Chess Buying Guide

When buying a chess set, pieces, board or table, the first thing to ask yourself is who you are buying for. The right purchase is different for a begining chess player than a chess collector. Look under each section for the best purchase ideas for whatever you're looking for.

Chess Sets

Buying a chess set is the easiest way to get someone a chess gift. A chess set comes with a board and pieces, so it's the only thing you need to buy to start playing. There are also some very well made and attractive sets that fit any budget or taste.

If you are buying for someone who has never played chess before, it doesn't make much sense to spend hundreds of dollars on a collectors set, since it may not even be used. A well made wooden chess set will suit your needs very well. You should also keep in mind that while the set may not get used a lot, a chess set makes a fantastic decorative piece that can go with any decor. If you know where the chess set is going to be displayed, it might be a better idea to buy the set to match the decor.

If you are buying for someone that you know enjoys chess, or is a collector, you may want to consider buying a decorative chess set or a themed set. A stone/marble set that has a specific theme is a nice gift, and can be displayed to add class and sophistication. These sets tend to be a little pricier, but are much more unique and are a great conversation piece.

Chess Pieces and Boards

An alternative to buying a chess set is to buy the board and pieces seperately. This is a good idea if you plan on expanding your collection of pieces on the same board, because you can get a customized look and feel. There is generally a wide variety of chess boards available as well, and you can get just a board at first, and decide what pieces you want later.

When looking at a board and pieces seperately, you want to make sure you get a high quality board as well as pieces. This approach usually costs more than just buying the set together, but you'll have a higher quality chess setup. You can also mix and match your pieces and board, so you can create a distinct decorative setup to match any occassion.

Chess Tables

Buying a chess table is something you should look at only for the most serious collector or chess enthusiast. They tend to be expensive, but the quality is usually second to none, and give a distinct look of class and elegance.

You will also have to decide if you want to get a chess table only, or a multi-game table as well. If you plan on using the table just for chess or decoration, then a chess table will work fine, but if you think you may want to play other games on it, you should make sure it can handle those games.

Whatever you pick, chess sets and tables add a lot of value to your home even if you don't play often. They are a unique and decorative addition to whichever room you decide to put them on, and can also provide hours of entertainment.