BOARD SIZE ... too small to learn? (9.5"/24cm)

Sort:
jamesbout

I know it's mainly personal preference, but...

I do like smaller play sizes for compactness, for setting up in bed with a study book... (at least I'm assuming I will prefer this).

I like the idea of being able to just pack something up and take out when I want.

I should mention, what I'm looking at is a 9.5" folding/travel magnetic set. Has a wood look (just plastic), King is 5cm tall, and has rank & file numbering.

Only worry is:

(1) is 9.5" just too cramped to get a sense of position and pattern recognition?

I mean, is there any concern going from that to a larger board would mess up positional comfort?

I'm just thinking in the sense of musical instruments, going from one scale size to another, there being a slight adjustment as positions and shapes are a little different.

(2) is it recommended to learn on a larger board, or does it just not make a difference? I ask because I read a review the person said they wasted their money because it was too small to learn.

Or as usual, am I just being ADD and delaying?

 

JugglinDan

I agree that this is something where personal preference plays a big role. However, I prefer physical boards to be on the large side (40 to 50cm). It's not just about board vision, but also being able to easily move pieces. 30cm square is about as small as I would go, and that's ~12".

I play most on computer though, where I find a smaller board makes it easier to get a global view of the board. 

jamesbout

So yes and no, hahaa.

I get what you are saying though.

QueenClaudia2003

Hi there, I have a smaller wooden set with folding board that I keep in bedroom. I often set this up with a book in bed like you're thinking of doing.

I keep I set up on a little table and just carry it over.

The board size is approx 35 x 35cm with 3 inch King and it comes with a case to store everything in. Here's a picture. 

jamesbout

Thanks.

Yeah, I'm feeling a bit better about starting with a 24cm set.  It's attractive and has algebraic info. I can't seem to post photos or links...  It's by Cayro.

 

jamesbout

DID IT ! This is the one.

QueenClaudia2003

That looks good. I like that it has notation as well.

jamesbout

Thanks. When I was about to order, I discovered they had the same board (just under different companies... you know, same chinese factory, different label) but available as 9.5" OR 12".  So, at least the end choice was mine.

I went 9.5" after worrying it would be too small.  Basically, 12" would take up too much space on my table right now, and I do like smaller spaces, so...  And, having a book beside me, or my chromebook, the smaller size I think will lend well.

I plan to carve my own main board down the road.

I'll probably dark outline all the lines on this model and 2-tone the pieces.  Try to give it an aged look.

Now on to the daunting order decisions for which books (I have about 2 dozen tabs open... welcome to my crazy.)

 

jamesbout

Thanks Queen.

Decisions are literally painful for me. If I have more than one option, it paralyses me.

I know what you are thinking... chess is nothing but finding the one best move in the midst of many, hahaha.... cross that bridge when I get to it.

Notation was a main requirement for me (I could have marked it in, but, again, that would dig at me.)

QueenClaudia2003

Ha ha good luck with the book hunting. Must admit I enjoy looking at chess sets and books. You will have to post your chess set when you've got it all as youd like 🤗

jamesbout

Thanks.  That's part of it for me too. I'm very much into the hunting and reviewing.

I was a board game writer, and over time, I've accumulated near 500 board/card/dice games, and haven't played a single one, but watched tons of reviews and playthroughs of them all, haha...  I'm sure there's a clinical definition for it in some thick & dusty book somewhere.

This set should be fun to modify.

The one I make, I haven't decided if I'll go serious carving, medieval, or go something more like Peg Doll Figures with basic shapes and paint in all the detailing.  Time will tell.

JugglinDan

That's a nice looking board. Glad you could find one that suits you.

Also, this reminds me of that time many years back when I was into PC flight simulators, but I ended up spending all my time making MS Flight Simulator mods instead of playing. Or that time (last year!) that I spent most of my spare time building a guitar and effect pedals instead of playing guitar, or that time ... happy.png

jamesbout

Jdan, don't get me started... all the supplies to build some CBguitars is in the shop, but no heater so gotta wait til spring.... wait, that's why I bought a cheap ready-made cigarbox slide guitar kit, so i could start learning, all you need is to string it... but it's still in the box while I watch videos of how well it plays...........

jamesbout

im now trying to decide if I want to pick up a few single books "and" the Polgar 5 book series, or just the other separate books, and her book on tactics.  Ugh.... I'm getting there.

JugglinDan

I found a PDF of book 2 in the Polgar Learn Chess the Right Way series. Yes, some of the early examples are easy, but that's by design and I think they build from there. Doing lots of simple exercises is a proven way to cement those patterns in our brain. I am doing Bain's Tactics for Students for the same reason. Drills, drills, and more drills.

Also, I can't play slide guitar. But I can build a nice effect pedal happy.png I will send you a photo...

jamesbout

Thanks for making my decision harder, right after I decided to let thw series go, hahaha.

Have to reconsider it again. Maybe from book 2 or 3 on as I'm likely getting a couple books strictly on tactics and tactics puzzles, and explanation games (mostly in mates). Considering an endgame book, forget the author, but comes recommended.  

 

Ease do send a pic of the pedal.  I can't play anything but slide in a 3 string has to be the easiest to learn, and my bro can play anything with strings

 

JugglinDan

OK, here's a few pedals that I built last year:

That's the FrankenScreamer 808, or FS-808. It's a clone of the famous Tube Screamer.

And these are a few more. Left to right there is "Set Phasers to Stun" (MXR Phase-45 clone), a combo tube screamer and boost in one pedal (BYOC OD-2), and "5" (Barber Compact Direct Drive clone).

What this has to do with chess is not a lot, other than being one reason my rating is tanking at the moment happy.png

jamesbout

Very nice work man, I can see why it would be a distraction!

Me, I'm back to square one - not even a chess set !

Company I bought from emailed me today to say part of my order was out of stock.

Back to the online hunt.

KnightsForkCafe

This is the smallest chess set I have. Rick from Ancient Chess did a video years ago about this set.

Amazon.com: Classic Game Collection Woody Magnetic Travel Chess Set: Toys & Games

It is good for working on puzzles in a confined table space.