Before we dig deeper into the art of buying a chess board, ask yourself this question. What is a chessboard for you? Is it a battlefield of intellect and strategy, a piece of décor, or just another board for a casual game? Whatever you choose, you deserve the best chess board to play your favorite game at home, office, or club.
At Royal Chess Mall, we sell high-quality chess sets, boards, pieces, and accessories that elevate your experience. But how can you tell if the board you are buying is of high quality or not?
In this guide, we will walk you through the history of chessboards, the materials used, and how to identify a quality board. By the end, you will be able to find the best chess boards to buy for your game of strategy.
Exploring the Roots: The History
The first known instances of chess are not the same that we know today. The game is believed to have evolved from the 6th-century Indian game, Chaturanga when there were no standard boards. Then, players used to mark fabrics or surfaces to describe the squares for playing.
The game expanded to the European and Persian regions by the medieval period, leading to today’s 8x8 structure. It was in the 12th century when alternating light and dark squares were introduced in European chess. In 1849, standardization of the Staunton design further solidified today’s board designs. The next century observed the adoption of tournament regulations for size and color standards by governing bodies like FIDE.
What Materials Are Used to Make Chess Boards?
From wooden to marble, various materials come into play in making chessboards. And, this choice largely influences your decision of buying a chess board and how to use it. Let’s take a look at the variety of materials used to make chessboards.
Wooden Chess Boards
The most traditional, wooden chess boards are also the most sought-after type due to polished finishes, intricate inlays, and handmade artistry. These are further classified into inlaid, veneer, and solid wood boards. Inlaid boards combine different woods to create alternating squares while solid wood boards are lavish alternatives, crafted from a single wood type. Veneer boards, on the other side, are quality and affordable alternatives having a thin wood layer on top of a solid core. In the end, a lacquer or natural oil coating enhances the board’s aesthetics and durability while enhancing the grain.
Check this 21" solid inlaid board made of ebony and maple wood with 55mm squares and 20mm thickness. The board gets its brilliant geometrical symmetry from precisely crafted square pieces with each tile inlaid on a plyboard platform.
And if you are looking for a solid wood board, this 21-inch large flat chess board is a must-have. Made of rosewood and maple wood, it also features 55mm squares. Check this out at our chess board shop.
Marble Chess Boards
Stone and marble boards are made as pieces of décor to add a touch of luxury to any setting. These are usually paired with stone chess pieces to make beautiful marble chess sets in striking color combinations. This added visual appeal comes with extra weight and delicacy, making them less ideal for regular play.
This stunning 18-inch borderless marble board is a testament to unparalleled artistry. This borderless marble chessboard combines black and white tiles in a flawless geometric inlaid pattern. It comes with a smooth, lustrous, and silk finish that is a result of applying wax polish, water, sand, and emery paper. With 14mm height and 57mm square size, this board is a beauty to behold and admire that you can use it for play and display.
Folding Chess Boards
On-the-go gamers require something that’s portable, sturdy, and provides travel-friendly features. Here, magnetic and folding boards make sure the pieces stick to their squares during transit and on uneven surfaces. Plus, wooden folding and magnetic boards also feature inbuilt storage options to keep pieces secure when not playing.
And, if you are looking for a mix of portability and artistic beauty, look no further than this 24-inch wooden folding chess board. It features 65mm squares, Sheesham & acrylic ivory, and a beautiful inlay on the borders. The faux ivory patterns, inlaid acrylic ivory tiles, and antique elegance make it a collector’s favorite.
But What is the Best Chess Board to Buy?
Several features influence a board’s playability, aesthetics, and longevity. Let’s explore what you should consider when ordering one from a chess board online shopping store.
Material Choice
From visual appeal to playability and durability, the choice of material matters a lot. Wood, marble, and plastic are the common materials used in creating high-quality chess boards. The classic choice, wooden boards are durable and give a traditional look to the chess setup. Moreover, engaging patterns and rich colors make each board unique and attractive. On the other hand, marble boards feature opulent finishes, and are heavier and sophisticated. However, the distinct structure makes each board unique. But marble needs more maintenance due to its porous nature and being prone to discoloration and staining.
Size of the Board
How weird it would be when you accidentally flip the board when standing from your chair after the game. Do you know you can avoid this and a lot more by simply choosing the right size of the chessboard? While tournament boards must have a square size of 2 to 2.5 inches, this requirement ensures comfortable piece movement. However, you can go for a smaller or a bigger board depending on your space and playing preferences. Smaller boards are portable and suitable for limited spaces while bigger ones are more suitable for décor purposes.
Weight
Similar to size, weight matters too. If you are looking for a portable board for on-the-go gaming, pick a lightweight board. Conversely, a heavier board offers extra stability that prevents mishaps like flipping as we mentioned earlier.
Design Elements
Have you ever seen a chessboard so beautiful that you can’t take your eyes off it? Well, that’s where the design elements play their part. From the choice of luxury materials to detailed craftsmanship, carvings, and inlays, all influence how a board looks and feels. Carvings around the borders and inlays enhance the visual appeal, converting a board into a centerpiece of art.
Construction Quality
Combining the above elements and creating a masterpiece lies in the hands of artisans. A sculptor with the right experience and expertise can create visually appealing, durable chess boards that last long, and deliver the right play/display experience. For this, you should look for chess board shops that have artisans with years of experience in material sourcing and crafting.
Shop for the Best Chess Boards at Royal Chess Mall
At Royal Chess Mall, we invest in people and experiences along with quality in crafting the best chess boards for you. We have artisans with decades of experience in sculpting different materials into pieces of art. In addition, we also take pride in catering to chess lovers across the world with secure shopping, packaging, and reliable shipping partners.
Looking for the best chess board to buy for you? Start exploring our best-selling collection today. And if you need help in making the purchase right, get in touch with our product support specialist via WhatsApp or email.
