How we research
Chessboard Store publishes buying guides for chess boards and sets. We started it because the same questions come up again and again: what size board fits these pieces, is it worth paying for rosewood, what will a tournament director accept, what makes a good gift.
Who we are
Chessboard Store is a small, independent site. Guides are published under the name "Chessboard Store Staff". We're not owned by a chess retailer or manufacturer, and we don't sell anything ourselves.
What our guides are based on
- Published standards. Sizing advice follows the FIDE Handbook's equipment standards and the US Chess rulebook guidance, and we link to them.
- Manufacturer and retailer specifications. Square sizes, king heights, base diameters and materials as stated by the people who make and sell them.
- What players report. Recurring praise and complaints from club players and collectors in public forums.
How guides are written
Each guide starts with research: the published standards, maker and retailer specifications, and what players report. Drafts are prepared with the help of AI writing tools, then checked by a person against the sources before anything is published. Every factual claim should trace back to a source listed at the end of the guide.
What we don't claim
Unless a guide says otherwise, we have not personally tested the products we mention. We say "researched picks," not "tested," and we don't invent star ratings or reviews. When we do get hands-on with something, the guide will say so plainly.
How we make money
Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them, the retailer pays us a commission and your price doesn't change. Retailers don't pay for placement and don't see guides before they're published. Details are on our affiliate disclosure page.
Corrections
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Email hello@chessboardstore.com and we'll fix it and update the date on the guide.