Wood or plastic chess pieces? A timeless question that has been (and will be) around with other debates like the Sicilian Defense versus Queen’s Gambit. And if you ask serious chess players, they will tell you that the board is important, but the pieces bring in the real magic. From many different choices available, most still choose the best wooden chess pieces for their undying charm. On the other hand, plastic ones do bring in their share of pros and cons.
So, whether you're a beginner just setting foot on the 64 squares or a seasoned player, this question is common among all:
Should I Buy Wooden or Plastic Chess Pieces?
In this article, we’ll break down and compare the positives and negatives of both types of chess pieces. Let’s start digging deeper to find your perfect match - whether it’s the plastic ones or hand-carved wooden chess pieces.
Quick Showdown: Wooden vs Plastic
Although it’s a personal preference, many chess lovers prefer wooden over plastic chess pieces for different reasons. We studied chess community interactions on platforms like chess.com for an on-ground comparison. Here’s what we discovered:
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Chess lovers believe wooden chess gives a premium feel, while plastic feels regular. However, both do their jobs perfectly in their domains.
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Some players believe plastic pieces can take abuse a bit better than their wooden counterparts. However, others believe wooden chess pieces can take an equal amount of abuse. Also, plastic ones are likely to crack the same way.
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Wooden pieces get a higher preference for accumulating sentimental value over time as well, and are ideal for relaxing, slow-paced games.
Wooden Chess Pieces: The Timeless Charm
Let’s start the comparison with the classics. Over time, the best wooden chess pieces have graced chess arenas like tournament halls, royal courts, and study rooms. And they continue to steal the spotlight even today. Here are the reasons explaining why:
Aesthetics and Craftsmanship
Hand-carved wooden chess pieces are far superior to the plastic counterparts in terms of craftsmanship and aesthetics. While you may find plastic pieces with a similar (not the same) level of carvings, the smooth timber grains and the warmth of the wood still outclass them. Premium hardwoods like ebony, mahogany, and rosewood are used to create quality wooden chess sets.
Do you know? Decorative, handmade, and vintage wooden chess pieces enhance the beauty of your space when you are not playing with them.
Check out the Best Selling Wooden Chess Pieces: 1950s Soviet Latvian Reproduced Chess Set
The Playing Experience
How does it feel when you hear the sound of wood against wood when moving pieces? That’s another plus point of getting a wooden set. With the weight and feel, even simple wooden chess pieces provide a tactile experience that plastic ones can’t replicate. This amplifies each move’s gravity and strategic sense, especially when playing long, intense games.
Designed with the Standard Staunton Design for Playability: Pro Staunton Wooden Chess Pieces
Longevity and Durability
While plastic chess pieces are known for their durability, wooden ones can last a lifetime with proper care. These pieces can withstand the wear and tear of regular play and can be cherished as heirlooms for generations. However, wood needs more maintenance and is more sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. You can invest in regular cleaning and polishing to maintain the luster, which is worth the elegance and beauty of wooden chess.
From the collector series: 1849 Jacques Cook Staunton Collectors Chess Pieces
Range of Options
From economy to luxury and simple to specially designed, hand-carved wooden chess pieces, there’s a set for everyone. So, whether you are getting started or looking for a collectible, you will find what you need here. Check out the best wooden chess pieces for sale at Royal Chess Mall.
Plastic Chess Pieces: Budget-friendly and Lightweight
When it comes to affordability, plastic pieces are at a far greater advantage. But that doesn’t mean they are not good in other areas. These pieces can be a great choice for beginners. They can withstand rough handling, the rigors of travel, and a lot more, still staying intact. And this makes it an ideal choice for clubs, schools, and families with young kids.
Ease of Maintenance
Low maintenance is another benefit of owning a plastic chess set. They can withstand spills and moisture quite easily and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Although termed as “nearly indestructible,” plastic pieces don’t get chipped and cracked easily, but they still need some sort of care.
Travel-ready and Variety
Being lightweight and weather-resistant, these pieces are favorable as travel games. They don’t take up much space in your bag or add much weight. Plus, you can get a variety of design options to choose from, like in different colors and styles.
Training and Casual Gaming Sets
The practicality of plastic pieces (combined with affordability) makes them a good choice for training and casual games. That’s why you might find them in schools and clubs. Also, most plastic chess pieces comply with Staunton standards and are easy to replace.
Why Do Wooden Chess Pieces Just Feel Better?
Although plastic chess pieces feel practical and are affordable, they still can’t match the charm and appeal of wooden ones. Many reasons justify wooden chess pieces as a worthy investment option, like:
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Wooden pieces are crafted (mostly by hand) and not molded
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They get rich tone and texture from various wood types, including sheesham and ebony
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Quality craftsmanship gives them the right weight, feel, and polish
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Wood ages with time, adding more character to the pieces
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In addition to being playing pieces, wooden chess pieces can serve as décor elements and conversation starters
Making the Right Choice: Wooden vs Plastic Chess Pieces
The right choice of chess pieces makes a lot of difference whether you are playing a casual, blitz game, or a classical match. However, the ultimate choice depends on how you intend to use the chess set and your preferences.
For keen chess players who value the aesthetic appeal and beauty of the game, a wooden chess set is the best pick. The mix of tactile experience with longevity, artistry, and heirloom quality makes them worth buying. On the other hand, if you want a simple set that doesn’t cost much and is durable, you can opt for a plastic set.
And if you are interested in a timeless chess set, check out our range of wooden chess pieces for sale. Explore the vintage, hand-carved, and simple wooden designs, and find the one that suits your budget, preferences, and playing style.
