Archive for December, 2010

How to Pick Chess Tables and Boards

Figure out where you want to put your chess set. They fit well in a parlor or a living room. That is a traditional setting in a very relaxed atmosphere. A game room or game area will be a focused social atmosphere which can motivate your best games, a perfect setting. The kitchen table or eating counter where it is readily accessed is a great way to combine daily tasks with your love for games. You do not need a place totally dedicated to chess, but it makes it easier to get back to your game and to keep playing a game if you do. For quiet for concentration put your chess set in a study type atmosphere where it can be displayed nicely and effectively and not disturbed. The most important part of this decision is whether it fits your style and that it suits you. Remember you cannot make a mistake in choosing the right chess table or board, because you can make it fit your style with just a little planning.

Analyze your furniture. You can arrange your favorite furniture so that you like the look of the room and it is functional for you and your needs. Tailor your furniture to your house and let your chess set fit in naturally. Make sure the furniture fits the use you have for it. Game tables and boards can be made to match your furniture in use and in style. Chess themes need only simple planning to make them fit where you need them to.

Read the rest of this entry »

A Simple History of Chess

The history of chess has been around a long time. Chess started out in its beginnings in a simple way. Over the years it has evolved into a very complex sport in which many competitors productively pass time. India is said to be the beginning of chess. The ancient game, caturanga, was played in North West India about the 6th century. It had 4 pieces representing the 4 different types of military units. The units were the infantry, elephants, cavalry and chariotry.

The Infantry represented and moved as a Pawn piece, except they could not move the initial 2 squares. Elephants represented and moved as a Bishop piece, but had 3 distinctive moves. The Cavalry mimic the Knight piece, becoming the distinctive feature linking the ancient game of caturanga to modern chess. Chariotry were the Rook piece and moved as a Rook. The game also had a Raja and a Mantri. The Raja represented and moved as a King piece, the Mantri (Counselor or General) represented the Queen piece and moved one square diagonally.

Read the rest of this entry »

Speed Chess – Chess Packed With a Punch

The days when two people sat on opposite sides of a chess board, growing glassy eyed with boredom while they waited for the other person to decide on a move are rapidly moving behind us. In these fast paced times, speed chess is becoming increasingly popular. Previous to the introduction of speed chess a person could take all day to deliberate their next move. Speed chess is timed, if a player exceeds the pre-determined amount of time to make a move, they automatically forfeit the entire game. If you are a novice chess player, you should probably stay away from this type of game, at least for the time being. The chess players that excel at this form of chess are the ones who have developed a deep understanding of the etiquette and game strategy.

What You Need to Play Speed Chess

Read the rest of this entry »

The Pros and Cons of Electronic Chess Sets

Chess is a game that has been around for more then 1500 years. During that time, its popularity has ebbed and flowed. The last time it was wildly popular was in the 1970′s when one of the best chess players in the world was Bobby Fischer. In addition to being an amazing chess player, Bobby Fischer also had the kind of personality that made playing chess fun and exciting. Without Fischer, chess slipped in popularity.

The cycle is coming around again. More and more people are starting to take an interest in the game of chess. Part of this is because game makers are starting to produce interesting looking theme chess sets as well as small magnetized chest sets that can be played during long car rides. But perhaps the biggest factor in restoring chess’s lost popularity is the electronic chess set.

Read the rest of this entry »