Ultimate Chess Pieces in Wood - Chess Forums - Page 3

TundraMike · 2021-01-23T00:58:49-08:00

Made this topic specific to the Wooden Ultimate sets that are arriving soon. My question is, and might be a question others have once they read the description, is can you purchase 2 extra queens for the sets? I noticed they came with 32 pieces, no extra queens. I do know that keeps the cost of th

Eyechess

Jan 29, 2021

0

#41

I agree. I own an Ultimate Wood set from Thr Rochester Chess Center that I purchased extra Queens for. Actually there was a flaw in a couple other pieces, so they gave me a big discount on a second set. I took the Queens from the flawed set and that gave me a set with extra Queens.

I bought an Ultimate set in Anjan from The Chess House with extra Queens included.

I really like the looks of this Redwood set, but I will not be buying it. I do not want to even have the suspicion of needing to turn a Rook upside down with a nice wood set.

I like Shelby and support him, but I am honest and blunt.

Micahsmith

Jan 29, 2021

0

#42

SybotCB wrote:

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that anybody complaining about not getting extra queens in a set when it clearly states it's a 32 piece set on the sales page is really being nit picky. I mean, People played chess for literally 2000 years before extra queens in a chess set became a thing.

Most of the time, you don't need them, growing up, in the rare instances you got two queens on the board and the game wasn't ending nearly immediately, the extra rook turned upside down worked just fine.

I really think the only time you have a truly valid case, is if these pieces were say DGT enabled to use on eboards or something. Then, there is a true reason for needing a piece that will read as a Queen for the electronic board. As that's not the case here, and you hate upside down rooks, say, grab a queen from one of the other 10 chess sets you have lying around for that once in a blue moon moment where it matters.

I'd be interested if someone with ChessBase could do a search for the percentage of Chess games where 2 queens were on the board for one side for more than say about 4 moves before the game ended.

I agree.

What happens if you promote a pawn to a knight and both of your knights are still on the board? Should the set come with a third knight as well?

MCH818

Jan 29, 2021

0

#43

GrandPatzerDave wrote:

MCH818 wrote:

Looks good to me. I would buy one if I didn't already have the Fischer-Spassky from HoS.

C'mon! You just know you want it... Besides, what else ya gonna do?

If it was a Cooke variation then I probably would. I love Cooke sets. I have two and thought about getting the one from Frank's CA site.

n64bomb

Jan 30, 2021

0

#44

Micahsmith wrote:

SybotCB wrote:

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that anybody complaining about not getting extra queens in a set when it clearly states it's a 32 piece set on the sales page is really being nit picky. I mean, People played chess for literally 2000 years before extra queens in a chess set became a thing.

Most of the time, you don't need them, growing up, in the rare instances you got two queens on the board and the game wasn't ending nearly immediately, the extra rook turned upside down worked just fine.

I really think the only time you have a truly valid case, is if these pieces were say DGT enabled to use on eboards or something. Then, there is a true reason for needing a piece that will read as a Queen for the electronic board. As that's not the case here, and you hate upside down rooks, say, grab a queen from one of the other 10 chess sets you have lying around for that once in a blue moon moment where it matters.

I'd be interested if someone with ChessBase could do a search for the percentage of Chess games where 2 queens were on the board for one side for more than say about 4 moves before the game ended.

I agree.

What happens if you promote a pawn to a knight and both of your knights are still on the board? Should the set come with a third knight as well?"

I would use one of my knights that have already been captured. I have never seen a 3rd knight situation where at least one knight hadn't been traded. Not even in a crazy, unrealistic puzzle have i seen this....

lighthouse

Jan 30, 2021

0

#45

n64bomb

I would use one of my knights that have already been captured. I have never seen a 3rd knight situation where at least one knight hadn't been traded. Not even in a crazy, unrealistic puzzle have i seen this....

Beth , Anything can happen in space, As you know

Pawnerai

Jan 30, 2021

0

#46

@ShelbyLohrman : Awesome color in the redwood and sheesham. Nice varied grain in the wood like nature intended. Your candid photos look so much better than the boring studio stock photos of perfectly lined up pieces.

@ the "Negative Nancies" (to no one in particular): From just a casual glance, most if not all of ACE/Shelby wood sets are 32 pieces with no extra queens as noted in the descriptions. These new wood sets are no different. The pre-sale descriptions, which have been on the site for weeks now, also noted 32 pieces. You had weeks to comment and discuss that. But to wait until the very day the new sets are in stock, photographed and posted to rain on Shelby's parade with a flood of negativity? Not cool. Yes, everything is up for discussion. Everyone puts on big boy pants with internet forums. But if you're just being negative for the fun of it. That's not cool. In my opinion of course. You post what you want.

The current chess marketplace is the wild west right now. If you want to purchase direct from India and save some bucks, go right ahead. If you are more comfortable purchasing from a local US retailer (or whatever home country you are from), go right ahead. Heck, if you want to buy from Amazon, no one is stopping you there either. They all have pros and cons. For many people it's not just about money.

Eyechess

Jan 30, 2021

0

#47

Really, I am one of Shelby’s strongest supporters.
I called and spoke with him when this was asked. In fact you can read my response of what he told me.
It was just yesterday that he posted there would be no extra Queens available with this batch of sets.

The reality is that because of cost he chose not to have extra Queens made. The sets were made in India with no extra Queens made or shipped. And he is right saying to now have extra Queens made for these sets is a bad idea.
If I did not already own 2 wood Ultimate sets I would most likely buy one of these.

The Redwood looks great. But the lack of extra Queen availability simply tipped the decision to a no.

lighthouse

Jan 30, 2021

0

#48

MCH818 wrote:

Looks good to me. I would buy one if I didn't already have the Fischer-Spassky from HoS.

But then you would had a issue with the Queen !& her ball on the crown !

shifty803

Jan 30, 2021

0

#49

Idk about extra queens, but in a line of the Albin Countergambit I need extra knights. Just saying. WHERE ARE MY KNIGHTS, PEOPLE?! Get the pitchforks.

But seriously, very nice-looking sets. Thank you for posting the pics.

In case anyone was curious:

GrandPatzerDave-taken

Jan 30, 2021

0

#50

Simple fix to the extra queens/knights issue: a handy plastic set's pieces for just such occasions, rare they may be at our level. You're welcome. We now return you to your regularly scheduled pointless flamewar...

Eyechess

Jan 30, 2021

0

#51

sound67 wrote:

Eyechess hat geschrieben:

The reality is that because of cost he chose not to have extra Queens made. The sets were made in India with no extra Queens made or shipped. And he is right saying to now have extra Queens made for these sets is a bad idea.

He should have thought about having them made in the first place. It's standard these days, as you yourself pointed out about Frank Camaratta having been the first one to have initiated the idea.

Shelby had talked with me a lot about the woods used and so forth before even ordering them. He never mentioned the decision about not getting extra Queens. I would have encouraged him to get them made.

I just called him and these sets have come in a limited number. If they sell quick enough, then he can order extra Queens for the new batch.

TundraMike

Jan 30, 2021

0

#52

No political innuendoes and no attacking any country, just a warning.

Gens una sumus

lighthouse

Jan 30, 2021

0

#53

Just a hype on a repro Fischer-Spassky chess set with a badly made queens crown ?

I would rather have a real Fischer-Spassky Jaques Chess set from the 70's

Duddyguy

Jan 30, 2021

0

#54

GrandPatzerDave wrote:

Simple fix to the extra queens/knights issue: a handy plastic set's pieces for just such occasions, rare they may be at our level. You're welcome. We now return you to your regularly scheduled pointless flamewar...

Seriously, 40 bucks gets you 4 extra queens, 4 bishops, 4 knights and 4 Rooks in the same style. And you have a great complete set to take to the bar. I'm certainly not displaying my extra queens, on the occasion I need them I have no prob with pulling out plastic.

Based on the photos those of us that pre-ordered are going to end up with some great sets for a great price.

KnightsForkCafe

Jan 30, 2021

0

#55

All of the wooden sets Shelby offers have no extra Queens. Wholesale Chess did the same thing with their American Staunton set. Not sure if I persuaded to start carrying extra Queens for that set but right after I brought up the suggestion to do so. The American Staunton started to have extra Queens. Vintage sets I don't expect to receive extra Queens. Modern day sets I expect extra Queens. Shelby goofed on the Butter Yellow Ultimates but eventually corrected it. He should get the hint and fix the extra Queens issues on his wooden Ultimates. It is sad that chesshouse can do it cheaper and throw in a case to boot.

3 5/8" Ultimate Style Wooden Chess Pieces - Babul – Chess House

KnightsForkCafe

Jan 30, 2021

0

#56

ShelbyLohrman wrote:

KnightsForkCafe wrote:

Having dealt directly with a chess manufacturer for a custom made set. Paying $240 for a Rosewood and Boxwood 4 inch set with extra Queens shouldn't really be an issue. There was one piece that didn't match and it wasn't the extra Queen. It was a Rosewood Bishop. It was too Brown and not enough Red. To make a long story short. The Chess Empire was able to remake a Rosewood Bishop that matched closer to the set that was sent. Shelby I love what you do but don't you think that not getting the sets with extra queens is shorting your customers. If House of Staunton and Chesshouse along with other direct Indian sellers can produce sets with extra Queens and match the sets. Why can't you have your supplier make these sets with extra queens? I personally don't by the reason being cost. Since I could get a custom 4 inch set that is close to the price you are selling your Ultimates. I fell like it is really cheating your customers to a full set by today's standards.

Wow, You think I am cheating my customers. You must really not know me.

Chess, with along with life is about evolution. I have already said with the next iteration I would do the extra queens. If this is how you feel...then you can wait till the next iteration. Pretty simple...right?

Just to let everyone know, the metal set will only have single queens. Any drama on those, we can just get it out of the way now

Thanks and have a great weekend,

Shelby

Not having extra Queens in sets today is cheating them. When I see your competitors offer extra queens at a lower price. You are cheating them. Not sure what you were thinking not to offer extra queens when you made your order to have them made. It was a poor business decision on your part. Own it and make corrections.

Eyechess

Jan 30, 2021

0

#57

KnightsForkCafe wrote:

ShelbyLohrman wrote:

KnightsForkCafe wrote:

Having dealt directly with a chess manufacturer for a custom made set. Paying $240 for a Rosewood and Boxwood 4 inch set with extra Queens shouldn't really be an issue. There was one piece that didn't match and it wasn't the extra Queen. It was a Rosewood Bishop. It was too Brown and not enough Red. To make a long story short. The Chess Empire was able to remake a Rosewood Bishop that matched closer to the set that was sent. Shelby I love what you do but don't you think that not getting the sets with extra queens is shorting your customers. If House of Staunton and Chesshouse along with other direct Indian sellers can produce sets with extra Queens and match the sets. Why can't you have your supplier make these sets with extra queens? I personally don't by the reason being cost. Since I could get a custom 4 inch set that is close to the price you are selling your Ultimates. I fell like it is really cheating your customers to a full set by today's standards.

Wow, You think I am cheating my customers. You must really not know me.

Chess, with along with life is about evolution. I have already said with the next iteration I would do the extra queens. If this is how you feel...then you can wait till the next iteration. Pretty simple...right?

Just to let everyone know, the metal set will only have single queens. Any drama on those, we can just get it out of the way now

Thanks and have a great weekend,

Shelby

Not having extra Queens in sets today is cheating them. When I see your competitors offer extra queens at a lower price. You are cheating them. Not sure what you were thinking not to offer extra queens when you made your order to have them made. It was a poor business decision on your part. Own it and make corrections.

Wow, that’s bold.

TundraMike

Jan 30, 2021

0

#58

KnightsForkCafe wrote:

All of the wooden sets Shelby offers have no extra Queens. Wholesale Chess did the same thing with their American Staunton set. Not sure if I persuaded to start carrying extra Queens for that set but right after I brought up the suggestion to do so. The American Staunton started to have extra Queens. Vintage sets I don't expect to receive extra Queens. Modern day sets I expect extra Queens. Shelby goofed on the Butter Yellow Ultimates but eventually corrected it. He should get the hint and fix the extra Queens issues on his wooden Ultimates. It is sad that chesshouse can do it cheaper and throw in a case to boot.

3 5/8" Ultimate Style Wooden Chess Pieces - Babul – Chess House

I thought at the very least the set would be proprietary to ACE. The question now is, is the same company in India making these for Chess House also and even throwing in extra queens and a case to boot and less of a price? These look like they just came on the market with Chess House. Yes I know the wooden set in Ultimate design was offered before but I thought just Rochester and Shelby offered it and I do know the relationship there. Is there any quality difference between the two sets?

"Inquiry minds what to know"

Asking this a totally honest question as many will think something is wrong with this picture if it is the same carver. Since I just bought one myself off of ACE.

Say it ain't so Joe. (an old saying going back to the baseball scandal in case no one knows)

KnightsForkCafe

Jan 30, 2021

0

#59

There is no excuse to not offer extra Queens on a popular set. By not having them you are not staying up with the times. When a competitor offers it with extra queens and a case for less. Why can't Shelby do what Raphael was able to do is all I am saying?.

TundraMike

Jan 30, 2021

0

#60

KnightsForkCafe wrote:

There is no excuse to not offer extra Queens on a popular set. By not having them you are not staying up with the times. When a competitor offers it with extra queens and a case for less. Why can't Shelby do what Raphael was able to do is all I am saying?.

I agree I am just waiting to hear from Shelby to see if this is from the same manufacturer or is one a better "quality" than the other. I even like the case it comes in, has to be worth another $20 for that and $30 for the queens? But will wait patiently to see if is from the same company Shelby gets his from. I don't need him to type in the company name just if it is the same. If you read past postings going back 3 years or so it is no secret who he goes to for wooden sets which by the way is a very reputable manufacturer. Very good quality..