How to Inspect a New Chess Set

After being away from chess for decades, I have inexplicably managed to purchase 16 chess sets over the past few years. These purchases included new sets from the higher-, mid-, and lower-ends of the market as well as used sets.

I have learned that the quality of chessmen can vary a lot and that price alone is a poor predictor. For example, I purchased a set in the $1000 range in which the white king had a severe - and obvious - tilt due to a weight protruding from the base. I have also purchased $15 wood sets whose quality was consistently excellent.

To mitigate inconsistent quality control processes, I inspect 100% of the chess sets I purchase and I contact the retailer immediately whenever issues arise.

There's not much available information about how to inspect chessmen so I developed my own procedure below. Before inspecting a chess set, I recommend setting aside about an hour and to have the following equipment on-hand:

• Inspection table
• Digital scale
• Ruler or calipers
• Magnifying glass
• Bright light (e.g., an adjustable architect light or flash light)
• Paper and pencil/pen

Step 1: Weigh each piece.

Use a digital scale to measure each piece. Variations in weights of individual chessmen can provide an important clue about the retailer’s quality control capabilities and the overall quality of the set.

Tips:

• Consider measuring weights in grams as it provides a smaller unit of measure (compared to imperial units) and it's easier to calculate weight differences.
• Record the weight of each piece by type and color so you can easily review the weights of the entire set.
• Be sure to note any weight differences between pieces of the same type that are greater than 20%; weight differences greater than this may be detectable during play. 

Step 2: Inspect the bases.

Inspect the bases of each piece carefully as many issues occur on the bottoms of chessmen.

Tips:

• Use a ruler or calipers to measure the width of the bases to confirm that they match the retailer’s specifications provided on their website (i.e., measure the kings and any other pieces for which the retailer provided information).
• Ensure the felts are securely attached to each piece.
• Push on the bottoms of the chessmen and feel for protruding weights.
• Check that each piece stands straight and does not tip/wobble.
• Shake each piece and note any noises that might indicate a loose weight inside.

Step 3: Inspect the chessmen individually.

Inspect the body of each piece. Note that this is usually the most critical and time-consuming part of the inspection.

Tips:

• Use a ruler or calipers to measure the heights of the pieces to confirm they match the retailer's specifications on their website (i.e., measure the kings and any other pieces for which the retailer provided information).
• Use a magnifying glass and a light to inspect for the following:
  • Cracks on the rims. Inspect the rims carefully for hairline cracks (especially for ebony pieces); inspecting the rims is important because hairline cracks often originate from inside pieces where pressure from the weighting material can cause cracks to form. Often these cracks are first seen on the rims and they do not become obvious until the exchange/warranty period has expired. To view cracks on dark pieces, rotate the pieces so that glare from the light reflects off the chamfer on the bottom of the piece. 
  • Cracks on collars, finials, and crenellations. When inspecting the collars, be sure to also check the undersides.
  • Scratches and dents. Small ones may be acceptable; deep or large ones are not.
  • Tooling marks. Tooling marks of any kind are unacceptable. Be sure to check the tops of the crenellations on the rooks as lathe marks sometimes occur here and can be easily overlooked.
  • Wood grain and finish irregularities. For ebony pieces, use the light to help identify any brown streaks or discoloations in the wood grain. Note that color defects are usually not visible until a bright light is applied. For ebonized pieces, check that the finish has been applied completely and consistently.

Step 4: Inspect the chessmen collectively. 

Group the pieces by type (i.e., pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, queens, kings) and compare them. This is an important way to spot inconsistencies between pieces - especially the knights.

Tips:

• Within each group line up the pieces in alternating colors (white, black, white, black, etc.).
• All pieces should look very similar with regard to size, height, features, color, and wood grain.

Step 5: Play with the set.

Finally, be sure to play several games with the new set - as white and black - to confirm you are comfortable with the balance and playability of the pieces.

If I Sent every piece back that was more than 15$ difference in weight when compared to the same piece of same wood I don't think I would have one set left in my collection.  Not saying that is the way it should be because the manufacturer should have more control on weights, I agree. It's just the demand for wood sets seems to have risen and the quality from the top manufactures in India I contest is getting sloppy.  This is in no way blaming the retailer at all. What the retailer should do however is demand the weighting of like pieces with the same woods should have closer tolerances.

Unfortunately the sets can't be inspected that close at the retail level as the labor to do so would make the sets rise in cost at the retail end.  It is so competitive.  

I agree with you Mike. The 15% figure is my guideline, but in reality I don't really start to feel weight differences until about 20% and even then it tends to feel very slight - but definitely detectable without a scale.

Ultimately I think it falls to the retailers to spec the sets they want to sell and then hold the manufacturers accountable. If the sets don't meet specifications, the retailers should not accept them. Instead, too often it seems, sets get passed along to customers to discover the issues and to raise the flag. 

Unfortunately that seems to be where the industry is presently and that is precisely why I posted this procedure; to make it easier for folks to check their sets upon receipt and to take advantage of return/warranty policies within the eligible timeframes.

I agree I can feel the difference and one of my sets is so bad I won't even play with it. 

The retailers can't afford quality control and be competitive. Yes a person has to do it themselves. I guess if the retailers starting getting complaints about weight differences it would ultimately reside with the manufacturer.  I wish the retailers had a chance to check out the sets themselves and start sending the pieces back to the carvers. 

For the collectors out there: What aspects do you inspect after recieving a new chess set?

Is this set for presentation and the intermittent game or do you need a chess set that is expected for ordinary use and may even be venture out around with you to the recreation center, club or on your next plane ride?

What is the age and ability level of the person who will utilize the set?

What is your spending limit?

Spent what I considered to be a decent amount on set and board. One boxwood queen had slight dark grain crack and the board had one square that had a rough area. I decided to not be OCD and kept it. 2 months later and the grain is splitting and lifting on the solid sheesham board.  The Chess Baron seems to believe I took a carving knife to it. Oh well, two lessons learned. First if my next purchase has the slightest flaw it will be returned immediately, and second there will not be a second or any other purchase from Chess Baron. I detest people who advertise high end but wont stand behind the products they sell.

Followup....I ripped the felt from the bottom of the board that the "Chess Baron" swore was solid hardwood. I found a great big piece of plywood with hardwood veneer.  He then said he was going to make things right but he didnt like my attitude so he would not deal with me anymore. No replaced piece and no refund on misrepresented and defective board. I am so glad I only spent $299 and not $600 like I was thinking about. What a horrible introduction to the world of chess. One day I will spend the big money....Ill just make sure it is with someone who has integrity.

Excellent write-up. Thanks for taking the time and effort to do this!