Whether you are looking for a beginner set, tournament set or a family heirloom, you will find an endless variety at a wooden chess set online store. Wooden chess sets not only look beautiful, they can, depending on the type of wood, survive many years of regular play and hard knocks.
Wooden chess sets vary in size and intended use. Miniature magnetic sets and folding sets are good for travel purposes. Collectors' sets with delicate detail and intricate designs are showcase sets not intended for regular play. Wooden chess sets vary from plain and functional to detailed, intricate and precious. A wooden chess set board can vary in size from 12 inch folding boards to 21 inch tournament standard sized boards. If you are buying for your children, a 16 inch junior board accommodates shorter arm lengths.
A wooden chess set is usually made from two different types of wood to provide the two colors required for the pieces and the board. Pieces and board squares may match, or be bought separately in different woods. Maple, walnut, ebony, rosewood and sandalwood are among the more popular types of wood used to make wooden chess sets. The style of a wooden chess set can vary from plain to intricately carved or etched, with both the chess pieces and the board being decorated. Chess boards may vary in height and weight, and some include drawers for piece storage. Some wooden chess sets include a box or case for the pieces and/or board.
Wooden chess sets can be purchased as a set of chess pieces, a separate board and a case, or as a combination set which includes the board and pieces, sometimes with a case for the pieces. Often a wooden chess set combination will include a checkers set as well, great for family and casual use. Some combination sets include a backgammon board on the reverse of the chess or checkers board.
When you want to play in style at a wooden chess set online store, you will be offered many choices in terms of the style of chess pieces available. The most commonly used style is the Staunton chess piece, a practical, easy to use design that is the tournament standard worldwide. Detailed designs may appear more attractive, but they can be unstable, difficult to distinguish between pieces, and subject to more wear and tear than the less delicate designs. Staunton chess pieces are recommended for beginners as they are very well balanced, easy to handle and long lasting pieces.
When buying a wooden chess set, the amount of detail in the workmanship, type of wood and size will influence the price you pay. You can find a basic combination set at a wooden chess set online store for under $100, and some designer sets will cost over $800. For family and travel use, a small folding board or magnetic set will be ideal. Choose a style and size that suits your playing needs. At a wooden chess set online store, you can make a purchase that will last a lifetime, with a beautiful set that will bring hours of enjoyment to the whole family.
