With the advent of the internet and all of its conveniences, the ease and ability to find a great chess set became available to nearly ever person, from in the city to the remote areas of the country. Now you can have access to just about any type of set that is available, with the choice of being able to create your own match of chess pieces and board. Yes, buying a chess set online is a great proposition, if you are able to avoid these common mistakes.



1. Not buying from a chess shop

No other place on the internet will be able to provide the best experience for choosing a chess set than from a chess specialty shop. It will offer all in one options for chess equipment, should offer selection guides and help on an individual basis for selecting the right product.

2. Mismatching Materials

Metal chess set are impressive. Wood chess set are classic and distinct. Wood chess pieces on a metal chess board are less than attractive. Mixing marble pieces with a wood board is not a good idea either. Your chess set should be a well coordinated merging of materials. Metal pieces look best with leather and metal chess board. You can get away with an ebony board with a glossy finish. A set of wood pieces looks best with a wood board.

3. Not choosing the right dimensions

Paying attention to these details is important when you are selecting the pieces and the boards separately. The most important numbers are the King's base diameter, and the length of each square on the board. Really, the base just needs to be smaller than the square. Ideally, the square will 1.33 times larger than the base of the King, that ensures that the chess set will be well coordinated size wise.

4. Buying the cheapest set available

There is no rule that says that you must spend $500 or $1000 on a chess set. But, this is an investment in the long term. A well made chess set will last your lifetime if care is taken for it. Still, every little bit extra that you can put toward a set. The extra detail and care taken into that set will provide a better long term option. Pick a number and stick with it when selecting a chess set.

5. Not knowing how the set will be used

This is important if you are making a gift purchase. If the person is planning on playing regularly, a Staunton chess set would be the best bet, for familiarity for everyone playing. For tournament players, the restrictions on color difference and size of the pieces need to be taken in to account. Finally, when a gift is going to be used as part of the decor, any type of set will do, themed and Staunton.

Choosing a great chess set is an exciting proposition. Knowing how to do it is only half of the battle. You will have no problem selecting a set from the internet, now that you know what not to do.