Introduction
Whether you are a beginner seeking his/her first chess set, an experienced player looking to acquire a top of the range chess set, or simply browsing for a gift, we aim to do our utmost to ensure that the set you choose will not only satisfy your requirements, but also provide many years of pleasure.
Don't forget, that here at TheChessZone, we are chess fans too, so understand the subtle differences between chess sets that even the most experienced players may never think about!
We are always available to offer assistance, if required.
Below, we present 5 main areas we feel merit consideration, these being:
Materials  Function Size Environment Budget| ---------------------------------------- | Top |  |
Materials
Wood
Traditionally of course, chess sets are carved from wood, with matching wooden boards.
Please bear in mind that for any type of official tournament play (or even semi-serious challenges!), only Staunton-style wood chess sets and wood boards are considered acceptable.
Our range of wood chess sets consist of chess pieces and boards that we have carefully selected as being perfectly matched, both in terms of size and appearance.
We also offer wood pieces and boards as separate items - you may already have a board and are just looking for a nicer set of chess pieces, for example.
In these situations, our advice would be to take a look around at our recommended wood combinations to ensure your purchase will harmonize nicely with your existing pieces/board!
On the whole, our opinion is that it is very hard to beat a really nicely weighted and carved set of wood pieces, with a top quality wood board, for a truly authentic experience.
Wooden chess pieces do not wick heat away from your hand, unlike metal, and the texture makes for a great tactile experience!
Metal
For customers looking for chess sets with metal/brass men and boards, we invite you to browse our range of metal chess sets (standard men) and metal chess sets (themed men)
Metal chess pieces are generally cold to the touch, and more clinical in appearance than wood or alabaster, for example.
However, our high end metal chess sets do display a huge amount of intricate detailing, which is not possible to reproduce in other materials.
We offer metal chess pieces in both traditional Staunton style, as well as character based and "themed" styles, although such sets are often more suited to collections and decoration than serious playing!
Alabaster
Whilst some consider alabaster sets to be good for little more than curiosity value, we disagree.
Our range of fine alabaster chess sets are not only exceptionally beautiful, with captivating colors, but are a pleasure to play with, too. Our alabaster chess sets also make wonderful gifts!
The feel of alabaster is very smooth and marble-like, cool to the touch, but not as clinical as metal. | ---------------------------------------- | Top | |
Function
This really means you should ask yourself the question "What will the chess set be used for"?
For example:
If this is a gift, how old is the recipient? What will they want to do with the set? Do you know their preferences? Are they collectors, or will the set see plenty of usage?
Will you want to transport the set? If so, maybe consider one of our portable/magnetic chess sets.
As mentioned above - if tournament use is intended, you will need a wooden Staunton style set.
Will the set be on permanent display, or brought out for use?
One of the worst things that can happen is when a chess set is purchased that is unsuitable for its intended use, resulting in disappointment.
For example, our "fun" and themed sets, whilst great to look at and admire, probably do not make the best sets to play with regularly. Similarly, our standard wooden sets, while functional and great for the serious player, often do not make good decorative objects or fun gifts for younger players! | ---------------------------------------- | Top | |
Size
This is a very important consideration, and also relates to the environment the chess set will be used in.
We provide size measurements for all our chess sets, and we strongly recommend that a "template" of some sort be made out of cardboard (for example), if a visual indication is required of the size of our chess products.
If the chess board is to be placed on a table top, for example, enough space around the board is required to place captured men!
As well as absolute size, it is also important to ensure that the pieces are the correct size for the board.
All of our complete chess sets contain well-matched pieces and boards, but if you wish to "mix and match" pieces with boards, suitable sizing is something to consider.
For further explanation, please see our Sizing Chess Sets article.| ---------------------------------------- | Top | |
Environment
Where will the set be used/displayed? Sometimes, it will be necessary for the chess set to blend in harmoniously with its surroundings (this is clearly a more important consideration if the chess set is going to be on permanent display).
Often, simply matching the type/and or color of the chess set with the surroundings is adequate.
Sometimes, however, the opposite effect is desirable, it being necessary to make the set stand out (as an eye-catching centerpiece, for example).
These are of course, entirely matters of personal preference.
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Budget
This can (and should) be partly linked to the intended use of the chess set.
For example, if you are buying a set for casual play, or for a younger relative or friend who is just starting to learn the game, we recommend a low to mid range wooden set.
Our alabaster and more expensive sets are great for regular play (and also look wonderful!), but are not suitable for younger children or those unable to treat them with the care and respect they demand.
On the other hand, if you are buying a gift for someone and really want to give them something that they will love, stretching your budget just that little bit to get a higher quality set is never a bad idea!
Don't forget, our Browse By Price box in the left margin, enables you to quickly view items in a specific category and up to the maximum value you select!
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