Find the right chess board the first time.
Square sizes, woods, tournament rules and what's worth paying for, explained plainly, with links to trusted places to buy.
Chess board size guide: matching squares to pieces
What square size you need, how the king's base decides it, and the official FIDE and US Chess numbers, with a quick sizing table.
MaterialsChess board woods explained: maple, walnut, rosewood, ebony and more
What the common chess board and piece woods look like, what they cost, and the labels to read carefully: sheesham, ebonized, veneer and solid.
GiftsChess sets as gifts: what to buy for kids, players and collectors
A gift guide by who you're buying for, with the checks that separate a set someone uses from one that ends up in a cupboard.
Buying guidesHow to choose a chess board: the 8 types compared
Vinyl, silicone, folding wood, solid wood, inlaid, marble, glass and electronic boards: what each is good for, what goes wrong, and who should buy it.
Buying guidesTournament chess boards: what to buy for club and tournament play
What tournament directors expect, why nearly everyone uses a vinyl board and weighted plastic pieces, and what else goes in a tournament bag.
CareHow to care for a wooden chess board and pieces
Cleaning, sunlight, humidity, storage and felt: simple habits that keep a wooden chess set looking good for decades.