy decoration for a study or game room.

Collector’s and championship sets

Some chess sets are modeled after those used at world championships. For example, the world championship chess set and the world championship chess board allow you to create the atmosphere of a real tournament at home. Such sets are often chosen by collectors, lovers of chess history and simply those who want to make the game more important in its meaning.

Chess tables

A separate category – chess table set. This is not just a set of board and pieces, but a full-fledged chess table, in which the board is built into the surface. Under the table top there is often a compartment for storing the pieces, which makes this option convenient for home.

How to choose a chess board?

When you choose to buy chess boards, you need to keep a few details in mind:

• Each square on the board should be spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the base of a playing piece, without them crowding each other. For greater convenience during the game, it is desirable that the base of the king should fit snugly into the square, occupying about three-quarters of its size.
• Material can be different. Wooden boards look solid, but for traveling often choose plastic or vinyl versions, which are lighter and more compact.
• Folding or one-piece. For home use, a one-piece professional chess board is suitable, but for traveling it is better to choose a folding one.
• The color scheme is also a very important part of the game process itself, primarily for the player himself. The cages should be contrasting, but not tiring to the eyes.

If you are looking for chess boards for sale, think in advance where and how you will most often play.

How to choose chess pieces?

It is not always necessary to buy the whole set – sometimes it is enough to upgrade only the pieces. For this purpose it is convenient to look for chess pieces for sale separately.

Figures come in different types:

• Tournament – strict, according to the Staunton standard.
• Collectible – with decorative carvings, sometimes stylized for a particular era or culture.
• Educational – light and simple, for beginners.

If you want to buy chess pieces, pay attention to the weight, material and comfort of grip. The pieces should be pleasant to hold in your hand, especially if you play often.

Final thoughts: comfort is a key to success

A chess set is not just a leisure accessory, but an important element of the game process.If you listen to your feelings and make the right choice in the chess store, future games will be not only comfortable, but also memorable. Some prefer strict tournament chess sets, others like a professional chess set with handmade finishing. Collectors can choose a world chess championship chess set as a part of their collection, and a chess table set is perfect for home or club.

The main thing is that the chosen set should bring pleasure from each game played.