Ask some one to envision a chess set, and invariably they have just thought of a Staunton chess set. Why shouldn't they? Simple and elegant, what started as a blue print for standardizing designs - has turned into a familiar friend that still allows for special touches to be added to the chess pieces. The Staunton design has been so popular for over one hundred years, that it is the standard for chess clubs and tournaments throughout the world.
But, not everyone's style goes with the flow of the norm, and this includes chess sets. Thankfully, there are several different types of themed chess sets for players and collectors alike.
Since chess is considered to be the ultimate battle of the mind, themed chess set typically revolve around historical battles and wars that we all remember. By far the most known of these is the civil war. Collectors and casual players alike have long been fans of the civil war chess set. Depicting one of the darkest times of American history, players have a myriad of options for chess sets. The majority of these center around either brass sets or a more popular and colorful marble-resin chess set.
While the civil war is not always everyone's favorite war, there are still several options. One may choose amongst sets that commemorate the American Revolution, the historical battles of England and Scotland, or the trials of the Greeks vs. the Romans. No matter the battles, a chess set can be found.
While the battle themes do dominate the themed chess set category, there are still a multitude of chess sets that do not center on war. Literary buffs can focus their sights on sets from Shakespeare. A popular group of themed chess sets are the mythological chess sets. Characters in these chess sets include the powerful Hercules, God of the Seas Poseidon, and even the menacing Minotaur.
Never forgotten, the sports fans are also have their choice of themes that match their own interests. Hockey, golf, football or baseball, there is a chess set that satisfies the need of every fan out there.
Finally there are sets for the TV buff. Characters from shows such as South Park or the Simpsons have the effect of both being a talking point and even a welcome distraction from a difficult chess game.
Whether the chess set is used for regular playing or for more ornamental uses, a themed set will give the opportunity to have a set that defines a player's own style and flair.
The progenitor to chess, Chaturanga, is thought to have been developed in India around 5 A.D, although there are some chess historians that trace chess? origin back to the Chinese game of Xiang-Qi in 2 B.C. Regardless of its argued origins, chess playing enthusiasts keep the game of strategy alive and treat their chess sets as gates to a higher, more enlightened plane of thought.
From the very first monotone chessboard to the digital opponent, chess sets are continuing to be made from a myriad of materials and a multitude of designs. All of this variation of quality and construction is confusing to inexperienced buyers and may result in over-paying for marginally higher quality chess sets.
How much should you pay for a chess set? To answer that you must first ask yourself the following question.
What are your needs and what is your budget?
Are you a chess junkie and can't even ride the bus without wanting to play? Handheld chess games, a.k.a. digital chess sets, range anywhere from $29.95 for a unit that requires you to place pins into electronically monitored holes and displays those results via LCD display, to the breeds of super cell phones that will run you almost $600 for the pleasures of linked real-time play.
Do you play the occasional game when friends or family come to visit? Chess sets that you can fold up and store in the game closet can range from as low as $8.00 without sacrificing size. Hardier chess sets start around $20.00 and will stand up better to abuse. This may be good to consider if you're purchasing a child's first chess set or your uncle isn't very good at controlling his temper when you mate him in twelve moves.
Are you a traveler who isn't finished packing until you've tucked away a chess set into your luggage? Well, there is the aforementioned digital option, but what if you hate opponents made of blinking lights and beeps? Well you can experience human interaction and physical game play for as little as $8.00. However, some of the budget models don't stand up well to the actual traveling part of their duties.
Are you a snob when it comes to chess sets? Do you believe that chess sets are elegant and functional pieces of furniture? Well, your price range can reach astronomical amounts. One of the most expensive chess sets ever sold took thirty artisans six months to handcraft. It was constructed with 14K white gold and nearly 10,000 black and white diamonds. The asking price was a modest $500,000.
If you aren't in the privileged position of looking for chess sets while getting your yacht repainted, you will be happy to know that there is a large selection of moderately priced chess sets available online from a variety of suppliers. Good quality chess sets that can be played with great satisfaction and handed down for generations are priced as low as $45.00 to as much as $500. The optimal combination of price, durability and visual quality can be found in chess sets ranging from $80 to $300. It all depends on your desire and budget.
Both Bradford Roegner & John Sokol are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Bradford Roegner has sinced written about articles on various topics from Chess, Shopping and Interest. Bradford Roegner is webmaster for . He is available to help provide people with the tools to bring chess into their life. You can contact him. Bradford Roegner's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
John Sokol has sinced written about articles on various topics from Entertainment Guide, Interest and Entertainment Guide. John Sokol is the creator of . Quality Chess is a provider of a large selection of. John Sokol's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.