Why You Need an Electronic Chess Board
An electronic chess board offers a unique combination of the traditional elements of the game and its technological development. Playing online chess, accessing powerful chess engines, and learning through different special features can now be enjoyed on a physical board.
Today, most people play chess online, use analysis boards and chess opening databases, and learn about chess through videos and podcasts. Nevertheless, for many of us, nothing beats playing a real game of chess over the board. The electronic chess board perfectly bridges these two worlds with a uniquely enjoyable type of gameplay.
What is an Electronic Chess Board?
Electronic chess boards, also called E-boards or chess computers, use sensors to digitally track the progress of a chess game. This allows you to play over the board against online opponents and chess engines. It also creates a digital record of your game so you can track, analyze, and receive feedback on every game you play.
Often, positions on the board are highlighted using built-in lights to show legal moves or to indicate a computer’s move. Small screens and interfaces are also common. Usually, they have interactive features like training tips, game analysis, or access to specific online chess platforms or engines.
Electronic chess boards vary greatly in function, price, and appearance. Fundamentally, they offer a new, digital way to play over-the-board chess.
Is an Electronic Chess Board Worth It?
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, an electronic board offers a new way to interact with chess. From simply enjoying the game to improving as a player, these boards have a variety of benefits.
Here are a few key reasons for buying an electronic chessboard.
Transition From Online to Over-The-Board Chess
Many people started playing chess online. The game is easily accessible, there’s a welcoming online community, and you have plenty of resources. Nevertheless, along the way, you will likely wonder what it is like to play over a real chess board. Is it more fun? More difficult? Are my online skills going to translate?
The truth is getting used to playing over the board takes some time. Visualizing the chess board is a key part of the game, and moving from 2D to 3D can be tricky. The psychological challenge of playing face-to-face with an opponent is a whole other ballgame.
The electronic chess board is an excellent bridge between the two gameplay styles. Allowing you to play against a computer or online players with the physical board in front of you makes it much easier for you to make the transition quickly. If you are an online player considering your first over-the-board chess match, it is also a great way to put in the necessary practice hours.
It’s not just a tool, either. It’s an enjoyable new way to play the game that will give an edge to your online play as well.
Better Practice and Analysis
Today, amateur and professional players enjoy the benefits of training with a chess calculator or engine. Electronic chessboards take this to the next level with built-in calculators you can play against and use for game analysis.
Most have various settings. You can experiment or enjoy playing against a computer that will make plenty of suboptimal or unexpected moves. Or, you can play against calculators with strength levels upwards of 2400 ELO to experience an extremely strong opponent over the board.
These boards are also exceptional tools for game analysis. With advanced boards, you can analyze your game using powerful chess engines by moving the pieces on the board and receiving feedback. Additionally, if your board allows you to play online, that game’s record can be put into any online engine or analysis tool for further review.
Access to the Best Chess Engines
Chess engines of various strengths are available online, but in the upper range of electronic chess boards, you can use some of the most powerful calculators available. Using a chess engine over the board is a unique opportunity to improve your game. Many top players make use of their powerful calculations to test their abilities and analyze their games.
Advanced E-boards also allow you to connect to any online or downloaded chess engines on your computer. This is another way they enable you to utilize the tools of computerized chess with a physical board.
Blending Traditional and Modern Chess
Playing chess online or against a computer offers convenience, new insights, and talented opponents. Traditional chess is more challenging but offers a richer face-to-face experience and the pleasure of using a physical board.
Electronic chess boards offer the best of both worlds. You can use analysis tools, online play, and powerful chess engines while still enjoying the unbeatable experience of using a real chess board.
Choosing the Right E-Board
There are many different types of electronic chess boards available. Some are affordable and offer a single chess engine at one level, with some training tips, games, and other features. Others offer access to multiple powerful engines, can connect to online chess platforms, and provide in-depth analysis.
The right option for you depends on your budget, your level, and the kind of features and aesthetics you are looking for.
Budget
Deciding on your budget early can make the decision easier. The most affordable chess computers offer basic players vs computer options and simple games or training tools. The more expensive models offer comprehensive features, including online connectivity and the best chess engines.
The cheaper models offer a casual way to practice your gameplay while still giving you the opportunity to play over-the-board against a computer making intermediate or beginner calculations. The most expensive is an investment for improving as a chess player and a valuable collector's item.
Level
Chess is for everyone, but an advanced E-board may not be desirable for many beginner and intermediate players. Options like The Millennium King Competition Chess Computer allow you to access top engines, so they can present extremely challenging games and high-level analysis. That said, the connection to online chess is a feature everyone can enjoy, regardless of their rating.
For advanced or tournament players, a board that has a computer with an intermediate level engine would not be a worthy investment. In these cases, it may be worth exploring the options which can pose a serious challenge.
Aesthetics and Features
Electronic boards offer a wide variety of features and looks. Common features include:
- Player vs. Computer Modes
- Online chess connectivity
- Interactive Screen
- Analysis Modes
- Training Tips
Aesthetics range from more modern-looking boards to quality wooden boards and pieces with classic aesthetics. You can also pick from tiny travel sizes to full-sized boards. In short, whatever your aesthetic preferences, there are plenty of options available.
Explore our selection of E-boards here.
Discover a New Side to the Game
Electronic chess boards give you a new lens to understand the game. Not only that, they can help you win more chess matches. With them, you can access the modern tools of chess analysis and study, combine the play styles of online and over-the-board chess, and get new access to training resources and tips.
Whether you are a tournament player looking to win more matches or a beginner trying to expand your game, an E-board offers an exceptional way to improve as a chess player.