The Modern Chess Set: Choosing the Perfect One for Play
Functionality and artistic sophistication are the top defining characteristics of modern chess sets. They challenge nearly everything in the classic or traditional chess set-making world, enabling limitless innovation and individuality.
To the players, modern chess sets redefine the boundaries of imagination. They re-interpret the historical symbolism in the traditional sets into more contemporary, relatable representations. Players of different cultures and histories gain freedom to reimagine the gaming environment and their chessmen's roles.
Still, this doesn't mean any old modern chess set can enhance your experience. You must choose the right one for you – a contemporary chess set that aligns with your style, preferences, and needs.
Five Key Considerations for Choosing the Perfect Modern Chess for Play
1. Construction Materials
The materials are among the top distinguishing factors that set modern chess sets apart from traditional ones. These chess sets utilize innovative, more contemporary, and rather unconventional materials. That is, they are often made of seemingly odd materials for a game board.
Unlike traditional chess sets commonly made of natural materials, modern ones can utilize a wide range of materials, including synthetics. They are often crafted from materials such as glass, acrylic, silicone, metal, brass, and chrome. Notably, they can be made of a single type or blend multiple materials to produce a more elegant and contemporary appeal.
Still, it is worth noting that wood, stone, and other classic materials may also be used to construct modern chess sets. However, they are often blended with modern materials to make the sets appear contemporary.
You may also want to consider durability, price, and care and maintenance. Also, keep in mind the usage frequency, as well as the location where the chess set will be frequently used.
2. Functionality
While modern chess sets may seem to prioritize aesthetics, most sets come with more enhanced functionality in terms of gameplay. Notably, some modern chess sets feature aesthetics not meant for decorative purposes only but also targeted to improve their usability.
Others observe the principle of less is more to optimize their functionality. These chess sets utilize minimalistic design, eliminating the extra details such as intricate curving.
Typically, modern sets focus on details that enhance the chess gaming experience. They often prioritize aspects such as texture, weight, and other factors influencing players' feelings towards the chess set, attention to the game, and overall chess experience.
While different players have varied definitions of chess set functionality and usability, the sets vary in design and components they feature as far as functionality is concerned. As such, you should ensure that you choose a set that feels comfortable and more convenient to you.
Here, you should consider factors such as the chess set's ease of setup and handling. Consider your chess gaming expertise and choose a chess set with features helpful in improving your game.
3. Design and Artistic Expression
Modern chess sets are all about innovation. The chess sets often take on entirely new forms, deviating from the traditional standard design. They re-interpret the cultural and historical symbolism and figurative representations into contemporary forms relatable to players. Modern design has a lot of variance within it, and some might argue that these boards are contemporary instead of modern. However, we're not going to split hairs about it.
For example, modern chess pieces may draw inspiration from particular sports or video games that are more relatable to a specific group of people.
Generally, unlike traditional set designs rooted in a specific culture and history, modern chess sets are inspired by various objects, people, cultures, eras, etc. As such, the chess sets vary significantly in design, meaning there is no standardization when it comes to modern chess sets.
This diversification allows players to reimagine the roles of different chessmen, enabling them to connect seamlessly with the chess sets, hence influencing the overall gaming experience.
When choosing a modern chess set for your gameplay, explore various designs and choose a set with design aesthetics that correspond with your interests, style, or unique preferences.
And, if you are unsure what design is most suitable for you, consider chess sets with abstract design. This will give you the freedom to reimagine and redefine the roles of various chess pieces
4. Size and Portability
As in nearly all other aspects, there is no weight or size standardization in modern chess sets. The chess sets' weight and size vary depending on the construction materials, beautification features, and the intended purposes.
Essentially, modern chess sets are designed with specific traits to enhance their suitability in a particular domain.
For example, the modern giant chess sets are crafted with lightweight but rather sturdy, heavy-duty, weather-resistant materials, which make them suitable for travel and outdoor games. Additionally, they feature unusual sizes, facilitating their functionality as decorative elements (for large rooms and outdoor spaces) and as both physically and mentally engaging gaming devices.
While size may influence the usability of chess sets in some spaces, the weight affects nearly all aspects of the chess gaming experience, making it the #1 factor to consider.
Here, you should consider the chess set's overall weight, especially if it is intended for travel. You should also examine the weight of individual chess pieces.
Choose a set that is easy to handle and with pieces that are comfortable and easy to move. Consider taking your gaming space into consideration. You do not want to choose a chess set that is hard to move or one that will take up all your space, interfering with your comfort.
5. Additional Features
Depending on the target players, modern chess sets often come with additional features to enhance their functionality. For instance, modern electric chess computer sets have an integrated chess trainer to help players improve their game.
Additional features may include LED lights (enabling seamless gaming in dark spaces) and internet connectivity to blend online gaming with over-the-board.
Basically, you need to consider particularly useful features to your games. Keep in mind your chess gaming expertise and your unique style and preferences. You may also want to consider your gaming space and playmates when choosing a modern chess set.
That's it. Considering these factors will enable you to choose the ideal modern chess set for your gaming needs.
Best Modern Chess Sets Worth Considering for Your Play
The DGT Projects Electronic Chess Board (E-Board)
The DGT Projects Electronic Chess Board should be your first thought when you think of modern chess sets. The unit is a perfect definition of modernity in the chess world.
The board is a blend of the typical chess board and modern computer chess, linking today's computer and internet era with the timeless game of chess. More precisely, it features an inlaid chess computer board that enables PC gaming and internet connectivity, allowing you to play against various chess software and chess lovers online.
Moreover, it features embedded memory that records your games for later analysis to help you improve your game.
16" Giant Chess Set
The 16" giant chess set is one of the most unique modern chess sets on the market today. It features an unusual design and size, with the king standing 16 inches tall. The chess set is made of synthetic materials (heavy-duty nylon and plastic), which are highly durable.
Moreover, the chess set is suitable for indoor and outdoor games. It is lightweight and resistant to weather, stains, and other damaging elements outdoors.
The World's Greatest Chess Set®
The World's Greatest Chess Set® is essentially one of the best, functional, and most affordable modern chess sets there is. It is a tournament-style minimalistic modern chess set featuring a full-color, thin mousepad board and weighted Staunton design chess pieces.
The chess set's modern traits include minimalistic design and unique construction materials. More specifically, the chess set is made of mouse pad foam, nylon, and plastic. It is suitable for travel, as well as indoor and outdoor games.
Conclusion
Whether a beginner or an experienced chess player, having a chess set you can relate to is paramount to your gaming. While the classic wood chess sets are excellent gaming devices, modern chess sets are more efficient and functional. The sets are perfect blends of modernity and the classic game of chess.
These chess units are generally worth investing in when looking for a more enhanced gaming experience. They redefine the traditional chess set designs into more relatable gaming pieces, influencing their users' overall gaming experience. Whatever your choice, we hope you enjoy it.