Reflecting on Chess Set Prices and Expectations - Categorizing Chess Sets Based On Price and Quality

This is a video where I don't necessarily show any chess sets but rather take the time to reflect upon what I have come to understand as far as how different chess sets are categorized based on price and quality. I also touch on the idea that most expensive chess sets aren't always ideal for every situation. I realize some people would have rather see a video with me showing more chess sets, but I've been meaning to make this video for a while now, and more chess set videos is sure to follow. This video will more likely appeal to my most loyal audience, so be sure to show your appreciation by liking and commenting and as always, be sure to have a safe and wonderful week. Thanks to all for stopping by.
Chess
#chess

[@Kubooxooki]

You're the first person I've heard expressing something that I have always felt: the kind of chess board you use affects the perception, both of how others see you as a player and of how you see the game developing over the board. That is why, as much as I admire craftsmanship, I have never been into chess pieces with elaborate designs. They distract me from playing the actual games. And that is also why for a long time I had the prejudice that people with elaborate chess sets were collectors, not players. I study chess with a beat up, rattle-y set of scholastic pieces on a stained green-and-white cheap fabric board. That set makes me feel like I'm working at my chess shop, where it's dirty and messy. Then I have a couple of heavy plastic sets (the Woodtek Euro Series and the Ultimate Bobby Fischer pieces) to play blitz or play outdoors on silicone boards. I have a set of wooden pieces with the German Knight and that's what I play with in classical chess tournaments on a woodgrain mousepad board. It's simple, but serious, and easy enough to carry. And then I reserve my wooden Hastings Congress set for when a friend I trust comes over and we play on a wooden board. I have learned that chess sets are like my bass guitars: they all do different things, and they do them differently. The funny thing is that if I had to keep only one set for all purposes, I think I'll stick to the cheap scholastic set. That thing just gets me in the mood to play without so much aesthetic contemplation!

[@AlSuChess]

Thanks a lot for sharing! I agree with you a hundred percent! There is the collection aspect of chess and then there's the practical chess playing, and although the two don't necessarily need to be separate, sometimes that's just the way. I asked Hikaru on twitch yesterday if he had a favorite chess set, and the answer was no, not really. But that's not to say we can't still appreciate the detail and the craftsmanship of the elaborate sets, I certainly do! Thanks for watching!

[@robertdillon9989]

Agreed 💯 %

[@KmartKingpin]

I’m a newer chess player, and I agree. My board is $40 and is nothing impressive. It folds and has storage in the collapsed compartment that I can carry on the go. It’s made of cheap wood, pieces drop and the board and gets banged on things, I just want to play the game, I don’t want to cry if I drop my $70 queen

[@Kubooxooki]

@@KmartKingpin Exactly. That's the life, man!

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

As someone who is more of a collector than a player, I agree with you. I do like playing chess, but only as a casual fun pasttime, like any other board game. I'm a half-decent causual player, but I'm not dedicated enough to devote a lot of time to learning and memorizing in order to get really good at chess. As a matter of fact, that side of the game kind of leaves me cold. I admire other people who are really good at chess, but it's not something I'm personally interested in pursuing. I do appreciate a really nicely made chess set though, and have even made a few abortive attempts to make one on my lathe. I think it's cool that people like you and people like me can both derive enjoyment from chess despite our completely different approaches to it. It's a game that can be enjoyed on many different levels.

[@kellyklaask7su990]

Thank you again for another interesting video. I have been making some chess sets and finally got a pretty detailed knight that I'm fairly happy with. Of course, the knight is the most difficult piece to make. If you can master the knight, making the other pieces is a piece of cake. I have had a couple people interested in buying my sets so watching this gives me an idea on how to price them. I always enjoy watching and hearing your insight.

[@AlSuChess]

That's great! Having a hobby like making chess pieces I am sure gives you the freedom to express yourself artistically in many ways. I would agree, knights would seem to be more difficult to create due to their non cylindrical shape. Thank you for watching.

[@Victor_Romero]

Excellent overview on different Chess sets out there. I love Chess; I own a couple of wooden ones that I bought from The Chess Store. I paid for one set $200, and after a few years, I decided to get one, Cyrus Staunton Ebony and Boxwood - 4.4” King, for $600. Spending that much was a bit of a stretch for me, but I saved my pennies and got it. I don’t regret it! It is definitely a different perspective playing with one set vs. the other one. I need to get an inexpensive plastic set that I can bring with me when traveling. Thanks again, well done.

[@AlSuChess]

I am really glad to hear about your chess sets, I felt the same way after I bought the 1852 Paulsen chess set, I felt it was well worth the price difference at the time! Thanks for watching!!

[@wolfmoz2232]

Great overview! Thank You!!!

[@thomasstapps6399]

Very insightful information, thank you!

[@AlSuChess]

You're welcome stay tuned for more videos

[@profit_paradox]

Video recommendation. Add Pictures of the different sets that you discuss as you discuss it.

[@higgledypiggledycubledy8899]

I super recommend a silicone set. The feel, weight, look, durability and price are all amazing

[@ragnorak56]

I'm one of those who likes to stay in 3.5" to 4" size. The reason being that tournaments in US use 2.25" boards as default and those sizes look better on a 2.25" board. Al you should really checkout and buy a Staunton Castle chess set. ~$220 can get you my favorite 3.75" 1849 ebony and boxwood chess set. When I say favorite I mean I would choose it over others irrespective of price. If I go to play with a friend I often bring 2 sets. A plastic set for blitz and a wood set if we play a long game 25min or so. However I never travel with my boards.

[@AlSuChess]

That's a really good outlook I agree with you, in fact I have come to pretty much same conclusion over time!

[@ethanrajan7873]

nice vid I am planning on buying one so thanks so much

[@AlSuChess]

Thank you for watching!

[@reikorarasu]

@9:59 i love the color of that mousepad board, may i know where to purchase it? Thanks

[@shy4440]

Where did you get ice blue chess board? Is it custom printed? Thank you for info.

[@andreascammin5619]

So is chess material one of the rare things that are cheaper in Germany than in the States? Tournament size plastic sets start at 10 bucks, and club style chess sets inlcuding a foldable chessboard start at 16. Tournament size wood sets start at 35. If you have heard about the DGT Starter Box, it comes in at 15

[@johandenhertog6878]

How do you think about antique chess pieces from the 18th century. They are beautiful crafted.

[@AlSuChess]

Oh yes some of them are quite nicely made, at least the ones I've seen!

[@roberthernandez121]

Hello Alex enjoy your videos my chess pieces are large king is 4.7 base is 49mm will 55 mm square be enough space?

[@SharonBenjamin-bj2kk]

Hi, what chess set would you suggest for chess study?

[@jeraldmcgowin4162]

i wish you would make a video like this about eboards. I cannot decide between a chessup or a chessnut

[@renannascimento2423]

👏🏽👏🏽

[@davidgirsvaldas8725]

Thank you for doing chess set reviews. Can somebody recommend me what are the top quality chess set brands worth looking in? I am only aware of "House of Staunton".

[@AlSuChess]

I am still just starting to get around the boards, I know there's chess bazaar, also chess empire, Staunton castle, the chess store. I also from time to time check out eBay for ideas too. I heave wanted to get a 2.25 inch drueke board, they are made well but a little pricey.

[@StopFear]

Why is KZbin chess pieces videos flooded with videos from this guy?

[@kedduff1814]

Not a lot of people review chess pieces and chess boards.

[@MrSilvestre587]

Please, could you tell me what is the best plastic chess set (King 3,75 inches) in your opinion?

[@TheMaineSurveyor]

I got a plastic club-style set (black & natural) from Chess House that’s not too bad. It’s nice for travel. I got a nicer Marshall plastic set (crimson & white) from House of Staunton for playing at home. I prefer the Marshall-style knights. I’d like a wooden set, but I’m concerned I’d break something. That would be a shame, based on the initial expense.

[@helloeveryone6614]

Which is best chess board (wooden) under 40$ ?

[@JERRYR708]

I bring out that certain chess set for the friend who orders pizza for game night. He keeps that old set well oiled.

[@antiares1684]

I agree with all being said. But my experience is that if you try to buy from a dealer who is not one of the grand sellers you might get a good deal. For example in Europe I've managed to buy a very decent boxwood/ebonised, double weighted set (King 4.13 icnhes tall) for 145 euro. It's very elegant staunton design set. Knights for example have a very decent level of detail (higher than standart tournament pieces but lower than the most detailed luxury sets.) The whole set feels luxurious while staying on a reasonable price.

[@purnendrasahu6633]

What do you do for living , by the way your videos are informative 👍

[@AlSuChess]

I fix teeth for a living, I posted a video titled a about myself little while back. Thanks for watching.

[@mwatkins0590]

1950s dubrovnik set definitely looks the coolest to me, with the great knight and rook. however I dont like seeing the reproductions of it where the knight's hair comes all the way forward looking like a pointy triangle almost like a unicorn, dont know why some people make repros like that and ask for more than $200 - if you are going to be charging that much some better attention to detail would be necessary. It looks nice without being odd or intricate so it doesnt mess with your mind a little while you are playing and the pieces dont have tiny little prongs that would easily break - its a great combination of style and practicality. I love the look of wood but the chess mats are just too convenient and feel better. I just ordered a Macassar Ebony & Maple Floppy Chess Board from the chess store so I hope its nice. One thing I've always wanted was a chess board where the letters/numbers are directly on the squares themselves, like written small in each corner, instead of on the sides of the board, but I have had no such luck in finding a mat like that.

[@ericb252]

Would be great if you titled each section of the video. So you have a section $25-50 another $50-100 .. would help anyone jump into their budget and really get a quick understanding of what to look for in with their next purchase

[@AlSuChess]

Thanks a great idea! Maybe decide the videos into individual groups!

[@cbaas8986]

what chess set are you featuring in the video ?

[@BobbyMento11111]

Can you mix a wooden board with good quality plastic chess pieces? Is that normal?

[@billmorrigan386]

Yes, absolutely. If you are a strong club player (or above), you definitely should. What's more, it's better to buy boards and pieces separately all the time because the ready sets are too cramped, i.e. the boards are small and pieces are big. One exception is the DGT sets (non-electronic, of course). They are all fine in my opinion. DGT sets are superb (they are usually sold separately, not as sets). However DGT plastic pieces are a bit low-ish in terms of quality but still alright. Personally I like standard DGT walnut boards (with squares 55mm=2.125'') and Polish mahogany-maple boards (with squares 2.25''=57mm). I also like green vinyl roll-ups (2.25''). I use plastic pieces and wooden timeless DGT pieces (of course, non-electronic, I'm not crazy). I don't like decorative or very expensive boards or pieces. It's all just a waste of money. However, I got to admit that some DGT pieces look really nice, like, Ebony pieces or their Polgar pieces but Ebony might not even be available in non-electronic version. You don't want an expensive set to play bullet games on it and get it all scratched up. Besides, weighted pieces when they fall on the floor (and they will, I guarantee) they all get loose and the weights inside start to wobble. That's what I see in chess clubs: weights inside chess pieces get loose and it is really bad. Of course, if it is a plastic set for 20 bucks, you don't care but If you paid 200 bucks for it, it's not nice to have wobbly pieces and your glossy DGT board all scratched up and scuffed. Everything else just doesn't matter. If the money is not an issue, than there are no problems at all: You can play bullet games on a DGT Polgar set or on some 300 dollar House of Staunton board with some 300 dollar House of Staunton pieces which I really don't care about. It is all just a waste of money and needless worries. So, I just (yesterday) bought a new set of plastic pieces and a couple more chess clocks + a new vinyl roll-up. LOL. It's that simple. But I also intend to buy a relatively cheap Polish mahogany-maple board (I use non-foldable wooden boards) with 2.25'' squares. I had such a board in the past but I gave it away as a gift. Now I have only one vinyl and one DGT board and a very ancient set of chess that I used in childhood 30 years ago. I do often play with wooden pieces on a vinyl board. The reverse is also pretty normal. Playing with wooden pieces on a white-green board creates superb contrast. The same holds for playing with black and white plastic pieces on a wooden board. It's very nice on the eyes but... a good chess player should be able to play even blindfolded. *That said, I gotta admits that it looks really cool and elegant in terms of aesthetics combining wooden pieces with a vinyl board and vice versa (wooden board with plastic pieces).*

[@deltatango2581]

I was able to obtain a plastic set, bag and a board that folds out into a four piece board. I belive I paid about 80$ all in all from House of Staunton. I don't particularly like the roll up boards, but everyone likes what they like. I wouldn't mind a nicer set, as I've had the one I've had now for about 8-10 yrs. I thought about gifting it to co-worker who is getting into chess. I believe the set I have is the Reykjavik. I belive it is double or triple weighted, as they are pretty heftyly weighted pieces.

[@AlSuChess]

You know, when I used to go to tournaments I carried the same set every week and I've grown to depend on that set, so when I finally decided to buy a better set, I realized that I like the old set more. Some of us are creatures of habit. If you gift your set to a coworker, that will give you a reason to buy a new chess set!

[@deltatango2581]

@@AlSuChess plus it encourages that person to want to play more. I also bought a smaller magnetic chess set that the pieces come in 2 bags. One for black, one for white. While it's not ideal for serious play, it's def ideal for study purposes w puzzles or pre tournament matches.

[@outdoorswithunclesergey6293]

👍 :-)

[@FrankieKato149]

Not even a super GM buys all that

[@tonyennis3008]

A totally workable plastic chess set is about $7. Think that 3 3/4" plastic set that everyone has and uses to play blitz. They're great.

[@jeraldmcgowin4162]

i thought you lived in Tampa

[@gurpreetmann6629]

India should have never invented the chess. It can get you hooked.

[@dauntae24]

Talking about the quality of chess pieces is silly.

[@vodolusofthewood2337]

I'm a silly guy

[@yakkyuu12]

In honesty -- the quality or vanity sets are NOT AT ALL the --MOST important thing! What is the most important part--- is your study and how you play the game- you can be an absolutely GREAT player and always use a plastic set!- more serious or less serious-- its all individual preference! The chess sets that are in the various woods and incredible craftsmanship --- DOES HAVE A PLACE-- and you GET to SEE it -- in FULL DISPLAY! The pieces REALLY are ART and craftsmanship! holding the woods and playing them --- you REALLY GET A FULL APPRECIATION for what you are playing! I could go into the carvings and details about weighting-- that would AT LEAST-- make YOU THINK about having a MORE CRITICAL EYE for what you are purchasing! The priority of what you want to spend your money on would very likely HELP you KNOW the VALUE of what YOU THINK-- is worth your hard earned money! Is it NECESSARY to own anything more than plastic set -- no-- it WILL NOT make you a better chess player! Just like owning a MONET or De Vinci will NOT make you a better painter, BUT--- if you OWNED ONE PAINTING from MONET--- you might stand in front of it EVERY DAY-- and just gaze at it in TOTAL APPRECIATION--- FOR YEARS TO COME! Guess what-- you CAN own your CRAFTED chess set--- for YEARS to COME-- and NO MATTER WHEN you pull it out--- you will feel the SAME way about it AND those who get to see it---- will ALSO appreciate it -----even many years from now! The BEST part-- that is so different from your MONET----- you GET TO ACTUALLY TOUCH AND ---USE- the crafted pieces and not just LOOK AT THEM!