A Guide to Chess Sets

Algebriac Notation, 2 Extra Queens, Staunton Chessmen

※ Why do some chessboards have numbers & alphabets on the side?

The alphabets and numbers help with recording games for subsequent review, as well as re-enacting guides in chess
books, using the language of chess - algebraic notation. For example, "queen captures the other player's piece at
square d2 with check" is written as 'Qxd2+'. Having algebraic notation on the board is thus highly recommended (es-
pecially for budding players).

※ Why do some chess sets come with 2 extra queens?

The extra queens are for pawn promotion (when a pawn can be exchanged for a queen once it reaches the opposite
end of the board). It's not absolutely necessary for a set to have 2 extra queens, as some players use an inverted rook
as a substitute. In most cases, captured rooks are usually available for use as extra queens when pawn promotions
occur. However, most players prefer having a 'real' queen. Hence, some sets come with 2 extra queens - one for each
side.

※ What are the Staunton Chessmen and how do they look like?
The Staunton design dates back to 1849 and became widely adopted for its simplicity and elegance. There are a vari-
ety of Staunton styles, with variations centering around the knight's design. For reference, here's the original design
introduced by the Jaques of London chess store (below). For more on the history of Staunton Chessmen, here's an
excellent article from the Smithsonian magazine: link

© Wikimedia Commons
 Tournament-Sized Chess Sets

※ What are the notable features of tournament-sized sets?

The International Chess Federation (FIDE)'s guidelines (link) on tournament-sizing are motivated by player comfort. As
such, tournament-sized sets are characterised by:

• Appropriate spacing between chessmen

• Appropriate sizing
• Stability and comfort of moving chessmen during play

In other words, tournament-sized sets are neither overcrowded with chessmen nor overly sparse, too big nor too small
as a whole, and not too lightweight. For reference, here are the FIDE guidelines:

FIDE Guidelines

Chessmen King Queen Bishop Knight Rook Pawn

Height (mm) 95 85 70 60 55 50
Base diameter-Height ratio - 40% to 50% -
Weight - Suitable for comfortable moving and stability -
* Variation guideline: ± 10% from the above

Chessboard
Square size 50 to 60 mm
Pawn base diameter-Square size ratio 2.00

※ Is getting a tournament-sized set a must?

No. However, tournament-sized sets tend to be the most comfortable on the eye, especially for long games. Besides
tournament-sized sets, analysis-sized ones are also popular. These are proportionately smaller (King height ~7 cm;
Square size ~ 5 cm) and are ideal for reviewing games or following chess books as they are easier to fit on a study
table.

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