Chess is a game played by two players. The game is played on a square chessboard, which has 64 squares in a eight by eight formation. Each person playing the game has sixteen pieces: a king, a queen, two knights, two rooks, two bishops, and eight pawns.
Watch the moves you make on chess boards
The object of the game is to “check-mate” your opponent’s king. Each chess piece has rules about when and where they can move on the chessboard, which adds a level of strategy and difficulty to the game.
Chessmen are normally carved from wood, but can be also sculpted from ivory or stone. Form and function combine to make a gorgeous hand-carved chess set a beautiful addition to any collection or home display.
One of the biggest items that can be found on auction sites today are vintage staunton chess sets. They make a great collector’s item because of the intricate artwork and carving that craftsmen incorporate for each of the individual pieces.
Every game of chess is like a story. A pawn sneaks towards “no man’s land” and sees another pawn. A knight leaps to keep the pawn safe and a bishop righteously slips out to make sure there are no unforeseen problems.
Every member of the chess set has a way of moving and is part of the story–all the way to until the king gets knocked down. When you play chess, you get to watch the narrative unfold.
You guess what will happen next and sometimes you are correct. Sometimes you don’t see that sneaky rook as it makes off with your queen. Ooh that hurts!! If you enjoy stories, you’ll enjoy playing chess and making up your own stories.
To many, chess is far more than a game. Chess is a philosophy, a logic puzzle, and an art all at once. For others, electronic chess is a great way to match wits with themselves, a partner, or a computer. Myself if I’m on the road I prefer some type of travel chess set compared to an electronic version.
For others, however, the tactile part of real chess sets is an integral part of the experience. Not only that, but many things of interactive play in person are non-existant if the chess is electronic. The interaction with a flesh and blood opponent is for some the most critical part of the experience.
