Chess Equipment : Chess Sets, Boards, and Clocks

Chess can fit any budget. A chess set is the bare minimum. Add a clock for blitz fun.

It's possible to play chess without any equipment at all -- call it double blindfold -- but it makes the game a lot less taxing on the brain if you have the proper accessories. On this page, you'll find introductory information about chess sets, pieces, boards, and clocks, plus a few other items specific to tournament use.

Chess is right for any budget. The cost for a complete chess set runs from as little as a few dollars for a plastic and cardboard set to many thousands of dollars for a well-made collector set.

Chess set usually means a board plus pieces. Some players say set to mean just the pieces. Sets can be bought as a board together with pieces or assembled by combining a board with separate pieces.

The important thing about a chess set is that it be esthetically pleasing. The size and color of the pieces should match the size and color of the squares on the board.

Interested in something specific? See the link Product:Equipment for addresses of online suppliers.

[Photos reprinted with permission of ChessExpress.com.]