Chess is one of the oldest board game and is also one of the most popular games worldwide. It is an easy game to play, with simple equipment, straight forward rules and virtually unlimited combinations. The game is considered an intellectual game and is considered a test of concentration as well as memory.
It is believed that chess was first played in India many centuries ago and was known as ?Shatranj?. The major rules and attributes of the game are still the same while some new moves and minor changes have been added over time. A chess set consists of the standard chess board and 32 pieces of chess pieces. Chess sets consist of 16 black pieces and 16 white ones. The chess board is comprised of 64 squares. There are a variety of chess sets available, which differ in the playing surfaces and arrangements. The chess sets range from cheap plastic sets to expensive sets with hand-made artwork.
When children initially start learning the game, it is advisable to go for plastic chess sets which are not only cheap but also durable and unbreakable for children to handle with ease. These chess sets are manufactured by toy companies and are available in many toy shops.
Chess clubs usually prefer cheaper varieties of chess sets. The clubs prefer vinyl boards, which can be very easily rolled and can be taken anywhere. The choice of the chess pieces is generally plastic. The idea is that this type of chess sets are easily portable and the game can be played in any location of your choice.
If you have decided to invest in a good quality chess set, your choice is indeed unlimited. The chess boards and chess pieces come in various styles and materials. The different types of chess sets available include marble sets, glass sets, leather sets and all custom designed sets where imagination is the only limitation you run into. There are also chess sets made of precious stones and metals. Chess sets are also available with magnetic pieces that stick to the board. These kinds of chess sets can be used while traveling to ensure that the game does not get disturbed by pieces moving or falling. As far as the style of the chess sets are concerned, the Staunton chess sets are considered most popular and are widely used in tournaments. The style of the pieces in this chess set is such that they are recognized by people easily. There are chess sets that depict the armies, some movies, and TV characters.
These days, chess can also be played on computers at home or on-line. While playing on a computer, players can easily choose the kind of chess set that they want to play with. Many games offer the choices of colors, models as well as many other options. It is easy to choose different levels of difficulty as required such as novice, intermediary or expert. These also give you a chance to practice play strategies many times to learn the moves of experts.
There are several materials that are used in the production of chess sets. While it is true that wood and metal are the unquestionable champions in popularity of chess sets, there are still several materials that provide unique looks to the chess pieces. Materials that have proven time and time again to provide some of the finest manifestations from blocks of insignificant substance to stunning chess pieces. These materials include Marble, Alabaster and Glass.
When choosing one of these materials, a chess player must realize that he has made the decision to distinguish and separate himself from the rest of the pack. Without exception, chess sets that are made of these beautiful materials are long-lasting, durable enough for daily play, and striking enough to be proudly displayed for anyone to display in their home.
Marble Chess Sets. Marble is an amazing material. It requires no processing to bring out its natural flair. A piece of marble typically has three dominant colors that highlight it, with several shades of those colors running throughout the marble. It is something that been sought for centuries. From government arenas of the past to home of the present, marble is a material that has been selected to highlight tastes of a refined palette. The Senate of Rome itself was lined with beautiful marble. Chess Sets that are made from marble have sought after for several years. When master artisans first created chess sets from Marble, they were instant hits. Seeing the colored lines of marble intertwine with each other, running through the curves and lines of the chess pieces, one can help but stop and look at the chess piece. What makes the sets even more desirable is the reasonable price that these materials can be obtained for a chess player.
Alabaster Chess Sets. Alabaster is another unique material that has been used in chess sets for many years. Alabaster is desirable as a chess set because of the unique way that the light hits it. Alabaster is nearly translucent, and the resulting chess set is something that is nearly hypnotic and mesmerizing. It is worth noting that while alabaster is a durable material that will not deteriorate with age, it is brittle and can be chipped. Although this exists, most chess players have enough respect for their investment to let anything happen to the chess pieces.
Glass Chess Sets. Clean. Sleek. Simple. All are descriptions for chess sets that are made from glass. Usually to opposing colors for the black and white chess pieces are not possible for glass chess sets. The white pieces are often times clear glass, and the black pieces are frosted glass. The chess board follows the same patterning. While the glass chess set it simple in nature, it is still an eye-catching solution, also found at a reasonable price.
With any selection from the above materials for a chess set, the result will be a game that will be proudly displayed in any chess players home. Their beauty may even have guests looking to come over for a match.
Both Julien Raynal & Bradford Roegner 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.
Julien Raynal has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Spa and Home Management. We present a wealth of resources and products. Find out more about .. Julien Raynal's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Bradford Roegner has sinced written about articles on various topics from Chess, Shopping and Interest. Bradford Roegner is webmaster for BraRoe . He is available to help provide people with the tools to bring chess into their life. You can contact him Brad. Bradford Roegner's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.