Actually it retails for $599.00 but I won an eBay bid for $224.50 delivered.

You don't have to lecture me on hobbies, especially chess. I've been playing tournaments off and on since 1974. However for me the rabbit hole is books and sets. I have well over 1000 pieces of chess literature and I haven't bothered to count the number of sets. Mostly vintage Stauntons and a couple of Lowe's Renaissance. The HOS won't be so bad with my wife, I got it to display in her Victorian.

Wife doesn't play chess, but spending too many hours at chess will bring some displeasure in the form of nagging.

Catnapper - don't forget to post some photos of your sweet new HOS chess set!

Beautiful looking Jaques set, indeed.

Such choices on what to spend are truly personal depending on the level of one's senses and what disposable income is available.

I have never regretted the purchase of my HOS Zagreb set, and when I bring it to tournament play, those who handle the set share my appreciation for its weight and finish.

Of course use during blitz play is forbidden, and for that I prefer a quality wighted plastic set. The extra cost is again worth it, as opposed to using a less expensive, unweighted set.

I still have not pulled the trigger on purchasing a quality wood board, and the roll up board contrasts greatly with the pieces.

Unsolicited plug: HOS customer support is second to none.

That set will be a nice heirloom for the grand & great-grand kids.

I have a 35 year old Lardy set from my teenage years that I look forward to passing onto my son.

Same here, except I haven't anyone to pass it on to. I bought mine in 1974 at Troy's Chess Shop in Torrance, CA. I later traded it to another player for a large collection of chess books, and later regretted it. Then at an American Open his bad fortune became my good fortune. He bombed out in the tournament. Discouraged, hungry, and swearing off chess, he offered to sell the set back to me for $5.00 so he could go get some dinner.

Methos1979- Okay, but took the set to town and left it there. Next time I go back I'll take a pic.

I'd pay the HOS prices, but the shipping to Canada is a killer.  Usually 50-100% of the cost of a set.  Just have to wait until i make a trek Stateside I guess.

I agree that the shipping is outrageous, for my set if was nearly as much as the set itself (and it wasn't a particularly cheap set). It was totally worth it, though.

Sorry I haven't be replying. I've been busy. Anyway I got myself a doller store set to play around with. I know I know its really bad but I wanted a physical set to play with. I want a plastic set and will be getting a good set in the coming months. Also I'm interested in the mouse pad board. I don't need a good set right now. Right now I need books to get better to justify spending money on everything else.