Ultimate Chess Pieces

Shelby,

With all the minor changes along the way, what are the final dimensions of the plastic and wooden sets? Are they similar to the dimensions of the Ultimate Butterball set below?

Shelby, measurements are "as is" with felts.

My analysis identifies Kd=76.5% and Pd=58.6% as ideal diameters for the king and pawns (IMHO). Following these ratios not only sizes the king and pawns to the appropriate chessboard, but it also ensures that the king and pawns are properly scaled to each other.

The following is a simplified formula that ties it all together, where S equals the square size.

S * .765 = Kd * .765 = Pd

For example, for a standard 2.25" chessboard:

2.25 * .765 = 1.72" * .765 = 1.32"

(Kd = 1.72", Pd = 1.32")

The following tables provide dimensions for the most common size chessboards. The first table shows the exact results of the calculations. The second "working" table adjusts the dimensions to their nearest fractional equivalent since it's easier to measure to the eighth-inch than it is to the hundredths of an inch!

Great!

Shelby,

Allow me to point out an added benefit to the dimensions of your "Final" Ultimate set. Based on the dimensions of the Butterball set, the new set will play equally as well on a 2-1/8" or a 2-1/4" chessboard. If fact, based on my calculations, the 2-1/8" board is a closer fit. The Deviation Factor measures how close a set is to the ideal ratios of Kd=76.5% and Pd=58.6%.

Time to order up some 2-1/8" (55 mm) chessboards. The perfect board for the perfect set!

If you have a 2-1/8" board laying around set it up side-by-side with the set on a 2-1/4" board and see what you think.

NOTE: The calculations have a built-in adjustment factor. After matching the set to the ideal board, if it looks too crowded move up an eighth or quarter-inch to the next largest board. If it looks too spacey (pun intended), move down to the next smallest board. Either way, the set itself will always be dimensionally balanced, given the remaining pieces are proportionally designed. If they aren't, why did you buy the set?

Does Shelby have a 2-1/8" square chessboard on hand? Is the Pope Catholic?

https://amchesseq.com/collections/wooden-chess-boards/products/heirloom-chess-board-solid-walnut-maple-wood-available-in-18-and-20-inches

There you go! I was also able to find 2-1/8" vinyl boards, but I don't remember where.

CORRECTION -  I have soft boards in 1-1/2", 1-3/4", 1-7/8", 2", 2-1/4", 2-3/8" and 2-1/2". Everything BUT 2-1/8"!

That is an oddly specific square size and is not common.

Actually, the 2 1/8” square size is very close to a standard metric square size, 55mm.  It is easier to get 55mm square sized boards from Europe.

I understand 55mm is ubiquitous even in the US. All the wooden DGT boards since 1998 have been in 55mm. But there are boards made with 2-1/8” exact squares, and I seldom see that particular measurement sold or advertised.

When I selected the box to show me your boards with 2-1/8", it only recommended the Heirloom board in walnut and maple. I see that it only came in 2.125".

The Grand ebony and birdseye maple did not come up with the filter, but you are connect. I DO like the contrast of those two natural wood colors.

Lou should watch the video as you showed how the king and knight pieces of the Ultimate set looks on the 2-1/8" square.

chessroboto,

Nice video, thanks.

55 millimeter = 2.165 inch. That's a variance of only 4/100ths of an inch. I call that "close enough for government work."

Count me in.

I honestly wanted to take you up on this offer, Shelby, but I cannot guarantee the evaluation feedback that I know you will need.

I meant about beating up the pieces. I am social distancing more than others so I cannot simulate the usage of the pieces in OTB games. 

Non-issue. I’ve personally repaired plastic sets that my players broke in the heat of their games. Pre-pandemic, I would have been able to guarantee the same abusive treatment that your sets deserve to be measured against. 
In the meantime, we will look forward to Izmet’s review and findings of your latest pieces. 
BTW, how are metal pieces coming along?

I own the Wood Expressions 2.75” Staunton pieces as well as the butter yellow Ultimate pieces, and I can say that even at their lesser weight it was enough to rough up the cardboard box through transport. 

Cardboard boxes + heavy weighted pieces + shipping across the world = a mess!

Thanks for the clarification Shelby!

I am liking the flipbox that the new sets will come with. It will serve as a serviceable chess box to protect our hefty plastic pieces.