The Different Types of Chess Boards You Can Choose From Amy Smith, September 28, 2022December 12, 2023 The Different Types of Chess Boards You Can Choose From Image Source: Freepik One of the most classic games ever invented is chess. This game of strategy has been around for centuries and shows no signs of going away anytime soon. When it comes to playing chess, one of the most important choices you will have to make is what kind of board you want to use. If you are in the market for a chess board, you have many different options to choose from. The most popular type of chess board is made of wood, but you can also find boards made of plastic, glass, metal, marble, and stone. You can even have a custom board made to your specifications. Each type of board has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs. Wooden Chess Boards One option that many people choose is a wooden chess board. Wooden boards offer a classic look and feel, and they can be very high quality. However, there are also some potential downsides to using a wooden board. For one thing, they can be more expensive than other options. Additionally, they may require more maintenance, as they can warp or crack over time if they are not properly cared for. Plastic Chess Boards Plastic boards are a more budget-friendly option, but they lack the solid feel of a wooden board. They can easily break but are great for beginner chess players. You can purchase an inexpensive one for a child and upgrade to a nicer board once they are old enough to truly care for it properly. Glass Chess Boards Glass boards offer a sleek and modern look. They are easy to clean but they can be fragile and difficult to transport. Glass boards are made thicker so they won’t break as easily as traditional glass would, however, if it were to break, that could be a serious danger for a child. Metal Chess Boards Metal boards are incredibly durable but can be quite heavy. They are a good choice for people who travel frequently as they can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. They are also great for outdoor use as they won’t warp in the sun or crack in the cold as wood or plastic boards can. Marble and Stone Chess Boards Marble or stone chess boards offer a luxurious look and feel. They can be quite expensive but are very beautiful. They also require some special care, as they can stain easily. Custom-Made Chess Boards Custom boards offer the ultimate in personalization, but they come at a premium price unless you order from a company like Alibaba. Oftentimes, buying custom chess sets is the best option because you can customize it exactly the way you want it. You can choose what material the board and chess pieces are made out of. You can also customize the chess pieces to have magnetic bottoms to make them more secure. A game of chess can get pretty intense. If a child comes and bumps the table on accident, the entire game can be ruined. Customizing the board with magnetic bottoms will make all the difference for avid chess players. A custom-made chess board seems like the best decision to make simply because you can take the best parts of all the different types of boards to make the ultimate customized board with all pros and no cons! Consider the size, not just material Another factor to consider is size. Some chessboards are designed for standard tournament play, while others are sized for travel or storage. If you plan to take your chessboard with you on vacation, make sure it will fit in your suitcase! If you’re short on storage space, look for a board that folds up or comes with storage drawer. What about the chess pieces? While the board is the most important part of playing chess, the pieces are what make the game so fun. You can find chess sets made out of all sorts of materials, from wood to plastic to metal. You can also find themed chess sets with different designs, such as medieval or pirate-themed pieces. If you’re looking for a more unique set, you can even have a custom set made just for you. Final Thoughts No matter what type of chess board or set you to choose, make sure it’s the right size for you and that you like the way it looks. After all, you’ll be staring at it for hours while you play! Share on FacebookTweetFollow usSave Life chesschess boardsdifferent types of chess boardsglass chessplastic chess boardswooden chess boards