This superbly crafted chess box is made by Drueke company of Michigan in the USA - since 1914. Beautifully constructed chest features our 21″ solid walnut and aspen wood chess board with 2″ squares. A drawer on each side holds 3 3/4″ weighted rosewood chessmen presented in wooded dividers in each drawer. The entire chest features a fine satin furniture finish.
Weight: 36 lbs

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By Thomas Morva 

In 1849, the first Staunton wooden chess pieces were made. The thing that set the Staunton apart from all other chess sets was the design of the pieces. Up until that time there was no standard design for chess pieces, and many pieces were poorly constructed, unrecognizable, and tipped over easily. Nathaniel Cook and John Jaques are credited with designing the pieces. They came up with designs for the separate pieces that would be distinguishable from each other, sturdy, and well balanced. They called them Staunton chess pieces after the current world chess champion Howard Staunton, who agreed to endorse these particular pieces. Since then, Staunton chess pieces are the standard chess pieces, used almost universally.

Many different types of wood are now used to make chess pieces in the Staunton style. Rosewood and shiham wood are two of the most commonly used woods. Many chess enthusiasts prefer wooden chess sets to sets made of any other material because of the weighted feel and natural look of the pieces.

Rosewood chess pieces are among the most popular. They have a very natural appearance, with streaks and the grain of the wood that gives them a naturally beautiful and strong look. They are usually a brownish-red color but can be stained different shades. Rosewood chess pieces are generally heavier than most other wooden chess sets, giving them a unique feel.

Shisham wood, also known as Indian boxwood, is also commonly used to make chess sets. Shisham chess sets are durable and often have exquisite attention to detail. These wooden chess sets often come in a variety of beautiful, natural-looking shades of brown and can be stained a variety of colors. They are weighted towards the bottom to prevent them from tipping but are not as heavy as rosewood chess pieces.

Wooden chess sets are among the most popular in the world. Well-made wooden chess sets show great craftsmanship and a sort of intangible playability. Many chess fans use wood chess sets simply because they like the feel of wooden pieces.

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By Eddie Tobey 

Alternately colored one black and one white, 64 blocks compile a full chessboard game. It is the battlefield where two individuals apply their tactics and strategies to win the game.

All major Chess set manufacturers provide a variety of choices in chessboards, which are often available in range of sizes. The range includes everything from the basic walnut and maple, to exotic wood chessboards from Italy.

Connoisseurs are provided with a variety of options in chessboards, which range from an exotic Ferrer Wood Chess Boards, colorful Ferrer Wood Chessboard, Red & Erable high gloss deluxe chessboard, or even a red & black high gloss deluxe chessboards. Players can also go for a Bud Rosewood & Maple Chess Board, with modeled edges, or rather they can choose a Stripped Ebony & Maple Chessboard with molded edge. Chessboards are also available in Mahogany & Maple with molded edge. The Rosewood & Maple Chess board with molded Edge 2′ squares also looks magnificent and classy.

The classy range also includes black and white lacquered elm root and erable framed white and black, roman-maze pattern lacquered green and erable, framed, red and maple framed, red and maple inlaid, green and red stained wood and elmroot. Chessboards are also designed taking inspiration from various themes, such as Civil war chessboards, US military chessboard, Animal kingdom chessboards, Medivial chessboards, King Arthur chessboards, and oriental chessboards.

Chessboards are also available in a beautiful line of leatherette with matching storage trays, which are festooned with beautiful engraving on the board and tray.

The range of chessboards that are available in metal and brass are crafted with exceptional beauty, making them special not just for the game, but also for display. The craze doesn?t stop because some chessboards are made of gold lined with diamonds — making them unique and a splendid sight.

Along with the exotic range, chessboards are also made of plastic to make them affordable. The creativity and effort invested in making chessboards speaks volumes about much the game is acknowledged.

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Drueke Tournament Chess Set with Box

Outstanding chess set gift choice! Drueke’s ultimate wood Tournament Chess Set is perfect for playing chess at home, studying chess, or giving as a gift to someone that is fascinated with the game! This beautiful, extraordinary chess set comes with everything you need! A premium walnut chessboard made from the finest Michigan hardwoods, hand selected and perfectly matched rosewood chessmen, and another fine signature Drueke product - the matching chess box! The tourmament size 21″ chessboard is manufactured to exacting standards right in Michigan. Walnut and Maple hardwoods accent the contrast colors and match the chess box with made of the same walnut wood. The box itself is a nice touch with felted, divided interior, and quality brass hinges. The Drueke name appears inside as seen in the photo. Most importantly, these rosewood and boxwood 3 3/4″ tall tournament chess set pieces are rugged, yet detailed, and prove to be a winner with both chess afficionados and casual chess participants. The entire combo is our top gift chess set recommendation. Enjoy Drueke’s quality productions which have been loved by Americans and international customers since 1914. ChessBoard: 21″ Square Squares: 2″ King height: 3 3/4″ King base: 1 5/8″ Box dimensions: 11 5/16″ x 7″ 3 5/8″ (2.10lb) More…

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By Eriani Doyel 

Getting a chess set for yourself, or someone else can be a really difficult decision. There are so many different styles, materials and prices. If this is your first experience in buying a chess set you may not really be aware of what is available to you. Or, if the only set you have ever owned is one of those very simple plastic and cardboard sets you may really be in for some sticker shock when you look at the really fancy sets. You can choose from a themed set that has pieces designed from pop culture or sports or you can get a more traditional war themed chess set. You can even buy the pieces and board individually and create your own customized set.

A chess set for a child who is just beginning to show an interest in chess should be fairly simple and inexpensive. This way if the pieces in the chess set get broken or lost, you can replace them without a lot of expense or trouble. They may also lose interest after just a short time and then you don’t lose a big investment. But, if they are serious about chess, as many children are today, you may want to get them a better chess set. There are many child-friendly themed sets that are really fun. You can choose from the Simpsons, the Muppets, Star Wars, Cats and Dogs, or the Lord of the Rings among many others.

If none of these types of sets appeal to your more sophisticated adult tastes, you may want to look at some war themed sets. You can find a chess set with a Civil War or Revolution theme or even a theme from a particular battle. There is a set which glorifies the history of the sport of golf and another that is a depiction if the rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox teams.

Sets can be purchased in mahogany, marble, or 24 carat gold plating. Before you buy any of these quality sets, check for durability and good construction of the pieces and the board. You may decide that this will become a family heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation.

If nothing else appeals to you, you can always design or even construct your own set with materials, boards, and individual pieces from a specialty store or online dealer.

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Everyone loves it! 25″ tall Giant Chess has powerful spectator appeal! Giant chess magically draws people into the timeless game of chess! It’s hard to contain the excitement of kids, teenagers, adults, and even seniors! That’s why you should think about incorporating an oversize chess set in your facility - from amusement parks and zoos, to museums or resorts. The possibilities are endless!

As they navigate the theme park, attendees enthusiastically rush over to the giant chess game and join as spectators. After patiently waiting their turn, the next two lucky players eagerly yet cautiously display their mental prowess in front of the admiring crowd that gathers.

Park administrators and amusement operators know how this timeless, universal chess game draws incredible attention and stickiness. “It’s an often overlooked great way to bring instant appeal and variety to the amusement park or facility. You can quickly turn any lifeless piece of lawn or concrete into an immediate attention grabber.”

“giant chess brings instant appeal and variety to any amusement park or facility”

“Let’s lay a chessboard with 64 squares… who knows, some day it might come in handy!” If you’ve ever thought this, you’re on the right track. Giant Chess will bring instant life to your 64 chessboard squares.

Standing an amazing 25″ tall, the giant lawn chess pieces are light enough to move easily, yet massive enough to resist winds. German engineering and production lends to their worldwide name of Rolly Toys quality - and they truly live up this name.

Traditional design is familiar to all chess players and stark black and white promotes visibility. Best of all, with its all weather, tough plastic polyurethane composition, you won’t have to worry about heat, rain, direct sunlight or even the most aggressive kids… Giant chess stands up to them all!

Our giant chess set is currently in Bangkok Thailand, where it has pride of place in our memorial garden that was constructed to commemorate the students of our school that died in the Asian Tsunami. One of the children really liked chess so we thought that this would be a fitting tribute to him.

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We use our giant set for school fun days, for rainy day recess and for chess club events. We are a k-6 elementary school. It’s a big hit with all the kids and with parents too.

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Our recent purchase of your giant chess set is being enjoyed on an almost daily basis. In the past we had one that we had made ourselves using various plastic pipes and fittings, but once we made the decision to have our board moved to another part of our yard and upgraded a bit, I decided it was also time to have “real” pieces. I’ve attached two photos of the board in its new location which is in a lower portion of our backyard. The board was made with simple 12 x 12 pavers, set into sand and bordered by concrete curbing. We love it! I’ve mentioned it on several homeschooling Internet lists and have already had two families come over to see it. I let them know where to buy their pieces when the time comes! The Chess House, of course!

Kari Curley
Corona, CA

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Here’s some photos of the installation at eBay headquarters. Your chess set was used in one chess themed conference room. The project utilized items bought from eBay to furnish these rooms. All were very excited at how well it turned out!
Thanks,
Jami

Source :Chess House

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INTRODUCTION

Many people like yourself are excited about internet companies offering high quality chess sets online at truly AMAZING prices.

HOWEVER, I have taken the time to condense years of experience into this guide to help you avoid any pitfalls and decide on a chess set that will suit, last many years, and meet your particular chess playing or gift giving needs, saving you valuable time and money, Guaranteed!

That said, let’s get started!

With nearly as many chess set sizes and styles as there are car makes and models, I’ll help you pick a chess set you’ll enjoy and find suitable for your style of play.

Since most chess players either play at home, with friends, at the chess club, and in tournament competitions, I will emphasize those standards.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHESS SET SIZES!

For most chess players, there is a standard size chess set that will suit. In fact if you buy the right size, your chess set will suit not only playing casual chess, but club and competition play as well!

Chess sets vary in size from less than one inch tall to more than 2 feet tall! The size of a chess set is always measured by the tallest piece which is the King.

You’ll be excited to know however that tradition and regulation has settled on 3 3/4″ tall as an average, now the size competitive players have come to expect. Most plastic chess sets and many wood chess sets will be 3 3/4″, though slightly larger (3.5″ to 4.25″) is not uncommon.

While chessboards vary in size just as much, the standard is around 20″ x 20″. Each of the 64 squares will usually measure around 2 1/4″. Later on I’m going to show you how to match a set of chess pieces with a chessboard so you now it will look great without even trying it out first!

PICK THE RIGHT CHESS SET

The all-purpose chess set

In most cases, you’ll need a Club Chess Set. This will be great for playing anywhere! It will be 3 3/4″ tall with a 20″ chess board… small enough to pack along and large enough to see very clearly. You’ll enjoy the inexpensive durability. Easy to carry with a basic storage bag, plus, the boards are specially designed to rollup and still stay flat during play. Whether you play chess a few times a year or play hundreds of games, you should own the Club Chess Set. You’ll find that club chess sets suit EVERY chess player.

Chess Education, Schools

If you’re involved in the massive chess education movement in the USA, you’ll find that these same club chess sets are at the center of chess education equipment. Stores like The Chess House offer all the chess sets and equipment necessary to run a chess class.

The Ideal Kid’s Chess Set

Once again the Club Chess Set is the right chess set for kids. This same regulation size chess set is recommend for chess class, practicing with fellow students, and competing.

Chess set gift advice

With so many interesting chess sets most people love to browse and simply let style and uniqueness catch their fancy. I highly recommend wooden chess sets and theme chess sets as outstanding gift ideas. We are truly happy with Drueke (US made since 1914). Individuals that buy Drueke’s wood chess and game products are amazed that such a quality game product can be had without spending a fortune. Search “Drueke”.

PREDICT THE RIGHT CHESSBOARD SIZE FOR YOUR PIECES

Chess set designers agree that the base of the King should be 3/4 of the square size. Yes, it’s really that simple!! If this particular size can’t be found, feel free to err on the side of enlarging the board square by 1/8″. Just don’t choose a smaller square size than recommended, the pieces will appear crowded. Obviously it’s important to know the King’s “base size” to match a chessboard with the set.

Here’s an explanation. The accepted standard is that the chess set King’s base diameter be 78% of the chessboard square width. Visualize this good example. You have a chessboard with 2″ Squares. The King’s base should be about 1 1/2″ (about 75% of 2″). Here’s another example applied: You have chess pieces with a 1.75″ King base. 1.75″ divided by .78 = approximately 2 1/4″. Applying the +1/8″ rule, the 2 1/2″ square chessboard will also be a good choice.

CHOOSE WEIGHTED CHESS SETS

Poof. A gust of wind and the pieces are scattering! You bought it at the superstore and now you’ve got to go inside or wait for the wind to die down.

Well, not if you own a normal, standard weight chess set. The trouble with many run-of-the-mill plastic chess sets is that they are hollow! There’s virtually no weight to them at all so a spill is bound to happen.

Fortunately when you buy from a chess store dedicated to chess, those sets aren’t even available. Most everything, especially the plastic “club chess sets” are molded from solid plastic - and therefore weighted by default.

Extra Weighted Chess Sets

Any time a chess set mentions “weighted” or “extra weighted”, you can be sure that the set will be quite a bit heavier since every piece will have lead weights inside in addition to the solid plastic.

Weighted chess sets are sought after by club and tournament players since they offer a much better feel and have greater stability on the board.

LEARN ABOUT WOOD CHESS SETS

Ebony, Ebonized, Shishamwood, Boxwood, Staunton, Jaques… what does all this mean?

Ebony Chess Sets

Ebony is a very dark, dense, and expensive black wood. Ebony chess sets are sought after especially by collectors.

Ebonized Chess Sets

Since ebony is so desirable as a classic deep black finish, Ebonized chess sets were developed which are made out of different woods and therefore less expensive. However they are lacquered, painted, or varnished to appear nearly identical to Ebony.

Staunton

Staunton refers to the traditional chess set design. If you think of a chess set it’s probably staunton since most chess players use, compete with, and recognize the staunton design. Staunton design contrast with non-traditional chess sets such as Isle of Lewis, one of the most famous ancient chess set discoveries, and theme chess sets which are pattern after specific topics.

Boxwood

This is an inexpensive yet, colorful lightwood. Many light color chess pieces are made of boxwood for it’s hardness and sandy-yellow color.

Shishamwood

This wood is very typical for less expensive chess sets since the wood is abundantly available in India one of the world’s major producers of chess sets. The wood is very suitable for chess pieces since it comes in a variety of shades suitable for both the light and dark pieces.

Jaques

Staunton chess sets were first introduced by John Jaques of London in 1849. To this day Jaques makes some of the absolute finest chess sets valued at thousands each.

LEARN WHAT MAKES A CHESS SET VALUABLE

Topping the list, Jaques chess sets are the most expensive at several thousand each. Both rarity and design detail are factors that influence value.

Look at the knights (horses) on the chess set. The knight is a great indicator of the level of detail seen on the horses mane, eyes, and head. Some knights are “bridled” This refers to a hand carved bridle - a rare, exquisite detail that lends to extra detail and desirability. Search “bridled”

Of course, the wood’s rarity and richness also influences the value of the set. Remember we talked about Ebony, one of the best woods.

SUMMARY

The internet is becoming an intense resource for all of us on a daily basis and the number of products available online is growing.

Buying your chess sets online is surely going to be a hassle free experience now that you’ve read this guide and taken the time to educate yourself about chess sets. You could also save yourself a small fortune buying the right one the first time.

Many Thanks,
Raphael Neff
Source:The Chess House

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