Chess Set Buying FAQ. All you need to know about buying a Chess Set, and more!

Q: What would constitute as a "tournament size" chess set?

Steve Schwartz

First of all, it is important to distinguish between what chess sets a tournament player HAS to take to a tournament and what the average citizen can play on informally.

There are no rules or regulations for the 99.999999999% of the population that happens to play chess. But the tournament player is a bit more restricted by the rules. And the rules pretty much dictate that the chess board have 2 ¼" squares, and the king from the set of chess pieces be between 3 ¾" and 4 ¼".

In fact, the vast majority of tournament players use plastic chess pieces and roll-up vinyl or "mousepad" chess boards. These are quite inexpensive (even the most expensive of them).

But don't get hung up on that fact if you are not a tournament chess player. Any size that fits your needs will be absolutely fine. When you are looking for a chess set for home use, you may find that a tournament standard chess set is simply too large. A wood chess board with a 2 1/4" square can be 20" x 20", which is not easily placed!

Many will go with a 15 - 18" chess board with chess pieces that have a 3" king. It is large enough to play chess comfortably and can fit on most coffee or side tables!

CHESS SETS FROM AMERICA'S LARGEST CHESS STORE
Chess USA is America's leading retailer of chess sets, chess pieces, chess boards, and more. In fact, for 30 years Your Move Chess & Games has been the leading retailer of all things chess! Not everyone can view the hundreds of chess sets we have on display in our New York Chess Store, which is why we strive to have the most detailed chess website anywhere on the internet. After All, with over 2,000 chess sets, chess boards, chess pieces, chess computers and more, we need to be detailed! No matter what you are looking for, from chess set or chess program, our knowledgable staff is ready to help.

Have a Chess Set already, and just need to freshen up on the rules? We've got them - just click here

Your Move Chess & Games, America's Largest Chess Set Store. It's Your Move!