The first purchasing tip: It is very simple to make sure you are satisfied with your purchase. Take some time and do a little work. Use the purpose you decide to use the chess board game for to guide you in this decision. Decorative, theme and travel chess sets, inspirational chess pieces for gifts and tournament chess for competition chess are only a few of the ideas for fun chess games. There are many more ideas or purposes for chess piece and board selections.
Secondly: If you want it to fit in with your home decor or home theme then you will pick the color or material that will fit in with your home. Stone and marble chess sets elegantly accent stone flooring, stone fireplaces, stone counters and other stone furnishings such as patios. The color of the chess set should accent or blend in with your home furnishings. There are decorative metal, glass and pewter chess pieces. They make particularly great gifts or office decor. When you buy them for your home make sure you match them with your home decor. Matching could be according to theme or purpose.
Next: Pick a theme chess set for your children that you can use to teach them history or about animals, hunting, love of sports, American or European battles, ancient battles, cultures, countries, heroes, mythical heroes or an appreciation for art. Children and adults too, get inspired by learning through playing board games. If your children are just beginning to learn to play chess you would want one that they will respect, have fun playing with and be eager to learn the chess game with.
Furthermore: Travel chess sets are great to keep minds occupied and make the time go faster while traveling. Since chess keeps the mind sharp in learning strategies, it is a great way to teach a child character and ethics. Games are the best way to improve communication and thinking skills.
Lastly: To purchase chess sets for tournament competition look for a classic style that chess clubs would use. Federal regulation specifications are 3 3/4 inch size, 2 1/4 inch squares on a 20 inch chess board. The classical style of the Staunton Chess Sets is the favorite competition style.
In summary: The possibilities in choices are limitless but it takes time to make good choices. When you answer the question of what the purpose of your chess set is, you are ready to buy. It is a great idea to make your purchase a wise one and save you the headache of disappointments.