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Exploring Options and Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Chess Set

Chess is a timeless game that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, purchasing a chess set is an important decision. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide on which set to buy. In this blog, we will explore the options and factors to consider when purchasing a chess set, including the best chess set under $100, and why the Chessbazaar brand is the largest and best for wooden chess sets.

Material

Material

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a chess set is the material. Chess sets can be made of a variety of materials including wood, plastic, metal, and glass. Wooden chess sets are the most popular choice because they are durable, classic, and give a tactile feel to the game. They come in a variety of woods, including ebony, rosewood, and teak. Chessbazaar offers a wide range of wooden chess sets, including the best chess set under $100.

Related Post: Why Handmade Wooden Chess Sets are expensive?

Size

The size of a chess set is also important to consider. Chess sets come in a variety of sizes, from small travel sets to large tournament sets. The size you choose will depend on your personal preference and how you plan to use the set. If you plan on playing on the go, a smaller set is more practical, whereas a larger set may be more suitable for display purposes.

Design

Another factor to consider is the design of the chess set. Chess sets come in a variety of styles, from classic Staunton designs to unique and elaborate designs. The design you choose will depend on your personal taste and the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Chessbazaar offers a wide range of designs to choose from, including sets with intricate carvings and pieces in unique shapes.

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

Price

The price of a chess set is also an important factor to consider. Chess sets can range in price from under $10 to over $10,000. It is important to find a set that fits within your budget while still meeting your needs and preferences. Chessbazaar offers a variety of chess sets at different price points, including the best chess set under $100.

Brand

When it comes to wooden chess sets, Chessbazaar is the largest and best brand in the market. They offer a wide range of wooden chess sets in various designs, sizes, and materials. Their sets are made of high-quality materials and are durable, ensuring that they will last for years to come. Chessbazaar also offers exceptional customer service, making them a reliable and trustworthy brand to purchase from.

In conclusion, purchasing a chess set is an important decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. When purchasing a wooden chess set, it is important to consider the material, size, design, price, and brand. Chessbazaar is the largest and best brand for wooden chess sets, offering a wide range of sets in various designs, sizes, and materials. They also offer exceptional customer service and the best chess set under $100, making them a reliable and trustworthy brand to purchase from.

Related Article: History of the Max Ernst Chess Set!

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Checkmate these 3 mistakes when studying chess: Tips for effective learning

Chess is a game that has been around for centuries, and it continues to attract players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s always something new to learn in chess. However, learning chess can be challenging, and many players make mistakes that slow down their progress. In this blog post, we’ll look at three common mistakes that chess players make when studying chess and provide tips for effective learning.

Mistake #1: Focusing Too Much on Openings

One of the most common mistakes that chess players make is focusing too much on openings. While it’s important to understand the principles behind different openings and to have a repertoire of openings that you’re comfortable with, spending too much time on openings can be counterproductive. Openings only account for a small percentage of a game of chess, and they’re only relevant in the first few moves of the game. Once the opening phase is over, the game enters the middlegame, where the real chess begins.

Tip #1: Focus on the Fundamentals

Instead of spending all your time on openings, focus on the fundamentals of chess. This includes understanding the principles of pawn structure, piece placement, and the importance of controlling the center of the board. By focusing on these fundamentals, you’ll be able to play stronger chess in all phases of the game, not just in the opening.

Related: Want to relax? Try Chess

Tip #2: Study Master Games

Studying master games is an excellent way to learn the fundamentals of chess. By studying the games of great players, you’ll see how they apply the principles of chess to their games. You’ll also learn how to think strategically and how to develop a plan in the middlegame.

Best Study Chess Set you must have- Tournament Series Staunton Chess Pieces

Mistake #2: Not Analyzing Your Games

Another common mistake that chess players make is not analyzing their games. After a game of chess, it’s essential to go back and analyze the game to see where you went wrong and where you could have made better moves. Without analyzing your games, you’ll continue to make the same mistakes and won’t improve as quickly.

Tip #3: Analyze Your Games

After each game of chess, take the time to analyze the game. Look at each move you made and try to understand why you made that move. Look for mistakes, missed opportunities, and alternative moves that you could have played. By analyzing your games, you’ll be able to identify your weaknesses and work on them.

Best Analysis Chess Set for your study – Reproduced Vintage 1930 German Knubbel Analysis Chess Pieces

Tip #4: Use a Chess Engine

Using a chess engine is an excellent way to analyze your games. Chess engines can analyze your games and provide you with feedback on your moves. They can also suggest alternative moves that you could have played. By using a chess engine, you’ll be able to identify your mistakes and learn from them.

Related: 10 Useful Tips to Take Care of your Chess Board

Mistake #3: Not Practicing Enough

Finally, another common mistake that chess players make is not practicing enough. Chess is a game that requires practice to improve. Without practice, you won’t develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a strong player. You can join a club or have a like minded friend with whom you can play chess every evening.

Tip #5: Play Regularly

One of the best ways to practice chess is to play regularly. Whether you play online or in person, playing chess regularly will help you improve your game. By playing regularly, you’ll be able to apply the principles you’ve learned and develop your chess skills.

Tip #6: Solve Chess Puzzles

Another way to practice chess is to solve chess puzzles. Chess puzzles are problems that require you to find the best move or sequence of moves to win the game or gain an advantage. By solving chess puzzles, you’ll develop your tactical skills and improve your ability to find the best move in a given position.

Conclusion

Learning chess can be challenging, but by avoiding these common mistakes and following these tips can effectively make you better in chess over the time.

Happy Chess Playing!

Related:

  1. 15 Life Lessons we can Learn from the Game of Chess!
  2. How to Find a Perfect Wooden Chess Set Online?
  3. Non-Folding and Folding Storage Chess Sets

 

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Why Handmade Wooden Chess Sets are expensive?

Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games played around the world. It is a game that requires immense focus, strategy, and critical thinking skills. Apart from being a source of entertainment, chess is also a way to challenge oneself intellectually. However, chess is not just about the game itself, but also the equipment that is used to play it. The chess set is a crucial component of the game, and it is available in different materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. In this blog post, we will focus on handmade wooden chess sets and why they are expensive.

Handmade Wooden Chess Sets

Punjab, a state located in the northern part of India, is famous for its handmade wooden chess sets. These chess sets are made from high-quality wood such as Sheesham wood, Indian rosewood, Bud Rosewood, ebony wood for the dark side, and boxwood for the light side. The artisans who make these chess sets are highly skilled and have been practicing their craft for generations. They use traditional techniques to carve and shape each chess piece by hand.

Why are Handmade Wooden Chess Sets Expensive?

There are several reasons why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive. Let’s take a closer look at some of these reasons:

  1. Quality of Wood

Wood Working

One of the main reasons why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive is the quality of wood used. The artisans in Punjab, India, use only the best quality wood to make these chess sets. Sheesham wood, Indian rosewood, bud rosewood, and ebony wood are all premium woods that are known for their durability, strength, and beauty. These woods are also known for their resistance to warping and cracking, making them ideal for chess pieces that will be used frequently.

2. Skilled Artisans

Artisan Preparing Chess Pieces

The artisans who make these handmade wooden chess sets are highly skilled and have years of experience in their craft. They have developed their skills through years of practice and are considered experts in their field. These artisans use traditional techniques to carve and shape each chess piece by hand. This level of skill and expertise is not easy to come by, and it is one of the reasons why handmade wooden chess sets are so expensive.

3. Time and Effort

Handmade wooden chess sets require a significant amount of time and effort to make. Each chess piece is carved and shaped by hand, which can take hours, if not days, to complete. The artisans in Punjab, India, work tirelessly to create these intricate chess pieces, and their efforts are reflected in the final product. The time and effort that goes into making each chess piece by hand is another reason why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive.

4. Unique Designs

Different types of wooden chess pieces

Handmade wooden chess sets are often unique and one-of-a-kind. The artisans who make these chess sets use their creativity and imagination to come up with designs that are not available in mass-produced sets. This uniqueness adds to the value of the chess set and is another reason why handmade wooden chess sets are expensive.

5. Limited Production

Handmade wooden chess sets are often produced in limited quantities. This is because the process of making each chess piece by hand is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, the production of these chess sets is limited to a few pieces per month or year. Limited production means that the demand for these chess sets often exceeds the supply, which drives up the price.

6. Brand Name

Our Online Chess Store Official Logo

Finally, the brand name associated with handmade wooden chess sets can also contribute to their high price. Chessbazaar, for example, is a leading chess manufacturer in the world that works closely with artisans in Punjab, India, to produce high-quality handmade wooden chess sets. The brand name and reputation associated with Chessbazaar add to the value of their handmade wooden chess sets.

More to Read:

  1. Why Should You Take a Travel Chess Set While Traveling With Friends or Family?
  2. How to Set Up a Chessboard – Step by Step – chessbazaar’s Guide
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History of the Max Ernst Chess Set!

The Max Ernst Chess Set is a unique and captivating work of art that combines the traditional game of chess with surrealism. It was created by the artist Max Ernst in 1944, while he was living in exile in the United States during World War II. The set was made using found objects, such as toys and trinkets, which were combined to create a one-of-a-kind set that has become a true masterpiece.
In this article, we will explore the history of the Max Ernst Chess Set, its design and construction, and the impact it has had on the world of art and chess.

About Max Ernst Chess Set

Max Ernst was a German-born artist who was one of the pioneers of the surrealist movement. He was forced to flee his home country in 1938 due to his opposition to the Nazi regime, and he eventually settled in the United States. While living in New York during World War II, Ernst began work on the Max Ernst Chess Set.
The set was created during a time when many artists were exploring new mediums and ways of expression. The surrealists in particular were interested in tapping into the unconscious mind to create works of art that were beyond rational explanation. Ernst was no exception, and he saw the game of chess as the perfect vehicle for his artistic vision.
The Max Ernst Chess Set was first exhibited in 1945 at the Julien Levy Gallery in New York City. It was an instant sensation, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about pieces of art in the city. The set was eventually acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where it remains on display today.

Design and Construction

The Max Ernst Chess Set is made up of a total of 32 pieces, each of which is a unique creation. The pieces are made from a variety of found objects, such as buttons, toys, and trinkets, which were combined and arranged in such a way as to create a unified design.
The chessboard itself is also a work of art, with a hand-painted design that features various surreal and abstract elements. The board is made from wood and measures approximately 23 inches by 23 inches.
Each of the pieces in the Max Ernst Chess Set is a masterpiece in its own right. The pawns, for example, are small figures made from metal and other materials, while the kings and queens are more elaborate, featuring ornate crowns and other decorations.
The use of found objects in the creation of the Max Ernst Chess Set is a hallmark of the surrealist movement. By taking objects that were originally intended for other purposes and recontextualizing them in a new setting, Ernst was able to create a work of art that was truly unique and unlike anything that had been seen before.

Also Read: Chess Board and Pieces Dimensions

Impact and Legacy

The Max Ernst Chess Set has had a lasting impact on both the worlds of art and chess. As a work of art, it has inspired countless other artists to explore new mediums and techniques, and it has helped to cement Ernst’s reputation as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
In the world of chess, the Max Ernst Chess Set has become a true collector’s item. Its rarity and uniqueness have made it a highly sought-after item among collectors, and it has been featured in numerous exhibitions and auctions over the years.
More broadly, the Max Ernst Chess Set is an example of the power of art to transcend traditional boundaries and merge different disciplines. By combining the game of chess with the principles of surrealism, Ernst was able to create a work of art that was both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Conclusion

The Max Ernst Chess Set is a true masterpiece that has captured the imagination of art and uniqueness. We at chessbazaar would be delighted to custom made these Max Ernest chess set in Sheesham or ebonized. Kindly write to us at sales @ chessbazaar.com and we would be happy to assist.

Max Ernst Chess in sheesham wood
in sheesham
Max Ernst Chess in boxwood material
in boxwood
Max Ernst Chess in ebony
in ebony
Max Ernst Chess in sheesham
in sheesham

 

Previous: Why Luxury Chess Sets are Expensive and Why do you Own One?
Next: Why Handmade Wooden Chess Sets are expensive?

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A Quick Guide to Find the Perfect Chess Set

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!

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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.

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Magnetic Chess Set
Benefits of Chess

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.

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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

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Benefits of Chess

Thriving Chess in COVID-19 Times

In this world where everybody is overwrought by some or the other thing whether it is work, family and so on. Where people are getting more and more consumed by the technologies every day, Covid-19 seems to have changed their lives forever.

Chess, the great ancient game has come as a pleasant surprise in the life of many during the lockdown imposed by this epidemic. How surprising and delightful it is to know that the game thatonce had lost its relevance in today’s fast world, has made its space in the hearts of millions all over the globe once againdue to Covid-19.

Chess has made a comeback in millions of household

Earlier, as we all know chess was mostly played by the venerable and the aged but due to lockdown imposed because of Covid-19, many got much engrossed in chess as they had nothing better to do. People had forgotten what it felt like to spend quality time and cherish the little moments of life with their loved ones.

Lockdown brought life to a standstill for everybody. This also opened the doors for introspection and retrospection; people got to learn about themselves and their families even more. Before the lockdown everybody used to be in a great hurry and nobody had the time to contemplate about how they felt and what they were actually doing. Their thoughts and actions were aimed at race of life while actual life was passing them by.

People started to look for different ways to while away the hours during the lockdown. Many of them found playing chess as a whiff of fresh air. The more they played the more they enjoyed this beautiful game so much so that some people became chess aficionados before they even knew it.

Playing chess instead of sitting idle and dawdle all day long.Itsalso one of the best ways to boost up your cognitive skills. It helps us to enhance our various skills such as problem solving, decision making, abstract reasoning, strategic thinking and so on which are very important for everybody to survive in today’s world. Most of the people prefer playing chess with friends and family which is also a good way to spend quality time with your loved ones. Hence the list of benefits from chess is endless.

Praveen Thipsay, India’s third grand-master has been spending many hours teaching chess online during the lockdown. For the first time in his life, he has also started playing chess tournaments online. “I have enjoyed playing online,” he says. “I have played five tournaments so far and it felt nice posting wins against some strong foreign Grandmasters.”

With Anand, Carlsen and numerous other top players contending in online competitions consistently, chess is most likely the main game that is canvassed routinely in the media during the lockdown. The world’s top class players are competing online ever since the physical tournaments got shut down because of the pandemic. Lockdown can be seen as a great opportunity for AICF (All India Chess Federation) to conduct online tournaments where less arrangements are required as compared to physical tournaments.

While the pandemic has shut down most of the sports, chess continues to persevere. The popular chess sites like chess.com, chess24, lichess hired technicians and engineers to deal with the growing demand from people all around the globe. Nick Barton, the director of business development for chess.com said that the sites experienced five years of growth in just three months only because of the pandemic. Online tournaments still continue to rise.

Also Read: To Our chessbazaar Family on COVID-19

Chessbazaar.com also experienced rising orders from all over the globe because of the lockdown.

 

The pandemic completely changed the graphs of every popular chess site whether it is online chess or relating to sales of chess sets and chessboards. The pandemic, for many people served as a pathway to work on their mental skills and enhance their IQ levels. There has been a surge in online chess tournaments. Chess, during the lockdown and because of covid19 has been all about ascension. Although the world experienced a halt, chess managed to make its way up and keep people busy. All you need to do is turn your devices on and start with the tournament.

What a sorted way to keep yourselves occupied and at the same time to enhance your cognition. Chess advances creativity and innovativeness of the mind. It also instructs freedom and self-will. You are influenced to make important decisions affected by your own judgments.

Chess also develops our ability to anticipate and foresee the upshots of actions. It helps us to choose the right direction, the right road. It also shows that achievement rewards hard work and patience. Perhaps one of the best players ever, Capablanca said, “You may learn much more from a game you lose than a game you win. You will have to lose hundreds of games before becoming a good player.” It is one of the best mentally stimulating games ever. Focus and concentration is the sine qua non of every chess experience.

Numerous children play computer games that are addictive in a negative manner. A portion of the disadvantages to video game playing are: the extraordinary requirement for moment satisfaction, playing constantly for quite a long time, withdrawal manifestations when asked to shut down the games. This results in increased aggression and annoyance among kids. Chess is one of the greatest alternatives to such addictive video games.

Chess improves executive functioning. As indicated by National Center for Learning Disabilities, “Executive functioning  is a bunch of mental cycles that associates past involvement in present activity. Individuals use it to perform exercises, for example, arranging, sorting out, planning, focusing on and recalling details, and overseeing reality.”

Chess permits kids to rehearse all the features of executive functioning and gives an inspiration to participate in every one of these aspects. Hence kids who experience issues with leader working will expand these abilities.

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Case Study by Google – Chessbazaar finds a winning strategy with Google Shopping and re-engagement campaigns.

About

Chessbazaar, a small business based in Mohali, Punjab, sells wooden chess pieces, boards, and accessories prized by players and collectors worldwide. Their chess sets are handcrafted by families of artisans from nearby Amritsar, using tools and techniques that date back centuries. “It’s quite a history that we are selling, and we are very proud of it,” says Vikramjit Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Artsmart, Chessbazaar’s parent company.

The challenge

Founded in 2007, Chessbazaar first sold their hand-crafted products through third-party marketplaces. Unhappy with the fees and lack of brand control, they launched their own e-commerce website in 2012 and turned to Google digital marketing products to spread the word. Chessbazaar initially handled their Google Ads and Google Shopping campaigns in-house. But by late 2016, facing increasingly stiff competition from big online retailers, they needed help to showcase their extensive product catalog, especially to luxury chess set product buyers in the U.S. and UK.
Chessbazaar initially encountered challenges in identifying, engaging, and then re-engaging potential customers. They also realized that, to reach and then remarket to these unique prospects, they needed distinctive messaging that reflected details such as different price points for different audience segments. For this reason, they found that targeted Shopping campaigns were important especially during the November–December holiday season.
“Shopping campaigns are working brilliantly for us,” Singh notes. Their return on investment (ROI) during the first half of 2018 was 2.53, an increase of 172 percent, compared with the same period a year earlier.

Related: Tournament Chess Sets – 5 Incredible Chess Sets to Choose from!

The approach

Chessbazaar worked with OnlineSales.ai to drive brand awareness and boost impressions and site traffic by identifying the most relevant Google Ads search keywords for their products. The team also re-engaged prospects who had already shown interest in their offerings via search, Shopping, display, and dynamic remarketing campaigns. Shopping campaigns ensured that prospective customers saw examples of Chessbazaar products before they visited the website, which increased the conversion rate. Data from
Google Analytics also helped to reach specific audiences and locations in the U.S. and UK, and identify the best times to schedule the ads.

The results

These efforts brought dramatic results for Chessbazaar. Conversions rose by more than 35 percent thanks to display and dynamic remarketing (DRM) campaigns, which helped re-engagement, producing more conversions than standard search campaigns. Clickthrough rates (CTR) soared nearly 43 percent with the use of generic non-brand keywords, sitelinks, callout extensions, expanded text ads (ETA), and structured snippets. Revenues rose 185 percent as cost-per-acquisition (CPA) fell 16 percent. “Remarketing has given us substantial ROI of 2X, and the brand campaigns have also given us a very good conversion rate,” Singh says.

Related: India gets its own Chess-Bazaar

Market impact

Successfully collaborating with their Google Partner was pivotal for Chessbazaar, as was reaching return customers. “Fifty percent of our customers are repeat customers, and remarketing actually was the turning point for us,” Singh notes. Chessbazaar is now looking at digital campaigns in Germany and other European countries, and perhaps Australia and South America as well.

Related: Journey of 2018 to 2021 – A Year Full of Reproductions

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