The game of chess has an attraction that sometimes can’t be adequately expressed. From a young age, maybe it’s an infatuation with the chess pieces themselves – always the same characters but presented in endless variations. As one grows older, the strategies of game play become the challenge. For 1,500 years – probably since its birth in India – chess has maintained a worldwide community of fans who can appreciate a game that shares no one language.
When searching for a chess set, consider where you’ll use it for games and what features are important to you. Here are a few chess sets we recommend.
Classic construction
This 15×15 inch chess board roles for easy storage (with room inside to hold the pieces). The “king” stands 3-inches tall, and all the pieces have felted bottoms to protect the board’s surface. Each set includes easy-to-close clasps to keep the pieces and board intact. It weighs 2 pounds and is recommended for ages 6 and up.
Safety inside
This is a set worthy of home display as well as friendly competition. Made from beech and birch wood, the board includes number and letter algebraic coordinates alongs the borders. The king piece is 4 1/2 inches tall. We appreciate the intricate detail of each playing piece as well as the secure, formed compartments inside the board for their safe keeping.
As seen in the movies
Ron Weasley introduced us all to “Wizards Chess” in the first Harry Potter book/movie – “The Sorcerer’s Stone.” This set is a detailed recreation of that set – it’s also officially licensed by Warner Bros. – but you’ll have to move the pieces by hand and not through magic.
Take it anywhere
This set from QuadPro is perfect for travel thanks to its lightweight construction and size. The individual chess pieces also have a light magnetic attraction so they’ll stay on the board during a bumpy car ride or turbulence on a flight.
Great for improving skills
A magnetic sensory board and LCD screen help track your progress as you play against the computer. If you need a break from chess, this set from Croove Electronic includes eight other challenging games, including checkers, Reversi, Halma and more. You can also let the board play “referee” when you play a friend – it will call out any illegal moves.
Steve Spears is editor of Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. He is based in Orlando and counts St. Augustine, Key West and the Gulf Beaches among his favorite destinations in the state.
