Learn About Chess Pieces
A general rule for determining the proper square size for a set of good Staunton chess pieces is that the width of the base of the King should be 75% of the width of a square. So, divide the King's base diameter by 0.75 and you get the proper square size. For example, a Staunton King with a base diameter of 1.75" would require a square size of 1.75"/0.75 = 2.33". Hence, you should use a chess board with a square size of at least 2-3/8".
Cheaper chess sets have no weighting and fall over easily when nudged by a finger accidentally. Weighted pieces make the game more enjoyable, are more valuable and have a quality feel about them when held in the hand. Chess piece weights are classified as Natural, Single, Double, and Triple.
Weighted Pieces - Approximate Weights: Natural weighted pieces may include Wood, Marble Resin, Metal, Stone and Plastic. These pieces are the natural weight of the material in which they are made. Natural weight of each material are as follows: Plastic- Very light, easy to knock over. Weighs approximately 15 grams or ᄑ an ounce.
Wood- Made out of a very light wood and are easy to knock over. Lighter than a single weighted piece. Weighs approximately 20 grams or ᄑ an ounce. Marble Resin-Natural weight is somewhere in between a single and double weighted piece. Heavier than wood, but lighter than stone. Weighs approximately 40 grams or 1.5 ounces. Metal- Natural weight is close to a double weighted piece and weighs approximately 30-50 grams or 1.5 ounces. Stone- Natural weight is on the heavy side weighing the same as a triple weighted piece. Approximate weight is 75 grams or 2.6 ounces. A further option is to buy a chess set that is designed for traveling, of which we also have a wide selection. Due to the magnetism, the pieces of travel chess sets have some weight and don't fall easily.
All pieces of chess sets should be finely crafted, but the flagship is usually the knight because of the capacity for flair and intracacy of design. The finer knights show detail even in the teeth, eyes and mane. If the set is judged worthy by it's manufacturer of giving the knight great detail, other pieces will also reflect high quality workmanship.
Analyze the Detail of the Rook |





