Best set for under $75

Hey everyone. I just discovered this wonderful site in my quest for a new chess set, so I figured I'd ask here. What would you say is the best set for under $75, and why? I've been looking around, and there are so many. Also, it's hard to see which sets are the best quality. I know there are threads with a similar topic, but I thought maybe people's opinions have changed. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Nate

Do you mean just pieces or also a board?

If price is your main factor, then it's hard to beat the International Series set offered by Chess Cafe:

http://shop.chesscafe.com/Wood-Sets_c88.htm

If quality is your main consideration and $75 is your upper limit, it's a trickier call. Getting a HoS set w/ discount at an ebay auction might be your best bet. Really depends what set you have your heart set on.

This assumes you're looking for a wooden set, BTW.

A used set on Ebay.  You do kind of have to know what you're doing though or be willing to do some research.  I got an older small HOS tournament set (3.5" K, 1.5" diameter)for around $40 3 years ago.  Last year I got a new 4" ebony for $110 that must have been a sample set or something because the seller wasn't a chess dealer.  I know you want to buy now (Gratification delayed is gratification denied) but there are deals to be had if you're patient.  Use "Staunton" as a filter so you don't have to wade through all the goofy theme sets.  Good luck!

Wow that's great for $12.  Would be perfect for the 2" squares board I got before I realized that was too small for my pieces.  The 1.5" base would be great.  I'm sure they're not weighted, but that's a great price.

they are weighted.

Not sure how I can resist, now!

Oh, that's how.  Shipping is $11 minimum.

I meant pieces with a board, but I'm open to buying separately. I tried HoS on ebay, but they aren't cheap. I'll keep looking though.

uscf.com has a nice one for under $45 dollars us. its a copy of the tournament sets they use in europe and in the world cup, as for a board just get a mousepad board easy to maintain and carry around and you dont have to worry about getting scratches on it, and all that crap

later

I really like the rosewood International that I got from Chess Cafe. Yeah, the shipping is a little pricey, but it's still a good buy even factoring that in.

I like the International Series to. I bought because they had a bargain sale, but the feel (weight/balance) and appearance make it very nearly my favorite for playing through games -- on a par with if not better than other sets I own that are heavier and much more expensive.

http://app.thechessstore.com/product/SGB325VF/

This one is a little more than I wanted to spend, but I like the look of it. What do you guys think? Also, is thechessstore reputable? I've never dealt with them before.

Thanks,

Nate

That is the International set played with Magnus Carlsen & every GM you can mention. Chess cafe has the same thing for around 13 bucks & 12 bucks shipping. Why would you want to pay 130.00 + shipping. I am confused? Check out chess pics com for pics of this fine set.

9kick9 wrote:

That is the International set played with Magnus Carlsen & every GM you can mention. Chess cafe has the same thing for around 13 bucks & 12 bucks shipping. Why would you want to pay 130.00 + shipping. I am confused? Check out chess pics com for pics of this fine set.

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Not quite the same. That set has smaller pieces(but with extra queens) and a storage board.

If I were trying to get close to the budget of the OP, I think I'd go for this combination:

http://shop.chesscafe.com/International-Series-Rosewood-EQP0905.htm ($24 or $34 with extra queens including shipping)

http://www.wholesalechess.com/shop/new-items/17-walnut-maple-veneer-board-2-square ($49.99)

And a storage box from Wholesale Chess to get past the over $50 for free shipping barrier.

http://www.wholesalechess.com/shop/chess-supplies/chess-boxes/sliding-sheesham-chess-box ($25)

or

http://www.wholesalechess.com/shop/chess-supplies/chess-boxes/walnut-lacquered-chess-box ($30)

Also, the set is a bit small (3.25" K). Unless you have a specific reason why you're looking for a smaller set, go w/ standard tournament size (3.75" K).

Since you seem to like folding boards, I'd recommend the following combo:

- International Series from Chess Cafe $13 plus S/H

- HoS folding tournament board $79 plus S/H

Here is a better source for a folding tournament board.  It's $20 cheaper(on sale) and has the proper lower case letters.  I have it and recommended it on another thread to someone who was equally delighted.

http://www.chessset.com/folding-chess-board.html

Thanks Quasi I didn't know you could buy extra queens with chesscafe. $10 for them might not be bad considering the sets are on special

I wish I had bought the extra queens, but I was hesitant to throw extra money at a $13.50 rosewood chess set figuring it would probably be pretty crappy. When it arrived I was shocked at how nice it is.

Correct...! My rosewood Internatianal set is awesome for the money.!