I only need one chess set. I said...

I recently returned to chess (after decades) and treated myself to a 2nd-hand boxwood and ebony tournament set with a couple of boards. A nice wood (veneer) board for home and a folding one to take out. Both approx 2-1/2" squares. Perfect for 5-1/2" kings with 2" bases. I've already posted pics of this set, but here's just one more, for decoration.The wood board needed a bit of rubbing down and rebuffing to freshen it up. Between coats here.

I only wanted one set, I'm not a collector, and it was job done once I had this "affordable" ideal specimen in hand. Or so I thought!

Now I'm thinking a smaller, more portable set might be useful after all. It's a delight to play on the big set, but it's a lump to carry and not suitable for all "away venues" or situations. But I wouldn't want any old cheap rubbish, just because it's 2nd-best. I'm picky.

I see a familiar pattern emerging. I actually said, "I only need one microscope" and, "I only need one camera", and "only a couple of lenses" in the past. You'll guess the rest.

Oh dear...

Great board

This is one of the more interesting portable travel sets I've seen. It's from a French manufacturer in collaboration with Roz. https://www.chess-france.com/ 

@Pawnerai - really interesting portable set … I might have my wires crossed but I am pretty sure the forum member (@Erw_ChessFrance) is a collaborator on this excellent set … a haven’t purchased it (yet) but I did enquire.

Not to hijack the OP’s thread but …. “ I only need one set … of a magnetic, fabric, rollable variety!” 😊

Thanks for the comments all. In the (short) intervening time between my initial posting and this comment, I bought a set that I don't need. It's not even *that* much smaller than the one I have. I was sucked in by the knights, as always, they're the most important part of a set for me. They're tall and fat, and rather out of proportion to the other pieces (taller than the bishops), but I like them for that too. Very distinctive and nicely modeled. It's arriving today or tomorrow, but I could still use an even smaller set. Two and counting. I'm sure 3 will definitely be enough...  

@Powderdigit: Haha - nail on head. That's was me justifying camera gear to myself in the past, but I have it under control now. Mostly.

@Pawnerai - I don't usually like magnetic sets, least of all roll-up ones, but that one's actually rather attractive for what it is. Impressive little set. Thanks for showing it.

Anyway, I'm off to stand at the gate, waiting for the postie now. Cheers all.

Hmm. So are residents of mental institutions!

I really don't want to collect sets, each must have a genuine purpose. But as already shown on this thread, a bevy of "like minded people" are positively inspirational at concocting creative justifications. And it's catching!

If I did collect anything chess related, it would be knights. One of each colour. But opportunities to buy good-quality lone pairs would be very rare. So I'd probably have to buy whole sets just to get them. See, now I've started inventing purposes too...  

Edit: 14 sets is "modest"!!?

I try to never keep count...if you do, then you are aware that what you are doing may not make sense. Ignorance is bliss!

Especially when She asks, you can (relatively) honestly say, "I'm not quite sure, not that many at all."  

Check maybe the World Chess Studio Set:

Review - World Chess Studio Set - Chess Forums - Chess.com

Haha. There's a  jokey saying in photography that might apply here. Adapting for chess...

"When I die, please don't let the missus sell my chess sets for what I said I paid for them!" 

@JustBeatsy, i rather enjoy refurbishing and repurposing items and see them live again even though I’ve refrained from chess pieces. As for getting just one more… it takes a steel determination (and empty account) to overcome the urges. You may be out of hope, sounds like you’re already in deep.  So far, I’ve avoided the call of the wild. Now if we were talking guitars, well lock me up and deprogram me please… well done on the wax and buff work. Looks very nice!

@Wits-end: me too. My main driver is that a repaired old thing generally lasts longer than a new equivalent anyway. Everything is manufactured with only profit in mind, these days. Back awhile, quality and exceeding customer expectations were far bigger priorities - and It don't half show!

Thanks ref the wax. Hard work by hand with that stuff - especially buffing in cool weather. It sets hard as rock below 15C and won't hand-buff at all. I intend to add a couple more layers but I'm waiting for hot weather to do that. The board is already well protected and looks nice though so I'm only gilding the lily really, and may not bother.

Since you mention it, I have a minty 2012 PRS MC58 McCarty going spare. Black Gold artist top series. Not trying to tempt you or anything like that...  

I can picture it now…

Currently … my long distance friend @Wits-end is speaking quietly to his wife .. whispering deferentially… about an amazing potential purchase while also leaving a zero off the buy price …
she responds
“Do you really need another one dear … but if you must … and oh, … I’m just off to buy some new shoes “

He then calls his best mate…

“Hey mate, I’m about to purchase another guitar and please don’t let my wife sell the guitar at the price I am buying it when I’m gone …”

Later that day at lunch with the ladies who lunch, Wits’ wife notes …
“ I really don’t know why he needs another guitar but guitars are rather cheap…”

And the beat goes on!

😀

I wanted to quote the OP because that is my excuse to jump in on this discussion.

I never stopped to consider how many Chess sets I had, silly me.

I would just see a set I did not own and think that it would be nice to own and use.  There was a time I did realize I did have a number of sets for different reasons, making a nice collection for varied uses.  But this was just justifying. 

When I got to almost 40 wood sets, I realized I had a collection and not every set would see a lot of play.  Even though I liked a lot of the sets, others would overrule them for play in my desires.

Fortunately,  I ran out of designs I really wanted.  I believe I am in a phase now where I will go back to what I own, too much, and sort of repurpose that for current use.

We just bought a new house and will be moving in a few weeks.  I have already moved my Chess stuff, en masse, to the new house.  After we move I will revisit each set and board, take pictures and post them.

I look to start a new Chess club when we move.  This is the area I grew up in so I know the locals and should be able to find a free site.  I will probably be directing some tournaments as well, so my tournament sets will see play.

@Eyechess: Interesting account, thanks. It perfectly matches my relationship with lenses (for both cameras and microscopes). I am somewhat cured now, in the sense that after decades of buying, I have every "flavour" there is, for what I do. I repeatedly rediscover favourites among them too.

Maybe chess sets are simply another outlet for intrinsic GAS (gear acquisition syndrome)...

Some of us are, ahem, more full of GAS than others… 😆

I'd like a nice set but every-time I see one the Horses look hideous

I couldn't agree more!!! Most are horrible horse caricatures which I really don't like. I don't mind a stylised knight, as long as it has a natural-looking shape to the features and has a well carved eyes. I really mean "carved" too. No drilled holes or punched rings, especially when they're wonky and misaligned.

Harumph! 

I did find some passable ones, at last . Account here  (pics further down the thread)