World Chess

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

CHESS SETS

Chess is one of the most popular board games of the world. It is a game that is played on a regular board, with plastic pieces. However there are many players that prefer to use a unique chess set, and take pride in owning it. There is no steadfast proof of the origin of the game of chess. However it is known that chess was played by people in Persia, India and China; only to spread to the Middle East, Spain and the rest of Europe. It is inferred that the different chess sets originated from the different countries the game traveled to.You find many types of chess sets that accommodate the needs of different chess players. The chess sets can be made of various materials like wood, marble, ivory or glass. Some of these chess sets have magnetic pieces and are small in size, making it convenient for playing when traveling and on trips. A typical chess set consists of sixteen pieces where each part represents a part of medieval life. The weakest pieces of the chess set are the pawns which represent the peasants who were always considered unimportant people. These eight chess pieces are usually used as sacrifices. There are two rooks or castles, the represent home and sanctuary. You find two bishops that represent priests that are more valuable than knights. There are two knights in a chess set that represents soldiers that were held in high esteem. The most powerful piece found on the chess set is the queen; however though it is a strong chess piece; it is the king of the chess set that has to be protected by hook or by crook. The loss of the king indicates the end of the game. It is not easy to create a fine chess set. It is required to have lots of skill and craftsmanship to create a chess set worth remembering. Glass, stone and wooden chess sets are created using maximum artistry. There are many rare chess sets in the world that are great collector’s items. Of course, the rare chess sets are the most expensive chess sets while the different types of chess sets have different rates. The most expensive chess sets are the ivory chess sets and crystal chess sets. The cheapest chess sets are the plastic chess sets that are available in toy stores. If you want exquisite chess sets, you can find them only in hobby shops and perhaps on the internet. There are many sites on the internet offering both exquisite and ordinary chess sets. You have to use search engines on the internet to find the right site to buy your chess set from. Make sure that you buy from a reliable and known shop; so that you will receive the chess set you want, in good condition. You have to choose the chess set according to the reason you are buying the chess set for. If you want a chess set to play everyday, it is better to buy a wooden or plastic chess set that is least probable to break. However if the chess set is meant to be for display, and a collector’s piece, then you can afford to buy one of the more expensive and fragile chess sets like the crystal chess set.

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