If you already have your chess pieces, this is by far the best way to find the right chess board. This guide is not exact, but should point you to the right direction in finding the right size option to go with your pieces. Once you have a good idea which size board is best, just click on the size below to see all of your options!
Boards with 1 1/2" squares (suitable for most chess pieces 2 1/2" tall)
Boards with 1 3/4" squares (suitable for most chess pieces 3" - 3 1/2" tall)
Boards with 2" squares (suitable for most chess pieces 3 1/2" - 4" tall)
Boards with 2 1/4" squares (suitable for most chess pieces 4" - 4 1/2" tall)
Boards with 2 1/2" or larger squares
The Executive Series chessboards feature Mark of Westminster quality in remarkable prices compared to many of the other available options on the market. One of our favorite types of boards, these have a smaller border making them ideal for tight spaces. Thie smaller border can save 2" or more off the overall board size which is great when attempting to get a full sized tournament chess set on a smaller board profile. The Executive series comes in a number of woods but all feature a black pinstripe - this handsome addition makes the boards go well with virtually anything. These boards are available with a square from 1.5" - 2.5" in diameter.
The Presidential Series feature Mark of Westminster quality for the collector or true connoisseur. These are the more top-of-the-line types of boards that are thicker than most with a unique edging in addition to a mosaic around the playing surface. They are thicker and heavier than the other boards and the black bevelled edging looks particularly luxurious. They mosaic featured brings in different colors as well to make sure it compliments the chessmen regardless of whether you are trying to contrast or color match the set. These boards are available with a square size from 1.75" - 2.25".
That being said, you certainly can still have a perfectly handsome board with it being quite affordable! We have a wide range of these economical boards; many of them are made with mdf bases as opposed to real wood bases as well as opting for inexpensive thinner veneers as opposed to the real-wood veneers of most luxury boards. When choosing a chess set, it is quite common to want to focus on the chess pieces first; in this case you get the nicest pieces you can and an inexpensive chess board. Most of the time, the value and detail of the pieces brings the perception of the board upwards. Of course, you could also opt to "trade up" the chess board at a later date.
There are too many unique style boards to name, and truth be told it has become a catch-all for all the wild and wonderful chess boards we find - there are pyramidal and 'arena' boards with added depth, leatherette boards for an old-world feel, and for that extra "pop". There are many high-gloss options that are sure to stand out, available in a variety of natural woods and lacquered colors from a traditional glossy black to red, blue, grey and green - choices that go great with modern designs and theme chess pieces.
The issue with storage boards is that it is often an impercise system to hold chess pieces unless the board and pieces come packaged. Many will have a bare compartment that is more suitable for temporarily placing taken chess pieces as opposed to permanently storing chessmen when not in use. Sometimes the compartments are too big, or not big enough for the width of the piece. While sometimes they are felt lined, this is often not enough to protect the more delicate features of high-end chess pieces. We generally recommend letting those chess pieces be left on display and using a separate chess case or box if necessary.
