Chess sets - Novelty and standard

Simpson Chess
by Cardinal Industries

= Fun = Educational = Durability

Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Box Size (in inches): 12.4 x 12.2 x 3.3

The Simpson's play Chess?
Reviewer: Stephen K. from USA

    This is an excellent gift idea for anybody! This chess set is definitely gets an A+ for fun! Even if you're not a Simpson's fan or haven't heard much about them, this set wonderfully symbolizes the intelligence of the family. Homer is crowned with a beer in his hand while Marge stands taller than the king himself with a rose close to her chest. There is Bart as the bishop, Lisa as the rook, Krusty as the knight, and Maggie portrayed as the pawn. I am surprised, however, that Flanders was not the Bishop. After all, he is the holiest of people, the most spiritual to spirits, and the most faithful of all God's faithless souls!
I was asked to rank this toy on an educational level and I gave it four stars. I did so because it is a game of chess. Simply, chess is an educational game that increases your sense of logic and reasoning. Although it is the Simpson's that we are talking about, the fact that if a person can play well with these pieces without mixing them up with confusion, then I think you've accomplished something. Skill. As with any chess pieces that are represented by other characters or symbols, you obtain a good sense of awareness and strategy.
  This toy is a very fun toy and I would recommend it to anyone, ESPECIALLY if they enjoy watching the Simpson's. It is fun to play, fun to watch, and fun to display. Friends should definitely be impressed with this chess set!

Pavilion Solid Wood Chess Board
by Toys 'R' Us

= Fun = Educational = Durability

Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Box Size (in inches): 11.8 x 11.7 x 2.7

Solid Wooden Chess Set
Reviewer: pamibclc from Savannah, GA

   You cannot beat the quality of this chess set for the price. I have paid more for chess sets that have boards made out of cardboard! Every piece of this set is made from wood. The only thing that would make this set better is if it came with something to store the pieces in, course it would probably not be as great a value then. This is a good set for beginners and pros alike.

Pavilion Glass Chess Set
by Toys 'R' Us

= Fun = Educational = Durability

Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Box Size (in inches): 17.1 x 16.9 x 3.1
 

Reviewer: paxbear from Cleveland, OH USA

  Chess is one of those rare games that you can play thousands of times over and never have the same game twice!! It's a game that is well over a thousand years old, but is as much fun now as it was 200 or 400 years ago.

   Chess sets are usually wooden or plastic, and generally, if you've seen one, you've seen them all-- most folk don't openly display their plastic pieces on the board at all times as a decoration. Fancier pieces, carved in the shapes of warring armies, for example, are usually profoundly expensive.

   This glass chess set combines function and form in an aesthetically beautiful set of clear and frosted glass on a standard 8x8 chessboard. (I've seen boards like this in gaming stores selling for $100 and over!).

   To the best of my knowledge, neither the board nor the pieces are made of tempered or safety glass, so if the board breaks, it will likely be into sharp, jagged pieces. However, glass is actually much more resilient than it looks, and as long as you're not overtly mishandling the board or pieces, you shouldn't have to worry about breakage.

   It's a beautiful set for the beginner or grandmaster (though obviously best left out of the reach of small children!), and you certainly can't beat the price!! Highly recommended for those looking for a good-looking, displayable board that is more eye-catching than your standard wooden or plastic pieces.

Harry Potter Wizard Chess
by Arco Toys Ltd

= Fun = Educational = Durability

Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Box Size (in inches): 10.7 x 10.5 x 2.5
Shipping weight: 2.25 pounds.

Keep the kids in mind
Reviewer: Donna S. from Pensacola, FL

 Fact: This is a chess set designed to look like the chess set portrayed in the Harry Potter movies.

Fact: This set is designed for, marketed for, and intended for use by children. Nowhere does it claim to be a "professional" or "regulation" chess set.

  With that said, I'm amazed at all of the complaints concerning the game's contents. Yes, the board is a folding board, and yes, the pieces are larger than normal. It's designed that way for a reason. Would I purchase it for myself? No, because I prefer professional grade chess sets to collect.

  I bought it for my KIDS, and they love it. It looks just like the one Harry & Ron played, and while the pieces do not automatically destroy each other, they have put hours of relatively quiet time into learning and playing the game of chess.... something they had no interest in until this game was purchased for them.

  I highly recommend buying this product if you have kids as I'm sure they will love it. They don't care that some pieces are a bit awkward, nor that the board folds. They care that it's a "Wizard's" chess set just like Harry Potter's. My kids are happy with it, and in the end, that's all that matters.

Hand Crafted Walnut 18" Chess Board
by Drueke Company

 = Fun = Educational = Durability

Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Box Size (in inches): 23.9 x 21.4 x 3.7
Shipping weight: 10.05 pounds.

Superior craftsmanship, truly top-shelf.
Reviewer: JEREMY D Z. from Round Lake Beach, IL USA

    If you really like chess and you would like to have a set that is both functional and beautiful, Drueke is the way to go. They are about the only manufacturer of high quality chess equipment left in America. The dark squares and trim are American Black Walnut, and the light squares are Aspen. The part that is really great is that it is made from solid blocks of wood. Most decent chess boards are veneered, which means that there is a very thin layer of nice wood glued on top of some very cheap wood. This is not such a bad idea, as chessboards do not get heavy duty use. These higher end Drueke models are solid though. Even though it's not necessary, it just exudes a feeling of quality. It is heavy and solid. If you turn it over, it is just as well finished on the B side as the top. If you don't like the sawed trim treatment on the top side, flip it over. The walnut is simply beautiful. I'm embarassed to admit it, but this chessboard is the most beautiful piece of furniture in my house. :) If you pair it up with a set of Drueke pieces of appropriate size you will truly have an heirloom piece. Please note that if you want something for tournament use or something super rugged, you would be better served by a set of solid plastic pieces and a roll-up tournament size mat board, and for about 1/10 the cost.

    It is kind of like this coffee table analogy: You could have a coffee table made from cinder blocks and a piece of plywood, but it doesn't really give you that pride of ownership that a fine piece would. Yes, it will serve you well for as long as you can stand to look at it. However, you just don't look at it and get a warm feeling inside. You won't go out of your way to show it to people. This is your opportunity to own something of very high quality for not too much money. Yes, I know that $100+ is a lot for a chess set, but it isn't a lot for fine furniture or something nice to display which also shows you have a good mind to go with your good taste. I can't really think of enough good things to say about this board. If you have a lasting interest in chess, buy this. You will not regret it. The only decision is what size to get. Mine is a 'Grandmaster' model, the one with 2.25" squares for tournament size chessmen. A wise man once said: "Buy once, cry once. Buy cheap, buy twice."

World Chess Hall of Fame Collector's Edition Windsor
by Excalibur Electronics

Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order.
A separate shipping charge will also apply.
Box Size (in inches): 22.2 x 22.2 x 4.3
Shipping weight: 11.7 pounds

Description:

    Stunning maple wood board and some of the finest hand carved wooden chess pieces from India. Highly polished pieces are double weighted for a heft you can feel. Each chess piece is hand turned on a lathe and hand sanded by highly skilled Indian craftsmen. Pieces are then lacquered to a silky smooth finish in deep rich colors to bring out the details and beauty the natural wood. A weight base prevents accidental tip over while green felt bottom cushions and protects the pieces and board.

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