Chess set pieces: Tradition And Innovation

 

 

 

Over the years, many changes have been suggested to the game of chess, in the guise of advances or enhancements. These have included:

• Spherical  chess, involving playing on eight super-imposed boards to provide a third dimension;
• Playing the contest on two boards separated by a screen and mutually invisible – known as ‘Kriegspiel’;
• ‘Chess a la Marseillaise’ in which the players each play two consecutive moves during their turn; 
• ‘Dice Chess’, where the throw of a dice controls when a piece is moved.

Some may be tempted to scoff at these ideas, thinking that chess as it has been played for generations still has sufficient fascination for amateur and experienced layers alike.  

It is true that, solving the many technical and strategic problems a game presents still makes for great variety and interest.  We must remember though that the chess we play today is actually the result of developments and innovations introduced throughout the centuries that the game has been played.

Whatever we think, there can be no doubt that working out how to deploy our chess set pieces will always engage the mind, providing stimulation and enjoyment for players of all ages and abilities.  It is never too late to get involved in chess.  Why don’t you look at the chess sets online at ChessSetHeaven.com. There you will find an excellent selection of themed chess sets and you could soon find yourself the proud owner of a lovely carved chess set.

Using Your Carved Chess Set – The Middle Game

Now you have your new carved chess set, you will want to start developing and improving your game.

 

If you want to win at chess, the important thing is always to be able to see further ahead than your opponent. Some specific advice to bear in mind is:

 

·      Attacking will give you the advantage.

·      Don’t make things too complicated for yourself and use your chess set pieces economically

·      A threat made has more power than carrying it out will do. 

 

It is important to always keep in mind the relative value and individual strength of each of your chess set pieces.  You should take note of the following:

 

·      The King is the most important piece, on which the result of the game depends.  It is vital to keep the King out of range, in a place of safety.

·      The Queen is a powerful piece and should not be made vulnerable by a too hasty sortie.

·      The Rook is a strong piece and, by being placed behind a pawn, can be used in the middle game to support the pawn and help it advance.

·      The Bishop is of lesser arithmetic value than the Rook but dynamically superior to the Knight. The beginner should avoid exchanging a Bishop against a Knight if it is not essential. 

·      Beware that the Knight is the piece often handled the least well by players of all standards.

·      Look after your Pawns  - each sacrifice is likely to add to the dynamics of the game and your eight infantrymen are not an inexhaustible army.

 

If this whets your appetite for chess and you don’t have a set, why don’t you buy a chess set from ChessSetHeaven.com where you can find a great selection, with one to suit everyone.

 

By Jillian Lovejoy

Making The Most Of Your New Carved Chess Set – Being A Good Opponent

You have treated yourself to a carved chess set. To you, it is the best chess set - the one you have been wanting for ages. So, how do you get the most of your new acquisition?

A really important aspect of playing chess is making sure that you are a correct as well as an agreeable player, in other words, the ideal opponent. Here is some advice to bear in mind.

Within reason, you should allow your opponent time to think about his or her moves, without being disturbed. Be sure not to distract, criticize or bother them in any way.

When it is your turn, do not rush at your move. Rather, make sure that you have paid due attention to all the possibilities and implications, before making your decision. However, you should also avoid over-lengthy deliberation.

It is important to know yourself and to control any unhelpful characteristics and make the most of your qualities. Don’t under-estimate your opponent but equally, don’t be daunted by them if they appear very confident. Above all, be generous in defeat and modest in victory.

Go to ChessSetHeaven.com to find a wide range of chess sets for sale.

Themed Chess Sets – Winnie-The-Pooh

When you are looking for a carved chess set you may think initially about some of the classic designs you have seen. Did you realize though that it is possible to buy chess sets based on a wide range of themes?  These include well-beloved stories and characters from our childhood.

If you want to introduce your children to chess, or bring back happy childhood memories, the best chess set for you could be one available through ChessSetHeaven.com based on that favourite bear Winnie-The-Pooh and his friends.

Discover once more the beloved characters of A.A. Milne from the enchanting and captivating world he created in the 1920s.  It is true that your chess set Tigger won’t bounce and you won’t find Piglet talking to you in his squeaky voice. But, for those of us who read about Pooh and his friends before seeing them on film, that is nothing that cannot be cured by a good imagination – aided of course by the delightful illustrations of E.H. Shepard in the various books published about Pooh.

You might also feel motivated to recall some of the Hums of Pooh (first published in 1929) when you settle down to play your game of chess.

Go to ChessSetHeaven.com to make your purchase from their Chess store.

Chess Sets Online: The Three Phases Of Chess

 

The 32 chess set pieces represent material, one of three elements within a game of chess. The others are space or territory, represented by the 64 squares and time, represented by the moves.

 

Time can be divided into three main phases, namely the opening, the middle-game and the end-game.   In the opening of the chess game, both players are focused on developing their forces. The players then move on into the middle-game.  This is where the battle is at its height and their forces reduce.  That diminution of forces decreases the danger of a ‘mate’ during the end-game. However, during that phase, the opponents must take great care and precision over every move, as it is very easy to make mistakes and very hard to make amends for any unwise decisions.  For those who are interested in finding out more, it is worth looking more closely at some of the World champions to learn from their expertise in end-game play.

 

It is important to emphasise that there is no clear demarcation between the phases and the distinction between them is in no way clear-cut.  In some games, a sudden and early termination can stop the middle-game happening at all!

 

Increase your own enjoyment of chess by treating yourself to a carved chess set from the selection of chess sets for sale at ChessSetHeaven.com.

 

By Jillian Lovejoy

Buy Chess Sets: Chess – A Game To Exercise The Mind

Buy a chess set and you can enter into an absorbing world of intellectual battles that stimulate your mind and tax your wits.

Chess has been likened to a real battle in which two kings, face to face, are surrounded by their respective armies. That is nonsense though as, in chess, the opposing sides start out as equal and chess set pieces operate in an ordered world of rules. Casualties of the game are not harmed – unless you are talking about the Wizard Chess depicted by JK Rowling in the world of Harry Potter.   

The word ‘Mate’ is Arabic and signifies (the King is) dead.  The object of every game of chess is to mate the adversary.  That means, capture the King or enforce surrender.  However, a King cannot be captured or place himself en prise (where he would be captured in the following move). Mate is therefore a position in which the King has to surrender, as the enemy would capture him on the next move.  Subtle tactics and mental exertions are required to get to that point and chess is the perfect way to keep your mind active.

So, buy a chess set for yourself or for friends and family. A great selection of themed chess sets is available at ChessSetHeaven.com so take a look now to find the best one for you.

By Jillian Lovejoy

The Royal Chess Set Pieces

When it comes to chess set pieces, the King and Queen take centre stage.

Rules govern how and where each of the pieces can move. As befits his rank, the majestic King can move in any direction and only advances one square at a time. His majesty imposes on him a special restriction. He is not allowed to move onto a square where he would be en prise, which means where the opponent could capture him on his next move.

The Queen moves in the same direction as the King but without any restriction on distance. This lack of restriction was a favour afforded the King’s consort in the fifteenth century. It is interesting to note that, originally, this piece was not called the Queen, but a Minister. The Persians followed the Indians in becoming proficient at chess and the Minister in Persian was called a Vizier or Ferz. In the Latin of the Middle Ages this became Fercia, followed by the French Vierge, then finally, amongst those with Latin origins, Dame or Queen.

It is fascinating to see the way these royal chess set pieces have been interpreted in themed chess sets. If you are looking to find a set for your own use or as a gift that can be handed down through generations, visit ChessSetHeaven.com for a range of chess sets for sale that will suit you perfectly.

By Jill Lovejoy