I have not used one of these plastic chess sets with a vinyl mat like that. I know that all the school clubs and school championships in the US use these mats and sets.
I looked at the amazon description of the set and I noticed something you should think about. It says the pieces are "light". That may be what you want, in which case it is good. But keep in mind that there are sets just like this where the pieces are same in appearance but are weighted. If you are going to buy a set, might as well buy one with heavier pieces. Personally I think it is more fun when pieces are heavier.
Same goes for flipkart site, but I could not see if they indicate the weight.
You could look at this site to simply see what kind of plastic piece options exist and maybe you'll see something you'd find on Amazon that could be delivered to India. http://www.chesshouse.com/plastic_chess_pieces_s/167.htm
As you can see there are pieces that imitate wood tones well instead of just jet black and snow white.
But if it is just for casual play in situations where kids could throw them around or outside where they could fall on rough surfaces, then get the cheapest I guess.
Would you recommend this chess set?
That's a great price, but without the proper weighting, it seems a false bargain. The unpleasantness of poor quality lasts long past the happiness of getting a bargain. My advice is to save your money and either get a decent tournament set or buy one of the many portable magnetic sets that are available instead. A nice plastic folder is much easier to carry around and equally cheap. I wouldn't get one with a board size less than 12" though. The pieces are just too small.
A 4" king should be on a 20" or larger board. I use a 22" board with the 4" king set, and it looks all right. The 18" mat is way too small.
A 4" king should be on a 20" or larger board. I use a 22" board with the 4" king set, and it looks all right. The 18" mat is way too small.
It does look a tiny bit crowded in the pictures, but that K is one of those tall skinny guys with a narrow base so it's not too bad. Usually a 4" king will have a base diameter of 1.75" or even 1.875". This K looks more like maybe 1.6" or even 1.5". Not a set I'd enjoy playing on.
Thanks for all the replies.
I'm now thinking of getting the pieces and the mat seperately.
These are weighted pieces.
The mat is little small but looks good. It's an even cheaper deal so I'd be able to carry them around everywhere without worrying much about loss or damage.
That board is way too small for those pieces (for both original and reply #6).
I have used that set, a very nice one, I recommend the "heavier" pieces. The regular ones are too nice.
?
I meant "light" not "nice!"
After due digence I ordered this set.
http://www.wholesalechess.com/shop/chess-sets/tournament-chess-sets/silicone-tournament-chess-set
It has a 3 3/4" King that weighs 52g. The 34 pieces (2 extra queens) weigh over 2lbs. The chess board is silicone, it's much better than vinyl at remaining flat after rolling, and resists stains. It comes with a bag that holds the pieces, the board, has a padded pouch for a chess clock, and spots for notation pads and pencils, as well as a shoulder strap. The set has a lifetime warranty. The price is about $37.
It won't arrive until Tuesday, further info then.
Regards,
Lou
Well, I've finally ordered this: Amazon.
Although a little small at 17"x17" and a 3" King the pieces are weighted and I trust the brand as well.
I love Stonkraft. They make export level stuff unlike the sellers from Amritsar that export all the good stuff.
I'm on the lookout for a plastic chess set that I can carry around a lot.
I've settled on this one : Flipkart|Amazon.
It has a big 4" king and large 18' mat.
My only concern is that the chessmen are metioned as light. I read that heavy ones are better.
Other than that, the price is great at Rs. 700 which is around $12.
Is it worth buying?