Archive for December, 2009

Know More About Chess Boards

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Chess has been around for a long time and became a favored board game requiring skill and strategy that so many people love to play not just for the beauty of the chess set but for the game play itself. There are umpteen materials used to produce sets and all give a unique beauty. Ivory, marble, pewter, wood, or glass are some of the materials with which chess sets have been known to be made, since the game was discovered. Though there are several select antique pieces still available, the recent sets are made using modern techniques which are as gorgeous as the older variations.

One of the most exquisite and particular variety of chess sets are made using ivory. In today’s modern manufacturing, ivory is no longer permitted to be used or not as often as so if you want to have an ivory set then you would need not only the keen search for those antique pieces but also to tighten your wallet as it would really cost you a lot of money.

Ever since the game was introduced, wood was one material that was used to produce game pieces and boards of superb beauty. Even though the type of wood utilized to make these sets may vary, still, the overall outcome of its appearance is one of a kind. There are umpteen exquisite antique wooden sets as well as newer wooden sets that do not have as large a price tag but still offer participants a unique and distinguished look. Durability and low upkeep required are just some of the most favourable features of wooden sets which make them perfect for those players wanting to have sets with purpose yet fine looking.

Another material which has been in use for a long time to create chess sets is glass. You can get a large variety of glass sets which differ in terms of sophistication and sturdiness with some sets made from hand blow glass which adds to their fragility and hollowness. Some sets fit in with glass boards or mirrors for a more remarkable appearance and the type of glass used is the determining factor to which glass sets may come in a range of colors. Glass sets are these days manufactured in bulk and there are several designers who have the expertise of making personalized glass sets also.

Marble is one of the most durable materials that can be used to produce pieces for this ancient board game which is also outstanding in nature and appearance. For sets intended to be used outdoors, those made of marble can really be a good choice since it is resilient and resistant to the weather. Looking like little statuettes, marble pawns can be designed as per the wish of the player in any shape or form. There are numerous types of marble sets and you can find them with ease since they can be displayed and played anyplace.

Pewter is a material used to make chess sets that includes a characteristic style and exquisiteness to the pieces made from it and is usually the choice of set for some chess pieces collectors. For tailor-made chess sets, pewter is frequently used since your set can be embedded with crystals, gems, and even gold or silver. While pewter lasts nearly a life time, it also requires cyclic upkeep as well as frequent cleaning.