Chess Sets
There are lots of options when it comes to chess sets. Material and craftsmanship are the two most important factors in the price of a set. Of course, you don't need a gorgeous hand-carved set to play -- plastic will work perfectly well, especially if it is a set meant for the whole family. If you want a chess set that also adds to the decor of the room, you might want to consider a higher quality set.
You can also check out this Web site for some tips about buying chess sets (particularly about size).
Types of Chess Sets
There a plethora of chess sets on the market today. These categories represent the most popular ones on the market today. Take a read and decide what is right for you.
Wooden
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- Wood
 is one of the most popular materials for chess sets. (The other is plastic.)
- Hand-carved sets are the most expensive.
- You can best determine the quality of the carving by examining it for details and embellishments in the craftsmanship.
- Ebony and rosewood are popular choices for the dark half of the set, but both are endangered species.
- Many sustainable alternatives exist.
- They may not have the same weight or color as ebony but at least you'll be able to play with a clear conscience.
- Ivory is not used for the light half any more -- instead, maple, boxwood, or holly are the top choices.
- Try looking for chess sets made of sustainable materials if you are concerned about protecting the environment.
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Plastic
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- Plastic chess sets are considerably less expensive than wooden ones.
- For plastic sets, quality is mostly about the features. Look for:
- Weight: a bottom-heavy piece will stay on the board nicely.
- Felted bottoms won't scratch the surface of the board.
- The right size for your needs.
- Also look for a set that looks good on your board, especially if you like to leave your set out.
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Novelty
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- Novelty chess sets may be made of plastic, rubber, wood, or pretty much anything else.
- They usually have a theme.
- Popular themes are:
- You can also buy a replica set of the famous Lewis Chessman. (Read more about them here.)
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Glass
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- Glass chess sets can be a beautiful modern addition to your home.
- Look for pieces that will resist fingerprints.
- Keep in mind that glass is never used for regulation games.
- A glass chess set is as much about decoration as it is about game play.
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