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Who is Faustino Oro? Chess’s Youngest Phenomenon

If you want to understand why Faustino Oro has the chess world paying close attention, start here: he learned the game at six from YouTube tutorials, beat Magnus Carlsen at ten, and became a Grandmaster at twelve. Then add three countries, three GM norms, a World Cup record, and a peak FIDE rating of 2537.

Tags: chess kids, chess players, chess prodigy, Faustino Oro

Posted by: Sukanya Mukherjee

Howard Staunton: Chess Set Pioneer

During the height of Staunton’s celebrity, chess was expanding into coffee houses and working-class homes. The ornate chess set designs that were in favor, such as the tall, slender Biedermeier, had delicate parts that didn’t hold up well to a rougher, faster style of play. Serious chess players were clamoring for more durable and travel-friendly sets.

Tags: chess history, chess players, Howard Staunton

Posted by: Rebecka Ratcliffe

What Makes A Good Chess Engine?

Through advanced and various programs, chess engines can consistently dominate human players. Our question today is: How do they do it? And what makes some chess engines stronger than others?

Tags: chess computers, chess engine, chess software

Posted by: Shawn Bennett

Affordable Buying Guides

Our affordable guying guides does more than recommend. Learn how payment plans, coupons, and loyalty points at House of Staunton can lower your checkout total without sacrificing quality.

Tags: Chess boards, chess products, Chess sets

Posted by: Sukanya Mukherjee

Choosing Chess Piece Sizes That Work For You

Choosing chess piece sizes is essential for a great playing experience. Learn to match king base-to-square ratios, explore materials like wood or plastic, and discover why Staunton sets are the global standard. With the right chess pieces, every move becomes more strategic, satisfying, and memorable, whether you’re at home or in a tournament.

Tags: Chess boards, Chess Pieces

Posted by: Sukanya Mukherjee

Why You Need an Electronic Chess Board

The electronic chess board perfectly bridges these two worlds with a uniquely enjoyable type of gameplay.

Tags: Chess boards, Electronic Chess Boards

Posted by: Shawn Bennett

The 10 Fastest Checkmate in Chess

Here is a list of 10 of the fastest checkmates out there. Be familiar with these so you don’t get checkmated quickly, or miss an easy win.

Tags: checkmate, Chess endgames, chess matches

Posted by: Daniel Schipper

The Best Chess Movies to Watch This Holiday Season

Chess movies are a great way to unwind during the holidays. It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of the game or looking for something interesting to watch, these films are thought-provoking and a deep look into the chess world. Explore the classics that combine chess with personal stories to bring the game to life this holiday season.

Tags: chess films, chess movies

Checkers and Chess: The History and Relationship Between The Games

Discover the fascinating connections between chess and checkers in our in-depth comparison. While both games share the same board, they differ significantly in complexity, strategy, and gameplay. Learn about their unique origins, how each evolved, and how AI and online platforms are reshaping modern play. Whether you're a casual checkers player or a seasoned chess enthusiast, our guide explores the shared tactical depth and enduring appeal of these classic strategy games.

Tags: Checkers, checkers and chess, chess, Chess boards

Develop the Perfect Training Plan for Chess

The perfect training plan is one that you can stick with. Ultimately a training plan is about smartly allocating your time so that you can improve as quickly as possible. So what should you focus on?

Tags: chess coach, chess improvement, chess training

Posted by: Daniel Schipper

What is the Average Chess Rating?

Chess ratings provide a way to measure your skill, starting with a baseline for most players. This guide explains the average chess rating, how the system calculates it, and how your rating changes in classic, rapid, and blitz chess formats. Understanding this rating helps you track your progress and improve over time.

Tags: chess matches, chess rating

Chess The Musical: The Time the Greatest Game Took Broadway

Chess The Musical blends Cold War tensions with a high-stakes chess rivalry. It’s more than just a game—it's about power, love, and politics, with characters caught in both personal and geopolitical battles. With music by Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and lyrics by Tim Rice, this is a stage production that leaves a lasting impact.

Tags: chess, Chess Facts, Chess the musical

Posted by: Sukanya Mukherjee