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Five Exceptional Chess Sets for An Enthusiast

Chess game had been discovered and introduced to people many generations ago. Although some people find this board game unexciting, there is a lot who find it challenging and stimulating, that is why its popularity is still growing nowadays. Chess had been known as a game of strategy and patience. Hence, many great military strategists were excellent chess players as well. Avid players of chess are able to enhance their imaginative and strategic abilities with this board game. So a huge number of game manufacturers have designed exclusive and attractive chess sets to meet the demands of enthusiastic chess players and collectors.

There are five special chess sets that an aficionado can choose from. The foremost kind is the one with the dragon theme. A large number of chess enthusiasts prefer a set that would represent the medieval times or anything that is legendary and mythical. The pieces in this theme greatly symbolize the famous mythological characters we’ve ever known. Indeed, this set would be a magnificent addition to an avid chess collector.

The glass set is another popular chess set which embodies class and elegance. It is not just a unique and decorative set, but it also brings about a sense of sophistication to a player or collector. Hence, the glass set will certainly signify a rich and classical feeling that is unusual with the other board games.

Moreover, the Staunton set is a third great choice for avid chess players and collectors. Perhaps this is the most popular and familiar chess set of all. But it offers a more decorative board suited for display, and its pieces indicate class and elegance. Surely, the Staunton set is one of a kind with its exceptional and ornamental design.

Definitely, the fourth set also represents a unique style and a different sense of elegance specifically for decorative purposes. The marble chess set offers a feeling of serenity and smoothness due to its cold stone materials. Thus, chess players and collectors prefer this set for its extraordinary style and design.

Finally, the fifth chess set is with the civil war theme. This set is probably the most available in the market nowadays. And most enthusiasts seek for this chess set for its distinctive design. Since chess is known as a game of strategy and patience, the design of the pieces certainly suit the nature of the board game. The essence of the civil warfare is greatly associated with the individual designs of the chess pieces. This set also denotes the significance of history and co notates the present battles and strategies on the chess board.

Nevertheless, these are only five decorative and distinctive chess sets which are familiar and highly admired by many people. Certainly, there are various chess sets available both in the local and international market today. And people can easily avail of each set according to their own preferences and style. Indeed, a wide variety of excellent and quality chess sets are worth purchasing not only to play with, but for exhibition and decorative reasons at the same time. Indeed, fervent chess players and collectors will surely want a chess set that has multitude of functions.

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October 18, 2010 at 4:22 pm Comments (0)

Marble Chess Set for a More Unique Game

One of the most popular board game around the world is chess, both in professional tournaments and even as a pastime. More and more are getting addicted to this board game because of its action filled well strategically planned game play. But still some consider it to be boring, with two persons moving small wooden pieces sitting in front of each other for hours. But for game fans this is a game of chivalry of kingdom versus kingdom, with pawns, castles, knights, and bishops protecting their King and Queen. In the black and white checkered battlefield they do their specific moves in battle. Chess sets are all the same, in number of checkered blocks to number of pieces of game characters. It is usually made of wood with two different colors commonly white and black. These represent the two sides of conflicting players or kingdom.

For many decades these regular chess sets were used but it doesn’t mean one can’t personalize their own sets. Actually many different types of chess set are available, from different materials to styles. Making chess sets at home as unique and different as many different personality’s people have.

Nowadays many different kinds of materials are used in making these chess sets, steering away from the common wooden chess boards. Some are made with different colors of crystals or glass. Others are made with plastics and even marble. For modern feel and look most go for the glass type. Mostly marble is used for big art sculptures but now even chess pieces and chess boards are made from these multi colored materials. These well crafted pieces denote refined taste and traditional designs. It is a common choice due to its elegance and durability.

Marble is multi colored normally and in the world of chess two sides are needed, meaning two colors are needed. Makers of marble chess sets use different kinds of marbles to make these two sides rather than coloring the pieces with paint, thus preserving the unique color and pattern of the marble material. Many colors of marble are available all around the world. Red marble is common in Belgium while translucent ones are common in Greece. White and bluish gray colored marbles are common in Italy. These materials are not only used in making the chess pieces but also unique chess boards.

Many consider these marble sets because of their durability, because of its material extreme weather and temperature won’t damage it. Making it an ideal set for outdoor play, no rain, sunshine or snow can damage its appearance. Many are even using it as permanent fixtures in gardens, patios, porches or any outdoor place. Allowing chess play not limited only indoors.

Price range of these chess sets varies depending on the materials used and how intricate the carvings of the pieces are. From sizes to finish, all come in different price ranges. Most of them look good but when closer inspection is done, especially by experts and collectors the differences becomes more obvious. Usually finding the right set doesn’t only fit your personality but also your budget.

Even different themes and genres are available, giving new excitement to the classic game, appealing to more players of all races and ages, making it more popular all around the world. Making each chess board set and each game a unique experience fitting in ones personal preferences.

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October 12, 2010 at 4:21 pm Comments (0)

The Chessmen and Their Corresponding Roles on the Chessboard

Chess is well known as a mind game, a distinct game of patience and strategy. For beginners, it is more interesting to use a wooden set rather than of a plastic material. The pieces of a wooden set tend to indicate more class and character. That is why it can enhance the learning environment of the players especially for the beginners. Thus, the game of chess is very easy to learn, and the mastery of it would definitely require more practice and training.

Certainly, a new obtained skill comes along with the process of learning. To start with the exciting game of chess, you should learn first of the main goal of the game which is to capture the King’s opponent while efficiently safeguarding your own King. Aside from that, you may want to sweep up the board in lesser time than usual by capturing as much as the opponent’s pieces as possible. However, before you learn further the strategy of the game, it is paramount to get acquainted with the different character pieces and their corresponding roles in the game of chess.

First up is the Pawn which is the most underestimated member on the chessboard. There are eight pieces of Pawns that are positioned in the first row toward the opponent’s side. Initially, Pawns can be moved two spaces forward, then one space for the succeeding moves until they are blocked. The Pawn can arrest or capture pieces that are positioned diagonally to them. Usually, players utilize the Pawn as a trap and obstacle against the opponent’s other pieces.

On the other hand, there are two Rooks in each set of pieces. They are depicted to be the castle on the chessboard. Rooks can be moved any number of squares left to right, and up or down as long as they are not blocked by your own pieces. However, they can never be moved diagonally. But when you learn more of its character, the Rook can become a very powerful piece.

More interesting chessmen are the Knights which usually appear to be horses’ heads. Perhaps the Knights have the most complicated character and moves on the board. Knights can be moved following a constrained L-pattern. Due to its limited options, most players tend to disregard the power of this piece until they are captured by the opponent.

Another character piece are the Bishops, which are likely similar to Pawns but much taller in height. There are two Bishops for each set, one begins from the lighter square while the other begins from the darker square on the board. Each Bishop stays only on the color of square where they began. They can be moved diagonally on the chessboard although restricted on its corresponding color scheme.

For each set, there is only one Queen. This sole piece is considered as the most powerful on the board. Mostly, the Queen is tall and has an enclosed-like crown on her head. The moves of the Queen are limitless, meaning it can be moved forward, backward and diagonally across the board. Another main goal on the board battle also comes along with the safeguarding of the Queen, thus losing her character can be a huge devastation for a player.

Finally, the King appears to have an open crown on top of its head. The King needs same level of protection as the Queen. He can be moved one square at a time in any direction. Hence, losing the King and having him captured by the opponent would mean a ‘checkmate’ and the game surely will be over for you.

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October 10, 2010 at 8:51 am Comments (0)

Easy and Simple Ways to Get Your Perfect Chess Board

Most consumers demand of miniaturized versions of any products available in the world market today; from cars, to television sets, computers, mobile phones, and even to watches. Since people have been conscious of the thought that “small is beautiful”, they have been crazy about miniature items they could acquire from the market despite its higher cost. Still, the public demand of more portable and more convenient products.

However, it has been a highly questionable issue of its usefulness whenever it comes to the size of chessboards. Certainly, people who are into playing this board game would want to get the worth of their money back by getting the worth satisfaction with this tool. It has been difficult for players to move the pieces around a small chessboard. Hence, conflicts start to arise when the pieces come to very close proximities with each other, and the possibility of knocking over the pieces becomes more dangerous during a hot battle.

Consequently, there are pointers and guidelines to consider in choosing a more workable and more satisfying chessboard that will surely meet your demands. The key to this decision is by assessing the correlation between the board and the size of the chess pieces. Thus, the most useful formula to achieve this is to measure 78% of the board basing on the entire distance across the squares. Another way is to measure the base of the pieces to determine the appropriate size of the squares. Assume that the measurement of the King’s Base is 1.5”, then verify the correct square size by using this formula: (Base=X) X/0.78=Y, (Y should be rounded off to its nearest formula). So, 1.5”/0.78 equals 1.92”, =2”, the size of the squares on your chessboard should be 2” to accommodate the pieces properly. Same formula is true with other sizes of the King’s Base. But people who do well in mathematics and proximities, getting the diameter of the King’s Base then adding half inch to it for the square size is an easier option for them. Indeed, this formula is an adequate assurance in determining the correct square sizes on your chessboard.

Accordingly, the given solution is best suited with the standardized sets of chessboards. This formula would be indistinct with those larger sets like a King with a five-inch height. On the other hand, there are recommendations from manufacturers that you can refer to if you’re stuck with this kind of circumstance. Certainly, these recommendations would perfectly resolve any struggles you may encounter with your set of chessboards.

In fact, as many people struggle to find out solutions and answers to any problems they may have, much people also tend to refer to online researches. Through this advanced technology, you may find the most possible solutions to your dilemma. There are vast of available sources by simply surfing the world web that will surely cater to your every need. Online shopping is also accessible with the internet. There are a lot of stores that can offer you a wide variety of quality chess sets that will perfectly suit your own demands.

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October 5, 2010 at 4:20 pm Comments (0)

Life Changing Effects of Chess Playing in Children

Chess playing is considered as a noble art and is also considered by many, especially parents as an essential tool in a child’s education. Many of the skills learned in playing the said game can help in the development of a child’s way of thinking in dealing with up and coming life situations. But some think that children would not be interested in playing chess because it requires full concentration and hours of sitting in one place in which for many parents an impossible task in itself to do.

But on the contrary, any child is mesmerized about the world of kings and queens, knights in shining armor or anything connected with the majestic world in a castle. Girls and boys alike simply get drawn to this enchanting world. And what better way to let them experience this world than to introduce them in playing chess. Doing this will let them control their own kingdom and protect their own king and queens.

If we watch children when they play, whatever game it is, children tend to be very competitive. Whether it is simple play or a sporting event, most try to outdo the other. This is why introducing them to chess would lead them to be more competitive. They love the challenge of outdoing their competitor for a successful game. Especially when in playing this game one doesn’t need to be strong physically or posses’ extreme mental ability. It only takes one to know the basics on how the game is played and with constant learning and practice will certainly lead to competition level.

Chess playing all over the world is considered a prestigious and formal event, competition all over is happening at a constant. With the discipline and formality of the event children are exposed to proper etiquette when watching or even participating in said events. These events open their minds in accepting defeat graciously and being humble winners. Attending and participating in competitions also helps children to socialize especially when giving advices to fellow players and also accepting them. Basically, learning the proper discipline of the game helps develop strong skills mentally. Which they can adopt in their own lives with situations they will have to face further down in life.

Participating in competitions especially in inter school events helps promote one’s oneness with the community. Carrying a sense of pride representing their own student body, especially with the cheers and support from others. Giving tips and techniques to younger or fellow players brings out the child’s compassionate side. More so on situations of difficulties or defeat, the child’s mind is being opened to have a community sense in supporting others.

A very important aspect in life that children learn in playing this sport is the reality of being equals. Whether you are male or female, whatever race and age, all are welcome to participate. Learning to give mutual respect to everyone is a must. Doing this makes one a more respectful and better person. Seeing all these disciplines in competitions helps children to see how they should treat each other, making a big effect in their future on how to treat others.

Patience and hard work is important in anything we do, children engaging in such events like playing chess develops these in their personality. Bringing out their competitive sides, helps them accept that nothing in life comes easy and persistence really pays off, making them stronger persons to face future challenges in life.

Lessons in life may come in different ways, how we deal with others depend on these lessons we’ve learned. With all its positive effects it is no wonder that no other game board can be a better tool in teaching our young ones the values of life than chess. Children would surely benefit from playing and learning chess not only mentally, emotionally but also socially. Assisting parents to better assure the future personality of their children especially on how they will relate with other people.

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October 2, 2010 at 4:14 pm Comments (0)