Home >> Games & Cards >> Chess & Checkers

Different Chess Boards

Chess is thought to have originated in India or Afghanistan before 600 AD. According to the "Western Chess Chronicle," chess is "a descendant of an Indian game played in the 7th century." Chess is a game of logic and strategy involving moving a set number of pieces -- each type with its own nature of movement -- over a board consisting of 32 black and 32 white squares. Chess players often compete in tournaments and take pride in their boards, which come in a variety of styles and even themes.

Magnetic and Travel Chess Boards
- Magnetic and travel chess boards can typically be purchased low cost, sometimes even found at dollar stores. The playing pieces with these boards are usually plastic, with magnets on bottom to prevent pieces from sliding. The boards have a metal surface and are often smaller than standard chess sets, making them ideal for travel. Travel and magnetic chess sets often fold for easy storage.
Carved Chess Boards
- Carved chess sets range in price, depending upon materials. April, 2011 prices for hand-carved sets can range from $300 dollars to $1,100 (and more in some cases). Pieces are often carved from the same wood as the board is made from or another high quality wood. Wood types include mahogany, cherry wood and oak. The designs in the edges of the board and the chess pieces themselves are often highly decorative and ornate. Many of these boards have marble inlay squares on the board as well.
Theme Chess Boards
- Theme chess boards range from fantasy sets to war-related themes. The boards themselves are often carved or decorated to match the theme of the pieces. Dragons, Star Wars Civil War and Old West are some of the themes available. The pieces and boards are typically themed together, with care taken to make the boards the central element in a set of themed chess pieces. For instance, a dragon theme might have a board that resembles a castle. Themed sets are often collected and can range in price depending upon materials used in construction. Since many of these boards use expensive woods and are are handset with crystals and marble, prices (as of April 2011) can range from $500 to $1,500.
Tournament Chess Boards
- Many specialized tournament chess boards -- especially for amateur chess groups -- are made of vinyl. These chess sets are not especially pretty to look at, but they are functional and stand up well to a lot of playing. Professional chess tournaments often use a cheaper version of wood chess board and either wood or plastic pieces.

Chess & Checkers