A Quick Guide to Find the Perfect Chess Set Archives

A Quick Guide to Find the Perfect Chess Set August 16, 2023

How to Measure a Perfect Chessboard for a Particular King Size?

There are many problems when it comes to playing chess that an individual is likely to encounter. One of them is choosing the right chessboard that would be appropriate for the size of the pieces, it is pretty important.

There have been tons of publications from different websites on how to find the right chess board for a piece size, however, many guidelines are not practical.

Most tackle this question by taking the height of the king and dictating the appropriate sizes, however, the base diameter is actually the most important metric.

That is going to be the main focus of this article, here it will be explained how the base diameter of the King can be used to find the appropriate chess board for the pieces. Keep on reading to learn more.

The Base Diameter of the King can be Used to Determine the Right Chessboard

In order to find the best chess board that will be suitable for your chess pieces, it is important to look at the size of the king. Most sizes of the pieces will be complementary to the base diameter of the king.

It is generally recommended to choose an appropriate chessboard where the size of the squares are proportionate to the base diameter of the king.

If the king can appear fitting to the square size of the chess board it is very likely that the other pieces will be in similar proportions. The most important metric is the base diameter of the king.

The king can be in various heights yet have a similar base diameter, the proportion of the base diameter will be the most important when it comes to the sizes of the square.

If the base diameter is too small, the pieces would appear very small when placed in a standard square size (and vice versa). The base diameter of the king and the square size are the two most important metrics for the calculation.

Also Read: Best Designer & Unique Chess Sets for Décor, Study, Home Office or Library

Calculating the base diameter of the king to find the right chessboard

The best practice for determining which square size is fitting for a king size would be the ratio between the square size to the king’s base diameter in percentages. This can be confusing however.

Traditionally the ratio is between 72%-82% for most commercial chess boards. The U.S. chess federation recommends the ratio between the king diameter to the square size at around 72%-82% (in tournament settings).

The information out there is not consistent, some players even say that the square size/king size ratio should be between 68%-85%. If we take the median to all of this for the sake of calculation, it would be 76.5%.

With this number in mind the calculation is incredibly simple, we have already established that the base diameter should at least occupy 76.5% of the chessboard. We can now calculate using a simple division.

Let’s say that we have a King piece with a base diameter of 3.25″, all you have to do is to divide that by 0.765 (76.5%) and you will get the appropriate size for a chessboard.

3.25 (king’s base diameter) ÷ 0.765 (base diameter/square size percentage) = 4.2″ chess board (square size).

This means that if you have a king piece with a base diameter of 3.25″, the appropriate square size of its chess board should be around 4.2″.

You just need to take the king’s base diameter and divide it by the king’s base diameter/percentage ratio that you prefer. The 76.5% percentage is just used in this example since it is the median of the recommended sizes.

The Right Chessboard for the Standard King Size

Let’s take this formula to the test using the standard King’s base diameter practiced in formal chess tournaments. The standard base diameter for Kings used in tournaments is 1.75″.

If we divide it by 0.765 the square size would be 2.28“.

If we divide it differently, let’s say 1.75/0.78 (another standard percentage) the resulting square size is 2.25″. This 2.25″ square size is actually the recommended chess board size in USCF.

However there are many other recommended ratios as been discussed above, if we are going to stay at the 76.5%, the appropriate square size is 2.28″ (for a 1.75″ base diameter of the king).

This means that if you are going for a standard size with the king (which will have a base diameter of 1.75″) then you should choose a chessboard that has a square size of between 2.25″ and 2.28″.

Here in chessbazaar we have many chess boards that have the given ratios, an example of this is the Wooden Chess Board Ebony Sheesham Wood 21.8″ – 60 mm which would be a good pair for most piece sizes.

If you are looking for an actual pair though we have Reproduced 1849 Original Staunton Pattern Chess Pieces in Ebony / Antiqued Boxwood – 4.5″ King which should go well with the veneered luxury chessboard mentioned above.

1849 Original Staunton Pattern Chess Pieces in Ebony and Antiqued Boxwood

A less expensive option for the standard tournament board size would be this FOLDING CARDBOARD 19″ CHESS BOARD WITH NOTATIONS IN BROWN AND OFF WHITE SQUARE – 55MM SQUARE which has basically a similar size yet is way inexpensive.

A good pair for the folding (cardboard) chessboard is this Tournament Series Staunton Chess Pieces with German Knight in Sheesham & Box Wood – 3.75″ King which would have the right size that follows most tournament standards.

Chessbazaar Tournament Series Staunton Chess Pieces

There are many examples of the standard size pair since it is the most popular size for consumers, finding the piece/chess board combination that is more on the unusual side is quite difficult.

Also Read: Want to relax? Try Chess

King’s Base Diameter-Square Size can Change Depending on Preference

It is important to note that the measurements performed above are those within standard evaluations, however, some players prefer having their chessboard to be too small/too large for the size of the king.

In these cases the formula can easily be adjusted to your preferred percentage (just replace the 76.5% to the percentage of your liking).

There are those that find it difficult to play with smaller pieces/board ratio primarily because of poor eyesight, these kinds of individuals prefer a bigger base diameter/square size ratio.

If you belong in this category then simply adjust the percentage (in the calculation) to be higher in order to get a bigger piece/board ratio. If we are to take the standard King’s base diameter (1.75“) you can adjust it to 85% for example and have this calculation:

1.75″ ÷ 0.85 = 2.05″ square size. This ensures that the base diameter of the king covers at least 85% of the square which would make it appear bigger.

On the other hand, there are those that find playing with bigger pieces quite distracting so they would prefer a smaller piece/board ratio.

If you belong in this category then simply adjust the percentage (in the calculation) to be lower in order to get a lower piece/board ratio. If we are to take the standard King’s base diameter (1.75″) you can adjust it to 65% for example and have this calculation:

1.75″ ÷ 0.65 = 2.69” square size. This ensures that the base diameter of the king covers at least 65% of the square which would make it appear smaller.

In the market, it will be challenging to find these combination pairs since it is not really something that is often wanted by consumers, if you prefer a custom size you need to buy the piece and the chessboard separately.

Here in chessbazaar we have the categorization that makes it easier for consumers to find the right size as well as other factors like price, rating, and stock. Just click the product you prefer and you will see this categorization.

This way it will be significantly faster to find your preferred piece size and chessboard size taking away all the hassle in the process, it will ensure that you also have a quality product as well.

You can experiment in whatever way that you want as long as you follow this calculation, you can find the appropriate chessboard just by looking at the king’s base diameter through this method.

Our Wooden Chess Board Dark Brown Indian Rosewood 21″ – 55 mm

Final Thoughts

There are definitely many methodologies that you can implement to find the right chess board size for a specific piece size, however, the base diameter is simply the best metric that can be used to solve this.

There are many defective products that have the appropriate height yet not the appropriate base diameter, which is the most important since it determines how the pieces look when placed on the chessboard.

By using the calculation presented in this article (King’s base diameter ÷ desired square size percentage) you can accurately tell which chessboard size is appropriate for your pieces.

The size of the king is usually proportional to the size of the remaining pieces, so this is going to be applicable to all other pieces and not just the king. That is all, thank you for reading.

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!

A Quick Guide to Find the Perfect Chess Set May 17, 2017

How to Find a Perfect Wooden Chess Set Online?

Selecting a perfect chess set can really give you headaches. It is not easy to find a right chess set especially if you are buying it online. Markets are flooded with a huge variety of chess sets in different materials, shapes, and sizes. The chess pieces and the chess boards are often bought separately and that increases the difficulty level of ‘’choosing the correct chess set task ’’. We at Chessbazaar are here to help you find a breakthrough and by taking care of some very important points, we can help you in breaking the back of the beast.

Follow these steps to find your perfect chess set:

The purpose of the use of your chess set – The very first step to choosing a chess set is to decide that for what purpose do you need the chess set.

If you want to buy a chess set for your routine, use at chess clubs or at home then either you should go for some robust Staunton tournament chess sets or any weighted Staunton chess set would be the best option for this.

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

If you travel a lot and can’t travel without your best companion ‘chess set game ‘then you should buy a magnetic travel set. Our travel magnetic chess sets are ideal for playing on planes, trains, buses or in the cars. These chess sets use magnetic fields to secure the chess pieces to the board ensuring that they will not move. The chess pieces have been fitted with a magnetic stud in the base and the board is fitted with concealed Iron sheet.

Chess sets are also a wonderful way to decorate your living room, bedroom etc. If you want to light up your living space with a beautiful chess set or if you want to buy something antique for home decor, you can go for luxury chess sets or antique chess sets.

If you want to gift a chess set to your Dad, friend or your loved ones then our economy range is for you. You can buy a good quality wooden chess set here without burning a hole in your pocket.

And if you are a chess collector, then we have a special corner for you. Our Antique reproductions category is substantially designed for chess collectors and enthusiasts. Shop now>

Buy Reproduction 1950 Dubrovnik Bobby Fischer Chess Set Online

Set a price for your chess set – Ask yourself, how much can I afford for a chess set? You should buy a chess set that fits your pocket well so that you always feel satisfactory each time you play with it. Prices of the wooden chess sets vary according to the type of the wood, king size, weight, quality of the craftsmanship, the number of queens, services offered by the company, design of the knight etc. You need to set your priorities and determine that what kind of chess set you require and then determine the price accordingly. If you are low on a budget then chessbazaar.com is one of the best places to look for. We’re the cheapest option in the market for buying a new wooden chess set but that doesn’t equate to cheap quality too. Chess bazaar was founded in 2007 by Vikramjit Singh, who believes that high-quality chess sets don’t need to cost a fortune. At chessbazaar.com our primary motto is “MAKING HEIRLOOM QUALITY CHESS SETS – ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE”. All of our chess sets are of heirloom quality that lasts for many generations. We also offer free replacements* and the lifetime warranty on our most of the chess supplies.

Selecting the type and color of wood – After you have set a price for your chess set, you need to select the type of the wood that suits your taste the most. You can choose out of the best and luxurious wood types such as ebony wood, bud rosewood, rosewood or the evergreen ones like Sheesham and boxwood. Type of wood selected by you would also depend upon the color combination you want to have like black & red, black white, red & white etc.

Buy Luxury Chess Sets Online

Select your Chess pieces – After keeping everything in your mind – the price, type of wood, design, weighted and non-weighted, and the purpose. If your primary purpose is playing speed chess, blitz etc then don’t go for heavily weighted (quadruple or more) chess pieces at all, you can’t play a blitz or speed chess easily with heavily weighted chess pieces until & unless you are a super human. Heavily weighted chess pieces are best for décor purpose or for occasional play. Though there are hundreds of designs available at our website like Dublin pattern, minimalist pattern, upright pattern, monoblock pattern, themed chess sets etc, but for actual play, Staunton pattern design is the standard among all. We’ve all in our store, so go ahead and choose your dream chess pieces according to your taste and requirement or simply go for standard Tournament chess set approved by fide.

Minimalist Hermann Ohme Chess Set in Sheesham & Box Wood Online 5. Matching a board to your chess pieces – Next difficulty is to choose a right board for your chess pieces. After choosing the perfect chess pieces now is the turn to choose the right field to play. If chess pieces are not matching properly with chess board then it will not give the satisfaction to a chess player. First, calculate the size of the base diameter of the widest chess piece “King” and divide it by 78%. For eg, if the base diameter of the king is 1.5″(38mm) then you should go for a square size of 1.9″ (48mm) or more. The concept is if you get the King chess piece just right, other chess pieces also fit in automatically on your chess board.

Buy The Bridle Series Chess Pieces in Ebony & Box Wood Online

To simplify your search here is the formula to calculate the right board size for you chess pieces – Calculate the base diameter of king and divide it by 78%.

6. Calculate the base diameter of the king and divide it by 78%. With this formula, you will get your board size. Now choose the type of the wood, color and the design of the edges and wooden frame that suits your chess pieces the best. Handmade wooden chessboards from ebony wood and rosewood and bud rosewood are often more expensive ones than the veneer or leather chess boards. Select the board according to your imaginations and ideas. Imagine the chess pieces and the chess board combo in your mind and make the final call. Still, if you’re unable to find a right chess board for your chess pieces then don’t worry, we have a chess sets category which has chess pieces with their matching chess board.

After following all these steps, we hope you’ll be able to find your perfect chess set.