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Chess Sets February 21, 2023

Why Luxury Chess Sets are Expensive and Why do you Own One?

Chess is an age-old game that has evolved over the years to become a popular pastime for millions of people worldwide. The game is enjoyed by people of all ages, and it is played with a set of 32 chess pieces that are strategically placed on a square board with 64 squares. While there are many types of chess sets available in the market, luxury chess sets are often considered the most desirable. These sets are not only visually stunning but are made of high-quality materials, such as ebony, bud rosewood, and boxwood, making them quite expensive. In this blog post, we will explore why luxury chess sets are so expensive and why one would want to own one.

The Rarity of the Materials: Luxury chess sets are made of high-quality materials that are often rare and difficult to source. For example, ebony, which is a popular wood used in the making of luxury chess sets, is not only scarce but also expensive. Ebony trees grow very slowly, and their wood is dense and durable, which makes it an ideal choice for chess pieces that are meant to last for generations. Other materials such as bud rosewood and boxwood are also rare and expensive due to their unique properties. The cost of these materials is reflected in the price of the final product.
Handmade by Skilled Artisans: Another reason why luxury chess sets are so expensive is that they are often handmade by skilled artisans. Each set requires countless hours of work, and the process of making one is very labour-intensive. For example, the process of carving a single chess piece out of a block of wood can take several hours. It requires a great deal of skill, patience, and attention to detail to create a set of chess pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The artisans who create these sets are highly skilled and often work in small, family-owned businesses that have been passed down from generation to generation.
The Exclusivity of the Brand: Luxury chess sets are often associated with high-end brands that are known for their quality and exclusivity. For example, Chessbazaar and Indian Chess Company is a leading manufacturer of luxury chess sets that has been in business since 2007. The company offers a wide range of sets that are handmade and designed to be both functional and visually stunning. The Chessbazaar brand is synonymous with quality, and their sets are often considered to be collector’s items. The exclusivity of the brand is reflected in the price of the final product.
The Aesthetics of the Design: Luxury chess sets are not only functional but are also designed to be visually stunning. The sets are often crafted to be works of art that are meant to be displayed and admired. For example, the pieces may be carved in intricate designs or feature unique shapes and patterns. The boards themselves may also be made of high-quality materials and be adorned with intricate designs or inlays. The aesthetic value of these sets is often reflected in their price.

Why Own a Luxury Chess Set?

There are many reasons why one might want to own a luxury chess set. For starters, these sets are often heirloom quality and are meant to be passed down from generation to generation. They are also designed to be both functional and visually stunning, making them a great addition to any home or office. Additionally, owning a luxury chess set can be seen as a status symbol, as it reflects one’s taste and appreciation for fine craftsmanship.

Another reason why one might want to own a luxury chess set is that they offer a unique playing experience. The weight and feel of the pieces, the smoothness of the board, and the overall design of the set can all contribute to a more enjoyable and immersive chess-playing experience. For serious players, owning a high-quality set can make a significant difference in their playing ability and enjoyment of the game.

Are you a true lover of the timeless game of chess, seeking an unique playing experience? Or do you long to make a bold statement, proudly showcasing your unique taste and appreciation for exquisite aesthetics? Look no further than below mentioned chess sets, as these luxury chess sets are tailor-made for individuals like you, who understand that chess is not only a game but an artful expression of sophistication and intellect!

Let’s have a close look at amazing luxury chess sets by Chessbazaar:

Combo Of The Pegasus Series Artisan Staunton Chess Pieces Ver 2.0 In Ebony/Boxwood – 4.6″ King With Wooden Chess Board & Storage Box

CB Mustang Series of our Luxury Chess Sets — Combo Of The CB Mustang Series Weighted Chess Pieces In Bud Rose/Box Wood – 4.4″ King With Extra Queens With Wooden Chess Board

Combo of Chessbazaar Sher-E-Punjab Series — Combo Of The Sher-E-Punjab Series Chess Pieces In Ebony Wood/Box Wood – 4.6″ King With Storage Box

Old Collector's Club Staunton Series of Our Luxury Chess Sets — Combo Of The Old Collector’s Club Staunton Series Chess Pieces In Ebony/Box Wood- 4.4″ King & Deluxe Black Dyed Poplar & Sycamore Matte Finish Board

Ruffian American Series in our Luxury Chess Sets — Combo of Ruffian American Series Chess Pieces In Bud Rose/Box Wood & Bud Rosewood Chessboard – 4.8″ King

Chess board December 1, 2022

Chess Board and Pieces Dimensions

Introduction

The dimensions of a chessboard are not as straightforward as they might seem. The basic geometry of the chessboard is easy to understand, but the size of the squares on the board also needs to be considered. The size of the squares on a chess board and the pieces used must be in proportion to each other.

The tips below will make it much simpler to pick a board and set from the inexhaustible possibilities! This article provides an overview of chess basics, and board standards, as well as delving into some guidelines that cover the most important elements of selection- the pieces.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s start from the ground up.

Chess Board Dimension

Combo of Tournament Series Staunton Chess Pieces with German Knights & Walnut Maple Chessboard - 3.7" — Combo of Tournament Series Staunton Chess Pieces with German Knights & Walnut Maple Chessboard – 3.7″

The chessboard is an 8×8 grid of 64 alternating black and white squares, with 32 light squares and 32 dark. All the squares are equal in size, and the board should have even measurements on all four sides. Each player controls an army of 16 chess pieces – pawns and other pieces (the king, queen, rooks, bishops, and knights).

Chessboard and Piece Standards

By beginning with some basic formulas and adding a sense of what looks good, we will end up with separate equations to size the king and pawn according to their respective squares. The scaling factor for each piece will be different.

Regarding over-the-board tournament play, the United States Chess Federation (USCF) has identified different specifications. For example, square size can be any value from 2 inches to 2.5 inches. Alternatively, the king’s height should be 3.375 inches to 4.5 inches tall. Interestingly enough, the standard USCF tournament set contains squares measuring 2.25 inches with a king’s height of 3.75 inches.

FIDE, the World Chess Federation, specifies that for competitive games, the square size should fall between 5 and 6 cm (or 1.97 to 2.36 inches). Additionally, they recommend that kings stand 9.5 cm tall (3.74 inches).

Also Read: How to find the right size chessboard for your wooden chess pieces

● Chessboard: Pawn Size Ratio

The FIDE regulations state that the diameter of a pawn should be approximately half the width of the square. To put this into perspective, four pawns could fit inside one chess square.

Some players feel that the pawns are too small, and they argue that the diameter of each pawn should be big enough so that two fit into one chess square.

After we calculated the pawn’s diameter, we discovered it was 58.6% the size of the square. This is still within tournament regulations, although it does surpass FIDE guidelines by 17%

● Chessboard: King Size Ratio

There is a proportional relationship between the king’s base diameter and the square size: following the guideline that the diameter should be about 75-80% of the length or width of the chess square creates appropriate chess piece spacing.

Representation of king size ratio in a chess board — King

Most people believe that the optimum King Diameter to Square size lies between 72% and 82%. The U.S. Chess Federation supports this claim by stating that tournament play should have a range of 73-78%. However, other sources recommend anywhere from a low of 68% to 85%, with the median being 76.5%.

King Diameter = Size of Square x (0.765)

The ideal King and Pawn for a standard 2.25” tournament-size chess board would be:

King Diameter = 0.765 x 2.25” = 1.72”

Pawn Diameter = 0.586 x 2.25” = 1.32”

With this arrangement, the king would take up 76.5% of the square’s width, and two pawns could fit diagonally inside the square.

The 75-80% rule ensures that your board has enough space between the pieces for any type of over-the-board (OTB) play, including tournaments, blitz games, analysis, and friendly play.

If you ignore the 75-80% guideline, you’ll likely not have enough space. If the king’s base diameter to square size ratio is too large, it results in an overcrowded board.

The official piece spacing guidelines set by FIDE may cause you to see a slight difference in the way the pieces are spaced on the board. Keep in mind that because the squares are 2 inches instead of 2.25, there is less room between each piece.

Also Read: How to measure a perfect chessboard for a particular king size?

3 Pro Tips – To See if Your Board has Enough Space

An easy way to see if your chessboard has the proper dimensions is if you can fit four pawns into one square. According to USCF guidelines, most tournament chess sets should be able to do this. If you are using the standard USCF board and set, then your set passes this test.
As we talked about earlier, some players do better with less space on the board. A way to test this is by playing with only two pawns in one square as described above. Although the two pawns game can’t show if you have enough space, it might help give you an idea of whether or not you could achieve a combo that’s slightly more crowded.
Lastly, to see if your board/set combination is overcrowded, there is a quick and easy test you can do with only three pieces. If you place a king and queen on adjacent diagonal squares, and a third piece passes between them easily without any of the pieces touching, then your board/set combination is not overcrowded.

Conclusion

With so many rules and choices to consider, it can be overwhelming trying to select the right chessboard. The information provided is not only for competitive players- it can also be used for friendly games or personal analysis.

The goal of choosing the right chess board and pieces is to be able to play the game properly on a board with appropriately sized squares.

Let us know your preferences for boards and sets in the comments section below!

Do you like playing on one that is too overcrowded or the one that has ample space?

We would love to hear from you.

A Quick Guide to Find the Perfect Chess Set November 16, 2022

6 Tips to Choose the Best Chess Board for Your Need

Introduction

Do you want to start playing chess, but don’t know how to choose the perfect board? This step-by-step guide will help you find the best board for your needs. There are a few things to consider when making your purchase, such as size, materials, and style.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chess player, choosing the right chess board is important. The wrong board can make the game more difficult and frustrating than it needs to be. In this blog post, we will discuss the different factors you need to consider when choosing a chess board, as well as some of the best boards on the market today.

Let’s get started!

How to Choose the Perfect Chess Board?

While choosing a chess set may be partly based on preferences, it’s also important to consider the practicality of your decision. Do you prefer wooden or vinyl? By knowing precisely what you want, the decision will be much easier.

Some of the criteria that you might want to keep in mind are

Serious gameplay or purely decorative?
Travel Vs Home
Size
Material
Design
Budget

Let’s take a closer look at each one of them

● Serious gameplay or one that is purely decorative?

When purchasing a chess set, you might not think to ask yourself whether the set is for play or decoration. However, it’s an important question with a surprising answer – some sets are made purely for decoration and aren’t meant to be played with at all. While all of our sets are beautiful, some don’t play as well as others. For example, take a look at our “Slightly Imperfect Chessboard Series“– they are all stunning! However, because the pieces aren’t easily identifiable, it can be tough to play a game with them.

● Is the chessboard meant for home use or travel?

One of the most important steps in choosing a chessboard is whether you want a portable set or one for your home. If you plan to travel with it, make sure it’s not too heavy or delicate. You wouldn’t want it taking up valuable space in your luggage either.

Usually, portable versions of anything come with some sort of sacrifice in quality. For example, cheaper boards are likely to be less aesthetically pleasing than their sleeker counterparts that stay at home.

For those wanting a more convenient option, consider purchasing a folding board or small wooden chessboard with designated hollow spaces to keep all the pieces in one place.

A magnetic chessboard is a great option for pieces that are less likely to get lost on long trips. This way, you can also play while traveling without the risk of losing pieces.

Check out our Travel Series Chessboard.

● Size of the Chessboard

The size of your chessboard will affect both the cost and accessibility, with larger boards being more expensive but easier to play on if you have bad eyesight.

If you buy the board and pieces separately, make sure that the size of the pieces fits 75% of a square on the chessboard. If you buy them together, don’t worry as they come sized correctly for one another.

● Material of the Chessboard

There are a few things you should take into consideration when deciding what type of chessboard to buy. Ask yourself how important the material is to you, and weigh that against other factors such as price and durability.

For example, materials like wood or marble might be more attractive but they’re also usually more expensive and less durable. Wooden chess boards can easily get scratched, and marble can chip fairly easily as well.

If you don’t travel with your chess board, however, this shouldn’t be an issue. Otherwise, plastic chess sets are both affordable and durable; though they lack the feeling of authenticity that often comes with hand-crafted pieces.

● Design of the Chessboard

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a design for your chessboard. If you buy the board and pieces together, they will usually match in color and style.

Some people prefer a more classic look while others prefer something more modern or even whimsical.

One important thing to consider is how good you are with chess notations.

If you can easily recognize a square without having the letters “a to h” and numbers “1 to 8” printed on the edge of the board, you should probably go with one that doesn’t have them.

On the other hand, if you’re just starting or need a little help keeping track of where each piece goes, it might be worth getting a chessboard with these notations.

● Budget

Your budget is, of course, a major factor when choosing any type of chess set. If you’re looking for a high-quality board with beautiful pieces, you can expect to pay more.

If you’re just starting, however, there are plenty of chess sets available at a lower price point. You can always upgrade later on as your skills improve.

Consider these factors when choosing a chess set and you’re sure to find the perfect one for you!

Shop CB Genuine Black Leather Sling Bag for Wooden Chess Board Fits up to 21″ or 54 cm Square Chessboards

Conclusion

So, what’s the best chessboard for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. We hope this article has helped make the process a little less daunting.

If you’re still stuck or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to help.

Happy shopping!

Chess October 3, 2022

India gets its own Chess-Bazaar

As a proud Indian company with a rich heritage in the art of handmade chess, we’re pleased to announce the launch of our dedicated website for Indian customers – chessbazaar.in Chessbazaar is the online home of the finest handmade chess sets and boards in the world. Our pieces are made by some of the best artisans in India, and our collection spans all kinds of styles and designs. Whether you’re a collector or a player, we have something for everyone at Chessbazaar.

Chessbazaar was launched in 2007, with a mission to make chess more accessible to everyone around the world, and our vision is to create the best possible experience for chess lovers everywhere. We’re located in Mohali, Punjab, which is approximately a few hours’ drive from Amritsar, also known as the chess capital of the world.

This is because Amritsar is home to some of the best artisans in the field of handmade chess sets.

We’re committed to providing top-quality products at affordable prices, and we’re always looking for new ways to connect people with this timeless game.

We work directly with these artisans and avoid any third-party involvement so that we can offer you the lowest possible prices.

Now it’s time to give back to the country and our fellow citizens what they have given us – the best possible chess shopping experience.

This move marks the company’s commitment to providing quality products and services at the most competitive prices to Indian chess enthusiasts.

The new website chessbazaar.in has been designed keeping in mind the needs of Indian customers. If you are from India and want to buy chess set, we would be more than happy for you to purchase from us with free doorstep delivery.

So Why choose Chessbazaar?

Our prices are unrivaled

Our prices at chessbazaar are the best you’ll find. We offer the lowest prices in the industry because we work directly with the artisans and avoid any middlemen. Our commitment to working directly with the artisans allows us to offer the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices. In addition, we are confident in the workmanship of our products and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Free doorstep shipping

At our company, we offer free shipping to all of our customers, no matter where they are located. We believe that everyone should have access to our products, and we are committed to making sure that our products are accessible to everyone. We have a network of warehouses all over India, and we use the latest shipping technology to make sure that our products arrive quickly and safely. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service, and we hope that you will take advantage of our free shipping policy.

Wide range of products for both players and collectors

We are proud to offer a wide range of chess products for both players and collectors. Our selection of chess sets is second to none, and we have something to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a classic wooden set or something more modern, we have you covered. We also carry a wide range of chess books, from beginner’s guides to tournament-level strategy manuals. And for the true chess aficionado, we offer a selection of limited edition and collectible sets.

Flexible EMI Options

At chessbazaar, we understand that many of our customers would like the option to spread the cost of their purchase. That’s why we’re happy to offer a convenient EMI payment plan. This service is available to all our Indian customers, and it’s a great way to budget for your next chess set or board. Simply choose the ‘EMI’ option at checkout, and you’ll be able to spread the cost of your purchase over 3 months. So if you’ve been eyeing up that luxurious Giant Outdoor Set, or you’re finally ready to upgrade to a professional-grade board, our EMI plan can help make your dream a reality.

Contact us today to learn more about this great payment option.

We also offer a wide range of FIDE-approved tournament chess sets, which are perfect for both amateur and professional players. With its launch, Chessbazaar.in is poised to become the leading online chess store in India.

Our commitment to quality has won us many fans around the world, and now we want to spread the joy of chess to India. We hope that you’ll take advantage of our new website and our dedication to offering the best products at the most competitive prices.

We hope you have an excellent experience shopping with us. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us at vik@chessbazaar.com and we’ll be happy to answer them for you!

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to serving you in the future.

Blog on Chess August 25, 2022

What is a Chess Olympiad?

Chess enthusiasts, this one’s for you!

Have you ever considered participating in the Chess Olympiad? The Chess Olympiad is a prestigious event that takes place every two years. It brings together the best chess players from all over the world to compete in a series of challenging matches.

Playing against some of the best chess players in the world will help you improve your skills and strategies. And who knows – maybe you could be one of the top players at the next Olympiad!

In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Chess Olympiad. We will also provide tips on how to participate in this prestigious event!

What is a Chess Olympiad?

The Chess Olympiad is a team tournament for chess players from all over the world. The event is organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and is held every two years. The first Olympiad was held in 1927, and the event has been held regularly since 1950.

Many people believe that the chess olympiad is in some way related to the Olympic games, but this is not correct. The Chess Olympiad has no connection with the Olympics Games.

How to Participate in the Chess Olympiad?

The Chess Olympiad is open to players of all abilities, from beginners to grandmasters.

Fide Logo

If you are part of a national chess federation that is a member of FIDE, then you can inquire about participating in the event.

Because FIDE is a sporting federation that is recognized by the IOC and signatory to the WADA conventions, they are obligated to adhere to specific rules- one of which requires doping tests at events such as the Olympiad.

It is paramount that the participant adheres to all the Anti-Doping Policies of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)

Chess Olympiad Format

The tournament is divided into two sections: the Open section, for players with an Elo rating below 2300, and the Women’s section, for female players with an Elo rating below 2200.

The format of the tournament is an 11-round Swiss tournament, in which each team competes against every other team. There are a total of 11 rounds in the tournament.

Each team consists of four players, plus a reserve player and a captain. The tournament is held over two weeks, with each team playing one match against each of the other teams.

In each round, teams are paired off against each other, with each team assigning one player to each board (1-4).

The matches consist of players from each board of one nation playing against the corresponding board of the opponent nation (board one vs. board one, board two vs. board two, and so on).

The time control for each game is 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move (90+30), with an additional 30 minutes added after move 40.

Players cannot draw by agreement before move 30. This format ensures that every team has a fair chance to win the tournament and that all the matches are exciting and close.

Click here to access the complete Rules and Regulations Handbook governed by FIDE

Also Read: How to Set Up a Chessboard – Step by Step – chessbazaar’s Guide

Chess Olympiad Points System

The winner of each section is determined by a points system, with each match victory worth 1 point, each draw worth 0.5 points, and 0 points for a loss.

If the match ends in a draw, there are no tiebreaks.

The team that wins the Olympiad is the one with the most points from all of its matches at the end of the tournament and is declared the Olympiad Champion.

How are the pairings decided?

The Olympiad employs a Swiss pairing system, much like ordinary chess tournaments. The basic idea is that as the competition progresses, teams will be linked with one another based on their score: top teams will battle against each other, and likewise for the bottom.

Although the clear disadvantage of this format is that the early rounds may have some very one-sided games.

What is the prize for winning the Chess Olympiad?

The Olympiad is a prestigious international chess tournament that features team and individual non-monetary prizes based on performance.

The prizes are divided into 2 categories – Team Prizes and Individual Prizes

Team Prizes

The Hamilton-Russell Cup is the championship trophy for the winning team in the open division. The cup is kept by the winners until the next event when it is handed over to the next winner.

The Vera Menchik Cup is given to the winning women’s team as a prize in memory of the first Women’s World Chess Champion.

Teams that finish in the top three also receive team medals: Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for the first, second, and third place respectively.

Individual Prizes

Players who are assigned the same board number compete against each other to win individual medals. These medals are given out based on their performance rating: Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for the first, second and third place respectively.

FAQs about the Chess Olympiad

What is the frequency of the chess olympiad?

The Chess Olympiad is held every two years. The next edition will be held in Budapest, Hungary from 10 to 23 September 2024.

What are the eligibility criteria to participate in the chess olympiad?

The only eligibility criteria is that your national chess federation must be a member of FIDE. If it is, then you can participate in the Chess Olympiad regardless of age.

Key Takeaways

In this blog post, we have provided information on how to participate in this prestigious tournament. We have also outlined the format of the tournament and explained the points system.

We hope that this blog post has provided you with everything you need to know about the Chess Olympiad. If you have any further questions, please do let us know in the comments below.

So what are you waiting for? Start preparing for the Chess Olympiad today!

Chess Blogs April 11, 2022

Journey of 2018 to 2021 – A Year Full of Reproductions

First and foremost thank you for being with us and we hope to remain your preferred chess store for 2022 as well. We know, we are a bit late on this one but we wish you a very happy and joyful new year with lots of blessings. We achieved great milestones in 2018-21 and the real reason behind this success story is YOU! Our Reproduction category has now over 130 unique chess sets(Special thanks to Chess Praxis, Mike Ladzinski, Chuck Grau & George Rosado for their contribution.), we are grateful that you appreciate the hard work we put into our unique reproductions and we hope to do even better in 2022.

Reproduced 1849 Original Staunton Pattern Chess Pieces in Lacquer Finished Painted Crimson & Ivory White - 4.5 — Reproduced 1849 Original Staunton Pattern Chess Pieces in Lacquer Finished Painted Crimson & Ivory White – 4.5″ King

We would like to thank the chess collector community for guiding us, criticizing us and help us improving! We are very grateful for your continued patronage because we wouldn’t be here without your contribution. Special thanks to Mike John Ladzinski, Chess Praxis for their contribution in some of the outstanding reproductions like Bohemia, Baku, Petropolis, Chavet and many more. We’d also like to thank Chuck Grau & George Rosado, who helped us in making impeccable reproduction of the 1940 Soviet Club Chess Set. Thank you again to every chess collector, player, and enthusiast for being a part of our extended family.

Combo of 1972 Reproduced Fischer-Spassky Staunton Pattern Chess Set V2.0 in Ebonized Boxwood & Natural Boxwood - 3.75 — Combo of 1972 Reproduced Fischer-Spassky Staunton Pattern Chess Set V2.0 in Ebonized Boxwood & Natural Boxwood – 3.75″ King

Wooden Chess Board Ebony Sheesham Wood 23″ – 60 mm

Leatherette Chess Set Storage Box Coffer with Double Tray Fixed Slots for 4.2″ – 4.8″ Pieces

**Best chess set of the year 2018**– The CB Mustang Series Weighted Chess Pieces in Bud Rose / Box Wood – 4.4″ King with Extra Queens

Reproduced 1940 Soviet Club Chess Set in Ebony & Ivory White - 4” King — **Most desired chess set of 2018 –** Reproduced 1940 Soviet Club Chess Set in Ebony & Ivory White – 4” King

**Most followed design in 2018** – The Imperial Collector Series (Sinquefield Cup 2014) Chess Pieces V2.0

Reproduced Vintage 1950's Circa Bohemia Staunton Series German Chess Pieces — **Most reviewed the design of chess set 2018**– Reproduced Vintage 1950’s Circa Bohemia Staunton Series German Chess Pieces

**Most wishlisted chess design of 2018**– Reproduced 90s French Chavet Championship Tournament Chess Pieces V2.0

Custom design — We are eagerly waiting for your information so that we can make the custom sets that you have always wanted.

We hope to get off to a flying start in the year 2022. We are planning to launch some exciting reproductions in the first months of 2022. So, we hope you will stick around to witness all the new stuff. Follow us on Twitter & Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest releases, offers & promotions. We’d be glad to know your views and experiences of the chess sets which you have purchased from us.

As you can see from that write-up we are ready and eager for 2022 and we can’t wait to introduce you to all that we have in store. Happy New Year to all of you and the people around you and we wish you joy, happiness, and success in the months to come.

Also Read: India gets its own Chess-Bazaar

Benefits of Chess March 24, 2022

Why Should You Take a Travel Chess Set While Traveling With Friends or Family?

Some people think that chess sets are outdated, and people should move on to something new, well a good travel chess set can change your mind. Being with your friends and family members is a great way to spend your time, but with them being on their phones too much it wouldn’t result in everyone’s happiness.

As with the problem with our current generation, it is hard to play something that is out of our phones, even while traveling it can put us in isolation. Having a good chess set for your travels will change just that, keep on reading if you are interested.

Travel chess sets can be used to entertain a large group of people

If you had been traveling with friends or family for a long time then you would realize that it is more boring than what you expected, on the trip to the destination talking would be minimal. Most would be focused on their phone rather than enjoying the real experience, this is bad for bonding and group enjoyment.

Having a travel chess set by your side that is magnetic would allow you to present something for the group to work on, pulling them out of their prison cell phones and into the moment. This way you would be able to bond with your friends and family without being too pushy, this is especially true if the group likes chess already.

But what if your friends and family members have not played the game for a longtime? or maybe they have never played the game at all and don’t know the rules? This is easy, take this as a good opportunity to introduce everyone you know to the very good game of chess, you might find a practice partner with this.

Getting a chess set for the next trip of your family and friends can help them be introduced to the game, there is nothing more enjoyable than sharing a playing board and competing. Of course, there are many two player games out there on the play store, but they do not carry the same experience as playing on a large chessboard.

Travel Chess Sets will be Less affected by the Harshness of Travel

One of the most annoying things about traveling is that you will be facing a lot of bumps and shakes, this will make any gameplay quite hard to do. If you have a phone with some play store games then it will still give you a hard time keeping the phone still, this is especially true for vehicles that run on wheels.

If you are traveling on a train or a plane then the shaking would be minimal (although there are cases where there is still a lot of shaking), it is quite inconvenient. A travel chess set is something that one would think to be affected by this, but there is a reason why it is called a “travel” chess set.

Special Travel Series Chess Set by Chessbazaar

The main use of a travel chess set lies in its flexibility, no matter which transportation you are currently in you can play with someone a quick game or two. Travel chess sets are magnetic and are crafted for bumpy rides, it will allow travelers to enjoy a game of chess while still getting to their destination.

Also Read: What’s the best chess opening a beginner should play?

Real travel chess sets gives a classic firsthand experience

We have given you many examples of why a play store phone would not be as convenient as a travel chess set in some cases (such as with bumpy rides), but there is another reason why it is to be preferred. This is what we call the “classical experience” where you actually have to interact with the real world in order to win, too much social media has pushed the generation outside of real experiences.

Some might think that it is best to have a chess app that you can just play on the go like the lichess app, but you must understand the disadvantages of using an over the board phone for chess games. The huge thing is the experience, it doesn’t give the same value as when someone has real pieces that they can touch and move, it seems fake.

Sure, it is not bad to indulge in social media and play store games, it is quite normal in our age to do such virtual activities. However, a travel chess set can give people both young and old a good break from the virtual world and into reality, in order to remind us that memories should be created outside the boundaries of our phones.

It is easy to find an opponent once you bring a travel chess set

Some of the biggest problems of having a good play store game (even if it is a two player game) is the difficulty of finding an opponent to play with, it is not as easy with a chess set. Chess is universally known as a game which people respond to, even if one does not know how to play they are likely to break the bubble and give it a try.

This advantage of bringing a travel chessboard comes with how easy it is to invite strangers, say you are traveling by train, it is much easier to invite someone in a game of chess. If you have a two-player app that is not as popular it probably wouldn’t get as much traction, in social settings people are more likely to entertain a real board game.

Sure, if you are with your family or friends it would not matter as much if you have to find an opponent, however one of the best things you can do as a group is to meet new people. One of the best ways to do that is to show them the travel chess set you have been keeping in your bag, allowing everyone to connect with new people and share their experiences.

Also Read: Tournament Chess Sets – 5 Incredible Chess Sets to Choose from!

View of Our Magnetic Chess Set — 7″ Magnetic

View of our travel series folding non-magnetic chess set — 16″ Non-Magnetic

Amazing View of Our Travel Series Folding Chess Set — 12″ Magnetic

Photographic View of Our Rounded Magnetic Chess Set — Round Magnetic

Conclusion

Carrying a magnetic chess set that is suited for travel will allow your friends and family to experience being with each other, to share memories that can last forever. One of the best ways to do that is to give everyone something to obsess with, where people can connect based on their shared interests.

If you are traveling on a vehicle that runs on wheels then this would be one of the best options, it will allow everyone to break the silence and be with each other. A magnetic one can survive the harshness of travel.

How to setup a chessboard March 22, 2022

How to Set Up a Chessboard – Step by Step – chessbazaar’s Guide

Chess is one of the oldest games known to mankind. Chess players are very passionate about their game and are always curious to know every single trick or rule that can improve their game. Chess rules are few but they can get really complex.

Along with using strategies to play chess, it is also equally important to have the correct positions of the chess pieces at the beginning of the game.

A chessboard is a kind of checkerboard and consists of 64 squares (eight rows and eight columns) and 32 pieces. These squares are arranged in two alternating colors (light and dark). Environment-friendly wooden chess boards that we offer to our customers at chessbazaar use genuine woods.

Material varies widely in making chess boards. Plastic and cardboard chessboards are basically used for low-level games. For high level or for professional games only wooden chess boards are used.

The first and foremost rule in start of game of chess is the placement of the chessboard. Now it’s time to set your beautiful wooden chessboard with meticulously hand-carved wooden chess pieces right. Let’s get started.

Get started with these simple steps:

Set the board and make sure that the bottom right square is a white square. If your board has algebraic notations on it make sure that ‘1’ is nearest to white and ‘8’ is nearest to Black. The ‘h’ letter should be on White’s right.

Place a rook/castle on each of the two corners.

Placement of Rook/Castle on each of the two corners.

Place a knight on the inside of the rooks/castles.

Placing a knight on the inside of the rooks/castles.

Now set your bishops to the inside of the knights.

Then place your queens on the matching color square. Queen is a second most important piece in chess after the king. But always remember that the queen always sits in the color of its square. So the light colored square will have white queen and the black Queen has to be placed in a dark square of the board (A lady always wants to wear matching shoes with her dress). Queen Side of the board’ is the left side of the board, where both queens are placed.

Placing different chess pieces on a chess board

Now place your King on the last square left. King side of the board’ is the right side of the board, where both kings are placed.

Place all the pawns on the front squares, so that they can declare the war.

All chess pieces have different points to indicate how valuable they are and if you want to play for chess tournaments, it is also important to learn the points that each chess piece is worth of and the points of some possible combinations. Let’s have a look –

Chess Pieces with Names and Points by Chessbazaar

The person with the white side pieces always begins the game. The Game is all about saving the King, so the King carries infinite value. The interesting rule of the game is that the King can never be captured and if he is in danger then he must move to a safe place or another chess piece must make him safe. If he cannot reach in the safe zone then the game is over.

Also Read: 6 Tips to Choose the Best Chess Board for Your Need

45 mm Standard Walnut Maple Wooden Chess Board

Chess Board with Matte Finish by Chessbazaar

chessbazaar January 5, 2022

What’s the best chess opening a beginner should play?

If you are just beginning your chess journey there must be one thing but you struggle with more than anything, it is probably regarding openings. Learning chess openings can be quite a struggle since there is so much to study, this article will help you on that.

This is a compilation of all the best beginner chess openings out there that can help your learning curve, these are all beginner-friendly so you wouldn’t struggle too much. The quest to find the best beginner chess opening starts here, keep on reading if you are interested.

Best Beginner Chess Openings for White

In order to make things more fair, it is important to discuss many of the recommended beginner chess openings for white. It is not like there is only one “chess opening” that beats all, there are many theoretical lines that can be just as optimal in the right situation.

If you are a beginner here are the most recommended chess openings for white:

Beginner Chess Opening #1 Ruy Lopez

If you have watched any competitive chess tournaments lately then you are likely to have encountered this variation in most of the games, this is for a good reason. It is probably the most fundamental chess opening out there that features everything about a chess opening.

It allows white to gain an advantage right out of the opening (specific regarding space and development), but not so much that black is just completely losing. This is a theme that is common for all good chess openings that you will ever study.

There are only really few chess openings that can completely decide the game if the opponent plays correctly, more often than not the lines would just be normal. This is recommended for beginners since it can introduce them to the true nature of chess.

There is a lot going on but the advantage gained is subtle, it is also deemed safe since the position is relatively stable. White will gain an advantage without too much effort, a player only needs to remember some 3-5 key moves in order to be decent.

Another reason why it is so good comes from the position that it promotes, it has a complete package offer of what is common in all other openings. By mastering this particular variation you are likely to play themes in all other openings that you will eventually encounter.

It can serve as a good base knowledge before you delve into much more complicated variations, this will make you a more complete learner. I would agree that starting with this is somewhat difficult (since the lines can also be extensive), but it can be worth the trouble.

Beginner Chess Opening #2 English Opening

This opening is something that I see a lot of beginners thrive in, the English opening is a variation that offers a quiet position without a lot of things going on. White wouldn’t gain too much advantage but they would still be slightly better.

This is actually why beginners do prefer this particular opening, it is so quiet that there aren’t many traps that can end the game quickly. People can actually play the middlegame or even possibly the endgame without suffering from opponents that studied traps extensively.

With this opening beginners will also learn how to play positionally, something that a lot of people struggle with when starting. The only downside is that you don’t gain much from the opening, but let’s be real beginners probably wouldn’t convert their small advantage anyway.

This is why the English opening can be a good asset for beginners, people can reach the middlegame without falling for a theoretical preparation.

Beginner Chess Opening #3 Queen’s gambit

This is probably the most important variation following the 1.d4 line, understanding how this is played will unlock more opening opportunities for beginners. Unlike the 1.e4, the 1.d4 is much more quiet, although not as quiet as the English opening (1.c4).

If you have played on lichess or chess.com, there is no way you wouldn’t have encountered the queen’s gambit, the themes in this opening are so elementary that it is used in many 1.d4 variations. Slav defense, London system, King’s Indian defense, etc. all arise after the queen’s gambit line.

This also introduces the idea of gambits to a beginner, since most people who start playing chess only care about material and never about positional edge. Punishing an opponent that overguard their gambited pawn is also quite easy.

You don’t need to memorize a lot and many quick wins can be achieved by a properly implemented queen’s gambit. After learning about this it is also easy to study about other defenses that may not be as popular, it will increase your overall opening repertoire.

Beginner Chess Opening #4 Italian Game

If you look at the picture above the italian game is very similar to the Ruy Lopez except the bishop was developed to a different square, however, this is a completely different chess opening. This is not as rudimentary as the Ruy Lopez but it is still good for beginners.

I will suggest this more on people that likes to attack but doesn’t necessarily have their tactical game on point yet, it features rich attacking opportunities that are not too crazy (maybe except the fried liver attack). This is the one that I recommend so you don’t just attack like a barbarian monkey.

If you are an aggressive player and do know how to convert advantages, some other openings like the scotch game would be better. Italian games are usually on the positional side with a good attacking setup.

You will have chances but it is still relatively quiet that you can probably perform better.

English Opening: Best Beginner Chess Opening for White

So what’s the verdict? What is the best opening for beginners regarding the white pieces? I would say that it would definitely be the English opening.

It is a quiet opening that doesn’t give too many opportunities for one to mess up, many people who have played chess know a lot of variations that can end the game quickly. Beginners usually cannot keep up with this initial knowledge, the English opening provides a safe way to get in the middlegame without many pitfalls.

Of course the other openings can just be as good in their own ways, but most beginners will find more value in playing the English!

Also Read: How to Set Up a Chessboard – Step by Step – chessbazaar’s Guide

Best Beginner Chess Openings for Black

This is the thing with this question, it is hard to pinpoint the best chess opening since both black and white will have their own respective variations. This means that the best opening for white will not be applicable to the black pieces, they need to be separated.

So if you’re playing the black pieces you wouldn’t be able to apply the openings for white, this is why it needs its own list. For the most part here are the best chess openings for beginners:

Beginner Chess Opening #5 Berlin defense

This is like the Ruy Lopez of the black pieces, the themes are also rudimentary and there are many positional nuances that can give black an equal position. The Berlin defense is also a response to the Ruy Lopez itself which adds more to the congruency.

Many chess professionals who play against the Ruy Lopez will prefer to go with the Berlin defense from among all other variations, the main line leads to an endgame that is somewhat drawish. This is good for beginners since they can avoid opening traps and go straight into the endgame.

One of the most common pieces of advice for beginners is to first master the endgame among all else, this is pretty hard if you could not even survive the middlegame. The Berlin defense ensures that the player can reach the endgame with minimal effort, this makes it a good option.

Beginner Chess Opening #6 Petroff defense

This one is still common in the high levels although not as common as the Berlin defense, the goal of this opening is pretty similar though. The Petroff is considered to be a somewhat drawish chess opening that will give an equal position if both sides play correctly.

There are some aggressive sidelines that can arise from the Petroff but it should be somewhat dry in most cases, the positions do not offer as many pitfalls as other openings. If you are a beginner that is looking for quiet positions without necessarily waiting for a Ruy Lopez then the Petroff is for you.

The Berlin defense is still pretty good, however your opponent can deviate with an Italian game for example and suddenly you wouldn’t know what to play anymore. The petroff can allow you to take the pace of the game without giving chances for a deviation, you only need the 1. e4 move to do this.

Beginner Chess Opening #7 Sicilian defense

This is probably the most solid reply to the 1. e4 move, there are many things that white you can do to gain a significant edge in the opening. Most positions arising from the sicilian are relatively quiet yet also possess good space, beginners will have an easier time developing their pieces.

Of course there are some Sicilian variations that can get very funky (Sicilian Dragon, Poison Pawn Variation, etc.) But black will be the one to decide if they want to take this route. White will have some edge in the opening (as it always does) but the advantage is so minimal that it wouldn’t count that much.

There is also another greater benefit in playing the Sicilian defense, mainly of the variety that the player can study rather than sticking to a single opening. The sicilian offers numerous lines that give unique positions over its other variations so beginners can experiment quickly.

If you have mastered the Sicilian defense: classical variation for example you can go for a scheveningen variation without too many problems. This flexibility can give a lot of room for beginners to learn more broader but specialized openings.

Also Read: How to measure a perfect chessboard for a particular king size?

Beginner Chess Opening #8 Queen’s Gambit Declined

If you have noticed the opening suggestions above they are all a reply to the 1. e4 move, this is for good reason. Such openings are just that solid and do not give many traps for beginners to fall into, however it wouldn’t do justice if a reply to the 1.d4 move is not included.

So here it is, the Queen’s gambit declined is probably the most solid reply after 1.d4, there isn’t much white can do to have a significant advantage. White naturally is better in space at this particular variation but black should be just fine with normal play.

At the top level this is probably the most played variation after 1.d4 (the other being slav defense) since it offers a good middlegame initiative for black without too many concessions. The only downside is the difficulty of developing the light-squared bishop but should still be playable in the long run.

Sicilian Defense: Best Beginner Chess Opening for Black

After all has been said and done the best chess opening for black is probably the sicilian defense, it is simple yet can be broader due to its numerous variations. It doesn’t give many pitfalls yet can be flexible depending on how the player wants to play. It is the best recommendation.

Conclusion

The best beginner chess opening for white would be the English, it ensures that the player won’t have to deal with many aggressive variations and can easily transpose in the middlegame.

On the other hand the best beginner chess opening for black would be the Sicilian defense, it is pretty solid and black is usually the one who will control the tempo of the game. It also has numerous lines that will provide opportunities for future opening study.

Also Read: Chess Board and Pieces Dimensions

Chess Blogs December 17, 2018

MONTHLY ROUND-UP – October & November 2018

Christmas is just around the corner, and the chess players already have been hunting for a good deal. Although Month November was all about the Black Friday deals but along with that we have also launched a couple of good chess sets & now it’s time to recap the major events from the last month. 4 chess sets were announced last month, but Reproduced Antique 1860 Anderssen Drop Jaw Staunton Pattern Chess Set shines brighter than any of our recently launched chess sets. We’ve also announced the Old Classic British Staunton Chess Set, Baku Chess Set in Sheesham wood, so if you think you might have missed the announcements or are simply looking for an orderly recap, the table below should be for you. It also comes with complete links to our respective product page.

Reproduced Antique 1860 Anderssen Drop Jaw Staunton Pattern Chess Set
The Old Classic British Staunton Chess Set in Ebony / Boxwood
Reproduced 1961 Soviet Championship Baku Chess Set in Sheesham Wood
The New Columbian Staunton Series Chess Pieces in Sheesham Wood & Rose Wood

Reproduced Antique 1860 Anderssen Drop Jaw Staunton Pattern Chess Set easily dominated our list of best-selling chess sets last month. Reproduced Antique 1860 Anderssen Drop Jaw Staunton Pattern Chess Set in genuine ebony wood and antiqued boxwood. Hand-crafted with precision and care, 1860 Anderssen Drop Jaw Staunton Pattern Chess Set brings vintage experience to the masses. The King proudly stands at 4.5″ tall with a base diameter of 1.8 inches. The set comes with free extra queens for effortless pawn promotion. Know More->

The Old Classic British Staunton Chess Set also made its debut and gathered a lot of fan attention. Exquisitely made from ebony wood and natural boxwood. The King proudly stands at 4.13 inches and its base is robust 1.77 inches. This is a captivated design featuring the magnificently robust and remarkable knight. Know More->

Another noteworthy announcement is the reproduced 1961 Soviet Championship Baku Chess Set in Sheesham Wood. The King proudly stands at 4″ tall with a base diameter of 1.53″. The dark chess pieces are made of sheesham wood & the opposing pieces are made of boxwood which is traditionally used for white side. It is one of the fairly easy woods to work with and shows off aesthetic detail. The set comes with free extra queens for effortless pawn promotion. Know More->

Related: Viswanathan “Vishy” Anand

Last but not least is the New Columbian Staunton Series Chess Pieces in Rose & Sheesham Wood. The all-new Columbian Staunton Series, exquisitely crafted in heirloom quality rosewood and boxwood. The King proudly stands at 3.89 inches and its base is robust 1.65 inches. This is a majestic design featuring the magnificently robust and prepossessing knight. Know More ->

Lastly, you will be pleased to hear that our 12 days of Christmas Sale is extended for 1 more day. Click the link to fly directly to the offers zone->

That’s all for now. Follow us on Twitter & Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest releases, offers & promotions. We’d glad to know your views and experiences of the chess sets which you have purchased from us. You can also get the updates direct to your email by sign-up to our newsletter.

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