How to choose the chess board
The chess board is an essential piece of the game, so it is important to choose it carefully. In this article, we give you some tips for choosing the perfect wooden chess board for you.
The parts of the chess board
The chess board consists of:
Strip: It is the edge that surrounds the board.
Fillet: It is a decorative strip that is found between the sash and the boxes.
Squares or Boxes: These are the squares that make up the board.
Wood, tone and finish
Wood is the traditional material for chess boards. There are a wide variety of wood types available, each with its own unique look and texture. If you want a traditional board, choose a traditional wood like sappelly or walnut. For a more modern look, you can opt for a darker wood like wenge. The white squares are usually made of light woods such as maple, sycamore or root.
You can choose the tone of the board by similarity or contrast with the pieces:
By similarity: walnut pieces and board.
By contrast: black pieces and Sapelly board (reddish tone)
Be guided by your personal tastes. Place the pieces on the board and choose.
The board finish is the protective layer that is applied to the wood. There are several main types of finishes: high-quality varnishing, medium varnishing and unvarnished. Boards with high-quality varnishing are easier to clean, maintain and therefore tend to have greater durability. Unvarnished boards have a more natural look.
The size of the square
The square size is the size of each square on the board. The size of the square must be in harmony with the size of the pieces. The diameter of the king's base determines the size of the square.
In the description and characteristics of each Black Pawn chess game, you will find the recommended square size for the pieces.
With/without coordinates
The coordinate system of a chess board is a method of identifying the squares on the board. It is based on a system of rows (numbered 1 to 8) and columns named with letters from "a" to "h".
Squares or Boxes
Each square on the board is identified with a combination of a row and a column. For example, the square in the upper left corner is called "a1", and the square in the lower right corner is called "h8".
Some boards have the coordinates written on the side, to make it easier to locate each square.
Knowing the coordinates of the squares is essential when writing down games or studying a book. Therefore, if you buy a chess set for a person who is just starting to play, it is probably a good idea to choose one with coordinates. In the case of a more advanced player this point will not be necessary.
Other factors to consider
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are others that may influence your choice of a wooden chess board. These include:
The size of the board: Chess boards come in a variety of sizes. The ideal size depends on the amount of space you have available.
The gloss or matte finish: The chess boards can be more glossy or more matte. Choosing the finish of the chess board is a matter of personal preference and in accordance with the finish of the pieces.
The budget: Prices for chess boards vary depending on the quality of the wood, size and finish.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect wooden chess board is an important decision. By following these tips, you will be able to find the perfect board for you.
