Asking for advice on chess set color • page 1/2 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

Hello,

I wanted to ask some advice concerning the matching between a chess board and a set of pieces.

My father has a beautiful chess board he never uses because it's very big (square: 6cm) and he hasn't got pieces big enough. I think I found the right set of pieces to buy him for his birthday, but... The white pieces are the same color of the dark squares, while the black pieces are black.

Of course I realize this isn't against any rule whatsoever, and I even found online at least a chess set with the same "unusual" combination: https://www.houseofstaunton.com/the-reykjavik-ii-series-prestige-chess-set-and-board-combination-14998.html

As you see, the lighter set of pieces (the "white" ones) are very similar to the dark squares, while usually they are similar (or often identical) to the light ones.

Again, I can see that chess-wise this is not a problem whatsoever, but... What do you think? Would it be a problem for you? Would you find it "strange" to play over that board? Would it confuse you?

Hello, I wanted to ask some advice concerning the matching between a chess board and a set of pieces. My father has a beautiful chess board he never uses because it's very big (square: 6cm) and he hasn't got pieces big enough. I think I found the right set of pieces to buy him for his birthday, but... The white pieces are the same color of the dark squares, while the black pieces are black. Of course I realize this isn't against any rule whatsoever, and I even found online at least a chess set with the same "unusual" combination: https://www.houseofstaunton.com/the-reykjavik-ii-series-prestige-chess-set-and-board-combination-14998.html As you see, the lighter set of pieces (the "white" ones) are very similar to the dark squares, while usually they are similar (or often identical) to the light ones. Again, I can see that chess-wise this is not a problem whatsoever, but... What do you think? Would it be a problem for you? Would you find it "strange" to play over that board? Would it confuse you?

saurabhsangeeth

#2

If it's not a surprise, the best choice is to ask your father and tbh no matter how the set looks like people will get used to it after a few games

wedekind_87

#3

That's the problem! It has to be a surprise...

anthropomorphization

#4

Well, I guess it would be a little weird for me to play using that set however I would get used to it after playing a few games and it would even be better to play with such combination because to be honest, it's damn aesthetic and it feels really nostalgic

RubiksCuber23

#5

I think it will be just fine honestly. and if it isnt, you can always get those dollarama paint sets ;) (jk)

saurabhsangeeth

#6

@RubiksCuber23 said in #5:

I think it will be just fine honestly. and if it isnt, you can always get those dollarama paint sets ;) (jk)
That thing is $700+

@RubiksCuber23 said in #5: > I think it will be just fine honestly. and if it isnt, you can always get those dollarama paint sets ;) (jk) That thing is $700+

Marley_Desforges

#7

I would find it fine.

ungewichtet edited

#8

For me, it would be confusing. In your link example from #1 ( https://www.houseofstaunton.com/the-reykjavik-ii-series-prestige-chess-set-and-board-combination-14998.html ) one side's pieces are very distinct from both square colours, while one side is more less blending in with one square colour.
I couldn't say it is harder to play White or against White, it is just harder for both players to see the white pieces on that board. Which isn't necessary and makes it a questionable choice.
While, if the pieces you found themselves are fantastic and likely to please your father, it is worth a try. Not $700's worth, I guess, but a reasonable amount :)
Can you take the board to the seller and have a look or is it online trade?

I am really having a hard time imagining the opposite case.. like, the dark pieces so light, that they are lighter than the light squares ;(

For me, it would be confusing. In your link example from #1 ( https://www.houseofstaunton.com/the-reykjavik-ii-series-prestige-chess-set-and-board-combination-14998.html ) one side's pieces are very distinct from both square colours, while one side is more less blending in with one square colour. I couldn't say it is harder to play White or against White, it is just harder for both players to see the white pieces on that board. Which isn't necessary and makes it a questionable choice. While, if the pieces you found themselves are fantastic and likely to please your father, it is worth a try. Not $700's worth, I guess, but a reasonable amount :) Can you take the board to the seller and have a look or is it online trade? I am really having a hard time imagining the opposite case.. like, the dark pieces so light, that they are lighter than the light squares ;(

Alientcp

#9

@wedekind_87 said in #1:

The white pieces are the same color of the dark squares, while the black pieces are black.

What?

Kinda weird. If you are buying from Staunton i think you can choose the color of the pieces. You can ask for standard ivory for white and red/browish for black.

Else that color works fine and look for a set elsewhere.

@wedekind_87 said in #1: >The white pieces are the same color of the dark squares, while the black pieces are black. What? Kinda weird. If you are buying from Staunton i think you can choose the color of the pieces. You can ask for standard ivory for white and red/browish for black. Else that color works fine and look for a set elsewhere.

#10