The best chess
Chess – Opinions, Analysis and Comparison in 2022
Chess is a game with many benefits for the brain, since analytical and mathematical methods must be applied in order to win. If you are interested in learning or want to acquire a good chess set, we recommend you take into account the Cheesebook Pearl 34 option. This model is made of wood and has been handcrafted, so it has unique details. Another good alternative could be the Amazinggirl Lords of Chess, a portable model designed for children. It is handmade and is also made of wood, so its finishes are robust and durable so you can enjoy it for many years.
The best chess on the market
If you are interested in purchasing your own chess set, we have taken the liberty of choosing some models that may be of interest to you. Below, you will find a list along with a detailed analysis of its characteristics, so you can choose the one that best suits your budget and needs.
Chess games
Cheesebook Pearl 34
In chess games, the Pearl 34 model from Cheesebook could be a good option. Some even say that it is the best chess, since it is a handmade set made of wood. The details of both the board and the pieces have been made by hand, which gives them a unique and special touch.
The board has dimensions of 34 x 34 centimeters and the King has a height of 7.2 centimeters, the other pieces being of a comfortable size to handle by hand. On the other hand, the board has borders with numbers and letters to indicate the exact position of the movement.
In addition to this, it is also highlighted that each piece has a felt-coated base that guarantees a smooth slide across the board, as well as avoids scratching the surface to keep it looking new for much longer.
Since it is categorized by many as possibly the best chess of the moment, you should take a look at its pros and cons:
Pros
Design: It is a chessboard with a craft design and good manufacturing finishes. It has comfortable dimensions and weight to handle.
Materials: All the elements are made of wood and have been varnished to make them more resistant and durable.
Details: The pieces have striking details, as well as the board to also be a decorative element.
Pad: All pieces have felt pads for added stability.
Cons
Light: Some users would like the pieces to be heavier, but this is a matter of perception, since in terms of aesthetics and design, they may well fulfill their objective.
Maintenance: You must be careful when cleaning the set, since some pieces are delicate.
chess for children
Amazinggirl Lords of Chess
This Amazzinggirl children’s chess stands out for being portable. The board is foldable and you can store the pieces inside, so you can take the chess to almost any game and have a game whenever you want.
It is also considered as, perhaps, one of the best chess sets of 2022, because it can be purchased in different sizes depending on availability: 26 x 26 centimeters, 31 x 31 centimeters, 35 x 35 centimeters, 40 x 35 centimeters, 42 x 42 centimeters and 54 x 54 centimeters, respectively.
On the other hand, the whole set is made of wood and has been handcrafted, taking care to keep the details and provide some practical customizations to the board, such as numbering and lettering on the edges.
As for its case, the board has a lock that will block its accidental opening, so that the pieces do not fall out during transport or storage. In addition, it is worth highlighting its gold that gives it a vintage detail.
If you want to interest your little ones in chess, this model could be a good alternative to start with and here are its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
Folding: This model has a board with a folding mechanism so you can take it wherever you want.
Pieces: Its pieces have the right size to handle them comfortably and are stored on the same board.
Insurance: Your insurance will keep the board closed to prevent it from being opened by accident.
Weight: It is a light model that you can easily transport if you need it.
Cons
Magnetized: It is considered a disadvantage that, although it is portable, it is not magnetized.
Chess 4
Flamer 4 Way
Flameer offers you 4 way chess with its 4 Way model. This version of classic chess combines a regular board with eight extra rows, to give space to four players at the same time, thus varying the experience and being able to share with more people at the same time.
This set may be the best value for money chess, thanks to the number of players that can participate as well as having a youthful design with pieces in bright colors: red, purple, turquoise and pink. The height of the King piece is 9.7 centimeters so you can take it comfortably.
As for the board, it measures 60 centimeters in diameter with a height of just 1 millimeter so you can easily place it on any table. The boxes are green in order to create a high contrast and facilitate the players’ decision to move.
If you were interested in this version for four players, then you can get more details about its features:
Pros
Four players: It is a chess that allows four people to play at the same time.
Pieces: A total of 64 pieces are delivered to cover the requirements of each one.
Colors: Each set of pieces is of a different color to play more easily.
Materials: Because its board is flexible, it is easier to store it without taking up too much space.
Cons
Complicated: If you don’t know how to play chess, maybe trying the four person version would be too complicated.
electronic chess
Lexibook CG1300
The CG1300 model is an electronic chess that works with a system designed with various game styles: beginner with five levels, improvement with eight levels and game styles in four types against the same board computer: normal, aggressive, defensive and random.
On the same board is the timer so you can carry out official games, as well as a positioning detector that will light up red when you try to make a move not authorized by the rules.
On the other hand, it has dimensions of 34.7 x 23.8 x 3 centimeters and its weight is 721 grams, making it easy to carry for practice. In this same sense, both the pieces and the board are made of plastic and are delivered with a transport bag to carry the pieces. In addition, it includes an instruction manual to understand the functions of this electronic chess.
Finally, it is worth noting that the equipment can be programmed in various languages: English, French, Italian, German and, of course, Spanish.
Lexibook could one day be the best chess brand and for this reason we have analyzed the positive and negative aspects of its set:
Pros
Didactic: With this chess you can improve your technique, as well as perfect your moves against a computer.
Learning: It has a learning system, so that people can learn to play by indicating the allowed movements.
Portability: It is portable thanks to its size and weight, it also has a storage bag for the pieces.
Versatile: This model can be of help to both novice and expert users.
Cons
Materials: Being a plastic set, you must be careful when using it to prevent it from breaking.
Star Wars Chess
If you want to invest in a set inspired by your favorite movie, this Star Wars chess set could be the one for you. The board offers details related to the saga, such as its name and the representation of characters in the main borders.
As for its pieces, they may be the most striking aspect, since they have been characterized according to some key characters in the saga, such as the Troopers warriors, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, R2D2, among others.
In addition, so that you do not get confused, in the instruction manual, as well as in some pieces, there are identifications to know what position they occupy when they are on the chessboard.
The measurements of the set are 14 x 26 x 11 centimeters and it weighs approximately 340 grams, making it easy to transport in case you want to take it with you somewhere.
When you don’t know which chess set to buy, consider themed models like this one from Star Wars:
Pros
Design: It is a very striking set for Star Wars fans, since it is inspired by the famous movie saga.
Colors: Its colors are attractive and intense, in addition to which the black of the pieces has been changed to dark gray and the white to silver.
Portability: It is a portable alternative thanks to its compact size and light weight.
Standard: Thanks to its design based on the standard, it will not be difficult for you to adapt to playing with this model.
Cons
Materials: You must bear in mind that the pieces are made of plastic, so they are not robust.
chinese chess
Ancient Chinese Sharplace
Sharplace could have the answer to the question of which is the best chess, since in its catalog it offers you the ancient Chinese chess model, a set with a striking, classic and good quality design, as well as being one of the cheapest.
The board also works as a briefcase thanks to its folding system that also includes a handle so you can carry the entire set with one hand and comfortably.
It is made of wood and the figures that represent the chess pieces have been personalized according to the classical Asian style, thus giving it a much more interesting and decorative appearance. On the other hand, it should also be noted that the colors that predominate in this set are red, black and white.
It can be purchased in different sizes depending on the availability of the manufacturer, these being: 21 x 20.5 x 3 centimeters, 22 x 21 x 5 centimeters, 23 x 25 x 3 centimeters and 26 x 25.5 x 6.5 centimeters.
To save, this model is one of the cheapest, but we recommend you take into account its pros and cons:
Pros
Vintage: It is a vintage Asian-style chess set with details typical of the ancient Chinese model.
Portable: It is portable and the pieces can be stored inside the board, since it becomes a briefcase.
Materials: Both the board and the pieces are made of wood for a long service life.
Dimensions: You can choose this model in different sizes, depending on what is most practical and comfortable for you.
Cons
Identification: The pieces of this chess set do not have identification to know their representation.
chess accessories
Chessboard
Cayrus 613
The 613 model of the Cayro brand is a chess board that you can buy by itself, that is, without pieces. It is a good alternative to replace an old board or if the one you have has been damaged for some reason.
This particular model has dimensions of 40 x 40 x 1 cm high and weighs 1.25 kilograms, being robust and reliable to use.
It is made of treated wood and has a polished finish that makes it look elegant and of good quality. In addition, the natural aspect of the wood has been maintained in each of the boxes, to give it a natural, fresh touch that is easy to combine with all kinds of pieces.
Chess pieces
Aquamarine Games Staunton 4
If it’s some new chess pieces you need instead of a board, we might recommend you consider the Stauton 4 set from Aquamarine Games. Each of the pieces that make up this set are made of wood, offering a robust and durable structure that you can enjoy for a long time.
All have a polished finish and the respective carved details of the classic chess pieces, thus maintaining a particular and striking style. Due to the dimensions of the pieces, they are recommended for a square of 4.5 x 4.5 centimeters.
As for the King and Queen pieces, both have an approximate height of 7.5 centimeters so that you can hold them comfortably when making your moves.
chess rules
Chess Rules and Tactics: A Pocket Guide
In case you want to know the rules of chess, you have the option of purchasing this pocket guide from the author Noel Shafi, a chess player with the qualities of a poet, editor and writer.
In his guide, Shafi will seek to help people who are interested in taking their first steps in this game that is thousands of years old. With it you will be able to know what the basic rules of the game are, as well as some recommended tactics and, of course, the system with which the points are scored to determine who is the winner in official matches.
It is available in a printed softcover version, which you can comfortably carry with you.
Chess pieces
Fournier F06581
Fournier has a good set of chess pieces for you in case you want to buy a spare or to replace the one you had before.
The F06581 model stands out for having the Staunton N° 3 style, that is, they can be used for official competitions. These particular chips are made of plastic, being light and comfortable for players to handle.
They have a felt-covered base so they can slide smoothly over the wooden surface of the board and, in addition, they are delivered in a practical wooden box with a transparent lid, so you have somewhere to store them after the game is over.
Guide to buy chess
With so many different options regarding design, size, materials and more, it can be quite difficult to choose which model is worth your attention and your money. If you want to make the most of it, we advise you to take into account some features that may help you make a good purchase decision.
Shopping guide
set design
The design of the set is very important when you want to save money when purchasing a chess set. In any guide to buying the best chess, you will notice that many users compare their design between different models.
Considering the colors can help you choose a set that you can combine with your other board games or if you want to add it as a decorative element in your living room and also have it always ready for when you want to play.
One of the advantages that chess sets offer is that, being such a well-known and ancient game, there are many brands that offer different alternatives in terms of the design of the board, the pieces or even the rules, so that you have more variety and freedom when choosing.
Board size and pieces
The next aspect that will be studied in this chess comparison is the size of the board and, therefore, of its pieces. We advise you to choose a set that you can handle comfortably and that does not take up too much space, so that you can place it in a corner or on a table when you are not using it.
In addition to this, you must also take into account what kind of pieces they are, if they have a Staunton design or not, the height of each one, as well as the size of the circumference of its base, since they must be suitable for the board squares.. Otherwise, playing the game would be awkward or confusing for the participants.
Manufacturing materials
The manufacturing materials are an aspect that influences how much a chess set costs, so you must evaluate it correctly so as not to waste your money. But don’t worry too much, you can still get a cheap chess set without spending too much.
Since there are so many options on the market and the process of making a chess board and its pieces is so mechanized, you can find cheap options that are mass produced. Generally, plastic chess sets are more affordable, but also less durable.
In the particular case of this game, you could consider the wooden models, since they are more robust, elegant, comfortable to use and have a much longer useful life. In addition, you can clean them so they do not lose their shine and use them as a decorative element in the room or in an office.
Portability and practicality
Some chess boards have a collapsible frame that will allow you to take it with you or store it without taking up much space. These models are quite practical and, furthermore, if you look carefully, you could find one that takes advantage of this quality to become a kind of small briefcase.
If you choose a chess set with a collapsible frame, make sure you can also store the pieces inside when you close it. This will help you carry everything you need in one place and without the risk of losing any parts, which could completely ruin your gaming experience.
As an additional detail, you should know that some boards also include fasteners inside to hang the pieces after playing and with them they will stay in place, so they don’t hit inside when moving the game.
Maintenance and care
Now, we will focus on one of the aspects that some buyers often overlook: the maintenance and care that can be given to the chess set.
As you can imagine, being a game in which both the pieces and the board are constantly touched with the bare hand, it is very important to keep them clean to prevent them from wearing out. If you have purchased a plastic model, you can wash the pieces with regular water or clean them with a damp cloth just like the board, but if you have a wooden chess, it is best to purchase a special cleaner for this material and make sure to prevent too much dust from accumulating.
Finally, when you finish playing, don’t forget to count each one of the pieces and put them in their place so that, when you have the opportunity to enjoy a new game, you don’t waste time looking for a pawn or a rook, for example.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to win in chess?
Basically, in order to win at chess, the main objective must be met: “knock down” the King. To achieve this, you must try to eliminate as many of your opponent’s pieces as possible and get the enemy King cornered and unable to “escape”. This is when “Checkmate” is traditionally said and the game ends.
In order to win at chess you must have tactics, patience, discipline and full knowledge of the rules. As such, there is no formula or specific movements to follow to always win, since the possibilities amount to millions.
Q2: How to improve in chess?
If you notice that it is a bit difficult for you to win a chess game, these tips will probably help you for your first competitions. First, try to gain control of the center of the board by moving your pawns precisely and trying to get your opponent into a corner.
Second, it avoids swapping pieces on impulse. Take into account the value of the piece that you can lose in exchange for the one you take from your rival. It is advisable to try to lose as little as possible so that you can set up a more successful attack on the King.
Third, always try to keep your pieces on key squares, whether for defense or attack, and when trying to checkmate, make sure you have positioned them properly for it, otherwise all your work could be frustrated and your opponent would win.
Q3: How are the chess pieces placed?
First of all, make sure that the board is well positioned, that is, with the white corners on the edges and not towards you. Then place the pawns on the second row of the board counting from the bottom to the top. The rooks each go to the corner of the first row, followed by the knights from side to side, then the bishops and, finally, the Queen on the square of their color (black or white) and the King on the missing square..
The same goes for your opponent, so the position of his pieces should be an exact reflection of the position of your pieces at the start of each game.
Q4: Who invented chess?
Chess is a game that could be traced back as far as the 3rd century BC, so it is not known exactly who should be credited with inventing the game. However, some studies and research suggest that the first chess developed on the Asian continent, most likely in India, and spread through the different countries, continents and, finally, to the entire world.
Q5: How does the king move in chess?
When you use the King in a game of chess, you have the freedom to move it to practically any position as long as it is adjacent to it regardless of whether it is vertical, horizontal or diagonal. However, you cannot occupy a square where there is a piece of your same color, but you can occupy one where your opponent’s piece is to eliminate it and take its place.
Q6: How to know my ELO in chess?
In order to calculate your ELO score in chess, it is necessary to apply mathematical equations with a logistic function based on your wins and losses against other players. You can find the formulas online to calculate it manually.
How to use a chess
Now that you have your brand new chess set in your hands, it’s time to prepare everything, either to carry out a game or to place it as decoration in your living room, games room or wherever you prefer. In this space we will help you with the first steps so that you can use your set correctly.
Prepare the board
The first step you need to take is to prepare the board. Take it out of its packaging and proceed to remove any plastic protector it has, even those inside if it is a folding model. This will prevent having to deal with garbage later.
After this, find a flat and clean surface where to position the board, remember that the pieces will go on top, so if there is a too steep degree of inclination, they could fall or roll by accident.
separate the pieces
The next thing we advise you to do is separate the pieces from the chess set. In general, these come in separate bags for each color, but you should take them out and stand them up once to have them ready and place them in their corresponding boxes more comfortably.
Keep in mind that the last pieces that are usually placed are the King and the Queen, so first place the pawns that are in the majority and then the other pieces, both yours and your rival’s.
Parts Location
Now, one of the most important steps to take: correctly place the pieces of the set in their squares.
Experts recommend starting by placing the line of pawns first, which is located on the second row from the edge. You should have the correct number to fill all the boxes in the row. After this, place the rooks first in each corner of the bottom row, then the knight followed by the bishop and, depending on the color of the square, you will see if the next position is for the King or Queen.
Repeat the same procedure with the other pack of pieces and that’s it, you’ll have the board ready to carry out a fun and competitive game with whoever you want.
dashboard maintenance
Now, we will focus on the maintenance of the chessboard. We advise you to clean it after each game to prevent dirt and grease from your hands from affecting its integrity and aesthetics. In addition to this, you should also keep it free of dust in case you have it placed on a table and you do not use it constantly.
Parts Care
On the other hand, you cannot forget about the pieces, since they are the elements most handled by the players. These must be thoroughly washed every so often depending on the frequency of use. Of course, try not to rub them too hard to avoid damaging the paint or the finishes they have. Also, remember to count them and make sure you haven’t lost any, otherwise your future games could be ruined.
