OTB Chess Sets

I have been searching for a board to play OTB with and there are so many different sites that I am totally confused. I would like to actually handle the pieces and the board but there are no hobby/game stores anywhere near me that carry anything. I'd like spend about 200 to 300 dollars. The other option is to simply get a decent tournament set and start playing for under $50. In your opinion, as an heirloom set that I would pass on to my kids or grandkids... what price range do you think is reasonable? Do the really nice sets start at closer to $500? My youngest is 7 and playing him is probably reason enough to spend no more than $50 at this point in time. I'll entertain any suggestions.

http://www.houseofstaunton.com/


Although you will see some of the dearest chess sets you've ever seen on this site, they also have sets at very reasonable prices.

I fancy the tournament kit (high end), and the board Fischer v Spassky used ($300 ish, but i'm adult and boy toy enough to like that sort of thing).

i'd say 200 to 300 is enough. some of the higher priced items are basically because they are made by a certain designer not that they are any better. http://www.thechessstore.com/category/015.1.100/
the more expensive chess sets are made out of different kinds of wood that have a distinct pattern to them. you could buy a nice board for home and then a board that you could take to places and not worry about it if it gets stolen because it was only 30 bucks.

Originally posted by kmac27
i'd say 200 to 300 is enough. some of the higher priced items are basically because they are made by a certain designer not that they are any better. http://www.thechessstore.com/category/015.1.100/
the more expensive chess sets are made out of different kinds of wood that have a distinct pattern to them. you could buy a nice board for home and then a board ...[text shortened]... you could take to places and not worry about it if it gets stolen because it was only 30 bucks.

I have a very nice set at home that is a custom board that was hand-made to my specifications using woods from near where I grew up. On that board I use the 4.4 inch Ebony Parthenon set from House of Staunton.

That set is my pride and joy, so not just anyone gets to play on it. If I am playing someone kind of rough, or young, I have a knock-off set from India that is a 4.75 inch Red Sandalwood Staunton set with some nice looking bridled knights. The finish on the knock-off set is not nearly as nice as the HoS.

But, neither of those ever leave the house. For travel I have the 'mousepad' rollup board and one of the heavily weighted plastic sets from HoS. I wouldn't like to lose or damage this set, but it wouldn't be traumatic shock if it happened.

i'm looking into a travel chess set that is wooden and is a magnetic board. you can play at home or take it on the road. it could be fun for when you and your family go somewhere. you can play chess while someone else drives.😀

I appreciate all the replies. House of Staunton has been a site that I've visited frequently lately. There are several sets that I like and they seem to have a great reputation. At first I was enamored with the ebony sets, but I'm starting to like the rosewood because you can see more character in the wood itself. It's a tough decision... I'm also afraid that I'll want more than one set if I end up buying a nice one. After all, I have two children and they'll both need one someday! 🙂

Originally posted by Snave
I appreciate all the replies. House of Staunton has been a site that I've visited frequently lately. There are several sets that I like and they seem to have a great reputation. At first I was enamored with the ebony sets, but I'm starting to like the rosewood because you can see more character in the wood itself. It's a tough decision... I'm also afraid t ...[text shortened]... p buying a nice one. After all, I have two children and they'll both need one someday! 🙂