Question concerning HOS 4.4" chess pieces

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Avatar of tjkoko

Why do most HOS chess pieces have a king that measures 4.4 inches tall?  Is that size very popular with players and excuse my ignorance.

Avatar of NicCageCanChess

YES.

Avatar of tjkoko
NicCageCanChess wrote:

YES.

Can you please elaborate.  Are many players competing with 4.4 inch pieces or what?  elaborate.

 

Avatar of NicCageCanChess

Y E S.

Avatar of tjkoko
NicCageCanChess wrote:

Y E S.

WHAT????????    When they were competing with smaller pieces back in the day.  SMALLER PIECES????????

Avatar of NicCageCanChess

PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING.

Avatar of tjkoko

Come on man, is it this way in competition????

Avatar of binomine
tjkoko wrote:
NicCageCanChess wrote:

YES.

Can you please elaborate.  Are many players competing with 4.4 inch pieces or what?  elaborate

Most people are competing with an inexpensive plastic set from china, because it is possible that your pieces will be lost, broken, or stolen. 

Stuff from HoS is for your home set or for friendly games. 

Most of these sets have a 4" or 3.75" king.

Avatar of tjkoko
onyx61 wrote:
tjkoko wrote:

Why do most HOS chess pieces have a king that measures 4.4 inches tall?  Is that size very popular with players and excuse my ignorance.

Here is an interesting article about standard dimensions for chess pieces. 

https://www.chess.com/article/view/chess-board-dimensions

Okay thanks.   *)

Avatar of Rishi9

I think when Jaques of London introduced their Staunton Pattern chess sets, 4.4" was the biggest size described as a Club size. Then 4" was Small club and 3.5" was Tournament. 3" and below became the Library sets. 

Why a "Club" term was used, well, I am guessing, mid 19th century, most of the chess events were held in different clubs across the world, Regency in France, Simpsons in the Strand, London etc 

At some point, FIDE brought in the regulation defining  a tournament size set as a king 3.75" height and chess boards should have a square size of 2.25" (or between 2.17 and 2.37.)

HOS and every other chess set seller sticks to this rules. 

Another good thread about different sizes of chess sets is here

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/chess-set-sizes-amp-classifications-explainedwith-pictures

 

This is a nice image from the link posted above, 

Avatar of darensmith

yes Jaques of London introduced the Staunton Pattern sets in 1849 and the kings were 4" tall with a1 .78 inch base. I have a reproduction of the 1859 set wish is a 1 to1.  Same weight and feel ,I saw the first  one made in 1849. I think the reason for the 4.4 inch is for visual everyone can see the pieces, weight heavy won't fall over during play. I have not heard of anyone stealing a 4.4 inch or a 4 inch. the 3inch yes. To me I like the 4.4. I have 5 of them.

Avatar of GrandPatzerDave-taken

"Is that a 4.4 in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?"  wink.png