Chess sets are available from a very cheap plastic set to a stunningly beautiful one carved from wood, pewter, rosewood, onyx, camel bone, etc.. Look closely at the Knight. The Knight is the piece that allows craftsmen to best show their skill.

A well-made chess piece is properly balanced so it acts and feels right when you move it, or as it is sitting on the board. Chess pieces should move with elegance, and they should not be easily knocked over. Double and even triple weighted pieces are available.

Choosing the right size board is important, too. First, it must fit the space where you most often intend to use it. Second, it has to work with the size of your chess set. Third the colours and materials of the board should complement your chess set. And fourth, it should be large enough to allow some room for putting down your captured pieces.

Start by measuring the diameter of the base of your King. Make sure the squares on your board are a bit larger than this diameter. Say, for instance, the base of your King is 1 7/8”. Then make sure your board squares are at least 2” square.

Since the board has 8 squares across, that means your board will have to be 8 x 2 = 16”. Then add about 2” all around to give you some space for placing captured pieces. That means you would need a board that is at least 20” square.

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chess, chess sets, chess boards