Chess board guides
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.