#chess sets

[chessforhumans]

Chess sets from the collection of Jon Crumiller

exhibited at the World Chess Hall of Fame from May 3, 2013 - September 15, 2013 with captions by the collector.

Lyon Bone Set, Late 18th or early 19th Century

France Bone King: 3 1/4 in. Photo © Michael DeFilippo Chess sets like this one, with bone trimmings and finials, are known as the Lyon style. In this case, the light pieces are made of bone and the dark pieces made of wood with bone accents; in other Lyon style sets, stained wood is used as the base material for both sides.

Irish Killarney Set and Board, c. 1875

Ireland Wood 20 x 20 in. Photos © Bruce M. White, 2013 This chess set and board were crafted in Killarney, located in southwest Ireland, for the burgeoning tourist trade, which began in the mid-1700s when local nobility developed the area as an Irish answer to England’s Lake District. To this day, tourism remains by far the city’s largest industry. The set is an example of “Killarneyware,” a term given to furniture and other artwork from the region that shares the same distinctive style. The shamrock designs around the edge of the board, as well as the use of arbutus and yew wood for the board and pieces, are typical of the area.

Turkish-Style Carved Ivory Set, c. 1900

Possibly Turkey Ivory King: 5 1/4 in. Photo © Bailey Dolenc The kings, queens, and bishops in this Turkish-style chess set are depicted through botanical forms atop elongated pedestals, rather than figural portrayals. Beaded decoration adorns the round bases of the kings and queens. The knights are horses’ heads with raised manes, while the rooks are pierced turrets, or small towers. The kings, queens, bishops, and pawns in this set resemble their corresponding pieces in tulip-style chess sets.

Italian Good-versus-Evil Ivory Set and Chessboard Replica, 18th Century

Italy Pieces: Ivory, King: 5 1/4 in. Replica Board: Wood, horn, faux ivory Board: 21 1/4 x 21 1/4 in. Photo © Bruce M. White, 2013 Satyrs led by Mephistopheles in red face off against a pious group of figures, led by a saintly king and queen in this set, which embodies the theme of good versus evil. The good pawns are putti holding symbols of the virtues of love and charity, while the evil pawns are imps that represent sins like greed. The evil bishops hold open copies of Dante Alighieri’s epic allegorical poem The Inferno, which tells of the Roman poet Virgil’s journey through the different circles of hell. They are opposed to the staid good bishops, who carry the Bible. The evil knights ride goats, animals associated with sin, rather than horses, like the knights on the side of good. The evil queen poses seductively, an embodiment of lust in stark contrast with her virtuous counterpart. This set sits atop a replica of the original board.

Old English Wooden Set, Mid-18th Century

England Wood King: 3 1/4 in. Box: 8 3/4 x 5 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. Photo © Michael DeFilippo The Old English style set reached the height of its popularity in the eighteenth century. This set, made of wood, is less upscale than the other Old English set in the exhibition, which is made of ivory. This set is displayed with a box that is not original to the set. The former owner of the box carved his or her initials and the year 1748 into the box’s surface.

Edel Style German Wooden Set, Mid-19th Century

Germany Wood King: 4 1/4 in. Photo © Michael DeFilippo Floral motifs abound in this set, which has tiered decorations of open buds on its pieces. It is made in the style of Michael Edel, a designer and creator of chess sets who lived in Munich, Germany, in the nineteenth century. The rooks, which resemble the bell towers of churches, are characteristic of his work. Sets like these were turned and carved in multiple parts, then assembled by a craftsman.

Selenus Bone and Horn Set, Mid-19th Century

Germany Bone and horn King: 4 in. Photo © Michael DeFilippo Urn motifs abound in this set, appearing on the bases of each of the pieces, as well as on the top of the bishop and inside the tower on the rook. The tiers of decoration on the kings and queens resemble open flowers or crowns. Selenus style sets resemble a set in an illustration by Jacob van de Hayden in Das Schach oder Konig-Spiel, a well-known book about chess written in 1616 by Gustavus Selenus.

French 18th Century Wooden Set, 1765-1775

France Boxwood King: 3 1/2 in Photo © Michael DeFilippo The contrasting poses of the bust-length figures add a sense of motion to this French boxwood chess set. The kings, queens, bishops and knights are supported by baluster stems decorated with petals on their bases. The rooks are represented by lighthouses, while the pawns are budded flowers atop balusters. The kings wear laurel wreaths, symbols of victory and power.

Italian Marble and Basalt Bust Chess Set, c. 1875-1900

Italy Marble, Basalt and granite with bronze mounts King: 3 1/4 in. Photo © Bruce M. White, 2013 Beautifully carved busts of basalt and yellow marble sit atop fluted columns in this chess set, which was probably created during the late nineteenth century. The gold side likely represents the Sasanian Persian Empire, while the dark side, carved from an igneous rock called basalt, possibly represents the Byzantine or Greek Christian (Eastern Roman) Empire. The busts are attached to the pedestals by embedded bronze pins, the tops of which are the gilt bronze mounts on each of the chessmen. The Persian side features mounts with crescents and stars, symbols of Zoroastrianism in Persia/Iran, while the opposing side’s king has a cross atop an orb, a symbol of Christianity, on his mount. Italian Marble and Basalt Bust Chess Set, c. 1875-1900

Italian or Spanish set, Late 17th-early-18th Century

Wood Italy King: 3 1/4 in. Photo © Bruce M. White, 2013 Several Italian books of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries featured chessmen similar to these in style, though they may have also originated in Spain. The pieces are paired with a folding chess board-box from the same era. An almost-identical device is depicted in Still Life with Chessboard, a 1630 painting by French artist Lubin Baugin.

[chessforhumans]

Soviet Chess Set (ambroid) commemorating the 1980 Summer Olympics

This Olympiad (not the chess one), held in Moscow, was largely boycotted.

taken from chessantiques.com

[chessforhumans]

Visakhapatnam-style chess sets

According to the collector, the following set (ivory) was probably made in the mid-19th century.

According to the collector, the following set (ivory) was probably made around 1780-1800.

According to the collector, the following set (ivory) was made circa 1820.

According to the collector, the following set (2004) is made of mammoth tusk ivory from the Siberian permafrost!

According to the collector, the following set was made in the 19th century, and the white pieces are made of ivory, while the black pieces are made of horn. I seem to remember seeing somewhere that it's water buffalo horn, but I can't find it.

According to the collector, the following (modern) set is made of bone, and the king stands 7 and 3/8 inches tall.

(pics without boards from chessantique.com; pics with boards from chessantiques.com)

[chessforhumans]

Some beautiful chess sets from the website of a collector.

Chinese puzzleball set "The base of each piece has nested ivory balls carved one inside the other.  Puzzleball sets were mass-produced starting approximately in the 1860's, although this set is 100 years more recent than that." ............................

Chinese Ivory and Horn Macao-type Set, 19th Century Look at that badass knight! I'm obsessed! ............................

Macao High-Quality Ivory Chess Set, mid 19th Century

[dozydawn]

[afrotumble]

📷 G

[chessnut12]

How to Teach Your Child to Play Chess: Easy Guide for Parents

So you want your child to learn chess. Good choice. This game is not just another hobby. It sharpens the brain, builds patience, and teaches planning in a way no other board game can. But here’s the thing — teaching kids chess is not about dropping a heavy rule book in front of them. You need to make the process very simple, easy to remember and of course, full of fun.  

If you’ve ever opened a brand new chess set and felt confused, imagine how your child feels. That’s why you, as a parent, must break the game down into easy steps. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a grandmaster to do this. A little patience, the right setup, and a clear method are enough to get your child started.

Why Should Kids Learn Chess?

If you are wondering why kids should learn chess, the answer is simple — it builds the mind. Chess is not just another game you play to pass the time. But chess is a skill that can help your child in many ways, for example: 

Chess improves focus: Whenever your kid plays chess, he or she has to watch every move. You can lose the game with one small mistake. This habit of paying attention helps them in their studies, too.

Chess teaches patience: Kids today want quick results. But in chess, you cannot rush. You must think, wait, and plan. And for this reason only, your kid starts to stay calm and try to take the right steps. 

Chess makes children better problem solvers: Chess is like a puzzle, every time you move something. Your child might think: What's better, pushing the pawn or moving the knight? And this habit sharpens your brain to make decisions every day.

Chess builds memory: Your child has to remember patterns, openings, and even past mistakes. And above all, chess teaches discipline. Setting up the chess set, arranging the chess pieces, and following rules — it all adds to their growth.

Setting Up the Chess Board the Right Way

Before a child can play chess, he must first learn how to set up the chess board. This is the starting step. If the setup is wrong, the whole game goes wrong. Many beginners, even grown-ups, often place the chess pieces on the wrong squares. But if you teach this slowly, your child will remember it for life.

Begin with the board. A chess board has 64 squares — light and dark. The rule is very simple: the bottom-right square should always be light. If it is dark, turn the board around.If it is dark, turn the board. This is a mistake many kids make, so remind them every time.

Bring out the chess pieces. Show your child how pawns go in the front row. All eight pawns stand in one straight line. Behind them go the big pieces. Rooks sit in the corners. Next to them come the knights. Then bishops. The queen always goes on her own color — white queen on a light square, black queen on a dark square. The king takes the last square beside her.

Make this step a small game. Let your child set up the board again and again. If they forget, don’t scold them. Gently correct and let them try again. Kids love repetition, and soon they will remember it by heart.

This habit also teaches them discipline. They learn that every game must start in the right way. And above all, it gives them confidence when they sit with a chess set anywhere — at home, at school, or in a club.

Understanding the Chess Pieces

Once you make them understand how to set up a chess board, the next step would be to introduce the chess pieces. For kids, rules can be so boring. But if you use stories and simple names, your kids are not going to forget them. 

You can, for example, make them understand like this:

Pawns are soldiers. Small but important.

Knights are horses. They jump in an L shape.

Bishops move slant. They stay in one color.

Rooks are castles. They go straight.

The Queen is the most powerful. She can move almost anywhere.

The king is the most important. If he falls, the game is over.

When you explain the chess set like this, with simple stories, kids don’t just learn — they connect with the game. It becomes fun instead of hard rules.

Teaching the Basic Rules in Simple Steps

Once your child knows the pieces, start with the moves, one by one. You are not supposed to rush.

How each piece moves

Show them how pawns move. Forward only, but capture diagonally. Explain knights slowly because the L shape confuses most kids. Bishops stay in one color. Rooks go in straight lines. The queen moves like a rook + bishop. The king moves one step at a time.

Special moves

Keep special rules simple:

Castling: king and rook swap sides for safety.

Pawn promotion: pawn reaches the last square, becomes queen.

En passant: a tricky pawn capture, explain later when they’re ready.

Making chess fun for kids

If chess feels like a strict subject, children will lose interest. The game has rules, yes, but it should never feel heavy for a child. You must keep it light and playful. When kids enjoy the game, they will sit longer and learn faster.

Use stories and examples

The best way to teach kids is through stories. Instead of saying, “the knight moves in an L shape,” say, “the knight is a horse, and it jumps like this.” Tell them the rook is a castle that stands strong and protects the king. Call pawns the brave soldiers marching forward. These small stories bring the chess pieces alive in their mind. Kids don’t forget stories, but they easily forget dry instructions.

Play short games first

Long matches can be tiring for children. Don’t force them to play till checkmate in the beginning. Instead, try mini games. For example, play with only pawns and see who reaches the other side first. Or make the rule simple — the first one to capture the queen wins. These quick games give children a sense of victory without making them sit for hours.

Using the Right Tools: Choosing the Best Chess Set

The tools matter when you are teaching kids. If the chess board looks dull or the pieces are broken, your children might not enjoy the game. A good quality chess set is what makes them excited.  Kids like touching and moving the pieces, so the board should look inviting. You don’t need the most expensive one, but you must choose something that makes the child want to play again.

Wooden vs plastic boards

Wooden boards are the classic choice. Wooden chess boards are so beautiful and are 100% solid. If you want a board to keep at home for family games, a wooden chess set is a great option for you. Your kids are going to love the sound of pieces clicking on the wood.

Plastic boards, on the other hand, are light and easy to carry wherever you want. And plastic boards are also cheap, which means you don’t have to worry if a pawn gets lost or broken. For practice, school use, or travel, a simple plastic chess board works perfectly. Kids can drop the pieces, and nothing gets spoiled.

Why try an electronic chess board

If your child already enjoys gadgets, then an electronic chess board can be very exciting. These boards come with sensors that track every move. They connect to apps, save games, and even guide players when they make mistakes. For kids who are used to mobiles or tablets, this feels fun because they get the mix of real chess pieces and smart features.

That said, you don’t have to buy one on the first day. Start with a simple set. Once your child shows interest and plays regularly, then think about upgrading. For some kids, a normal board is enough. For others, a tech-friendly option keeps them hooked.

Common Mistakes Parents Make While Teaching Chess

When parents sit with kids and a fresh chess set, they usually get excited. But sometimes that excitement spoils the fun. A few common mistakes can make kids lose interest in the game.

Teaching all rules in one go

Many parents try to teach everything in one day. Pawns, knights, bishops, castling, checkmate — all in one sitting. For a child, that’s too much. Kids don’t learn like that. In fact, you should teach slowly. Show pawns first. Next day, explain knights. Then bishops. Step by step is always better.

Games that go too long

Children can’t sit for one-hour matches. If you force them, they will get bored. Keep it short. Play small games. For example, “first to capture the queen wins” or “let’s see who promotes a pawn first.” These mini-games are fast and fun. Kids enjoy them more.

Stopping them at every mistake

Parents often jump in the moment a child makes a wrong move. Correcting every second takes away the joy. Let them play. Let them make mistakes. Later, you can explain them slowly. Kids learn better when they discover things themselves.

Forgetting the fun

Chess is still a game. Some parents treat it like homework. That’s where kids lose interest. Keep it fun. Clap for them. Laugh when a funny move happens. Celebrate small wins. Remember — pressure kills interest, but fun makes them want to play again.

Easy Tips to Keep Your Child Interested

Don’t play too seriously every time. Allow your child to win a few games. It builds confidence and keeps them happy.

Clap when they set up the chess board correctly. Smile when they move the knight the right way. Small praise goes a long way.

Kids love bright things. A chess set with colourful or cartoon-style pieces will catch their attention. They will want to play again and again.

You don’t need long matches. A quick 10–15 minute game daily is enough. Regular play matters more than one long session.

Don’t put pressure to win. Remind them that chess is a game. The more fun it feels, the more they will play.

Final Words

Chess is a gift you can give your child. It’s not only a game but a way to build patience, focus, and planning skills. And we’d like to recommend that you should start small. 

For example, in the first few days:

Teach the setup. 

Show the moves. 

Play short games. 

And slowly, your child will grow into the habit.

In fact, you don’t need the best chess set to start. A simple board works. But if they show real interest, upgrade to something stronger or even an electronic version. Above all, keep the game fun. Because when kids enjoy chess, you will notice that your kid is now more interested. And the more they play, the better they get.

FAQs on Teaching Kids Chess

At what age can a child start learning chess?

Most kids can start around 5–6 years old. At this age, a normal kid can understand rules and enjoy short games.

Do I need to know chess well to teach my child?

Yes. Because if you want to teach your child a pro level chess, you are supposed to know every basic thing. If you are not sure about this, you can even learn together step by step.

Which chess set is best for kids?

A simple plastic chess set could be the best option for you in the starting days. Because it's very light and safe for daily practice. Wooden sets are good for home use, while an electronic chess board is great if your child loves gadgets.

How long should kids play chess every day?

It also depends on the interest of your kid. You can start with 10–15 minutes daily. Slowly increase the time if they enjoy it.

How do I keep my child interested in chess?

In the first few days, you might not get if your child is interested. But if you can make it fun, your child will start showing interest. You can, for example, use colourful chess pieces, play short games, let them win sometimes, and always celebrate small progress.

[chessnut12]

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