When looking for a chess set, one must consider the benefits of owning an electronic chess set. An electronic chess set provides a game playing option where a player has the benefit of being able to face an increasingly difficult opponent while being able to have the ability to learn from your mistakes. But, within this category, there are two options that can be purchased. On the one hand, table-top electronic chess sets are the only option that allows a player to play against another human, or against the computer itself. The other option to have a hand held version that gives the flexibility of playing whenever the time permits.

Table-top Electronic Chess Sets

Electronic Chess Sets that fit on table-tops offer the best of all worlds for chess players. Players are able to get a Staunton Chess Set that allows them to play a match against a human opponent with the tradition and feel for the game that they have always known.

Additionally, the electronic chess set will have an electronic sensory board that tracks a player's moves and respond accordingly. Chess computers are also able to be set at different levels (some times, up to 100 levels) allowing the chess player to play at a beginner's level all the way to an advanced level of a rating as high at 2100.

Because these electronic chess sets have a more powerful computer with in them, there is a larger amount of features that they provide. They have game recording features, threat analysis and several openings programmed for analysis and practice. A table top electronic game certainly provides the widest breadth of playing features for a chess player.

Hand Held Electronic Chess Sets

With hand held chess sets, every location becomes an opportunity for a match. Never much larger than an adult hand, these options are capable of packing quite a chess playing punch, with some games having an estimated rating of up to 2000. If the experience is not there by the chess player to take on that level, there are also hand held chess sets that are designed for beginner and intermediate players in mind. Hand held chess sets have games played via an LCD screen and stylus.

While not as powerful as their table top counter parts, hand held chess sets still have several worthwhile features. These include the ability to record games and the ability to take back several moves at a time. Additionally, hand held games also come with several openings to study as well as puzzles to increase playing abilities. Additionally, there are several products that will rate a played match and provide feedback as to whether or not any improvement has been made.

Whether a hand held or a table-top game is chosen, a chess player that is serious about learning the game or improving upon it will certainly benefit from the teaching capabilities that exist from owning an electronic chess set like this.