With the Queen’s Gambit on Netflix being received with huge praise, this incredible major television drama series is getting loads of us excited about the game of chess. And what great timing with Christmas around the corner. Buying a chess set as a gift would be a wonderful present for someone special, especially if they enjoyed the tv show ‘The Queen’s Gambit’.
The Queen’s Gambit is based on the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis.
‘When she is sent to an orphanage at the age of eight, Beth Harmon soon discovers two ways to escape her surroundings, albeit fleetingly: playing chess and taking the little green pills given to her and the other children to keep them subdued. Before long, it becomes apparent that hers is a prodigious talent, and as she progresses to the top of the US chess rankings she is able to forge a new life for herself. But she can never quite overcome her urge to self-destruct. For Beth, there’s more at stake than merely winning and losing.’
THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT (L to R) ANYA TAYLOR as BETH HARMON in THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT. Cr. CHARLIE GRAY/NETFLIX © 2020We had to binge-watch The Queen’s Gambit, it is such a captivating drama with the incredible Anya Taylor-Joy. And you don’t need to know anything about chess to follow the story. Yet, somehow it gives us a glimpse into the minds of chess players, and the amount of strategy and thought that goes into the game.
There is something rather exciting about the idea of taking up chess again. Although we definitely need to read up on the chess rules properly.
We’ve put together a list of our favourite chess sets you can buy this year.
Best Chess Boards To Buy
Luxury Chess SetLuxury Wooden Chess Board and Pieces
This intricate carved luxury wooden chess board and pieces make for a special gift this festive season. This set is made from sycamore and birch wood and hand-finished. The board folds in half to form a box complete with cushion inserts for each piece to sit safely for storage.
Jaques Quality Chess SetGenuine Jaques Chess Set
A traditional chess set from one of the original makers of chess. The Jaques chess set is a wonderful gift set. The chess pieces are made from solid wood. The handmade folding board is inlaid with walnut and sycamore wood. It has an anti-scratch felt base to protect the pieces This is an 11 inch travel set and incredible quality.
Wooden Chess BoardWooden Chess Board
This beautiful wooden chess folds and stores the pieces inside. It’s a small chess set, so travel size and easy to carry. It’s 10 inches wide and good starter set for kids.
2 in 1 Chess and Draughts Set
This is a lovely wooden set that is 31cm wide with an elegant clean board. This chess set also includes pieces for draughts, so fun for all the family to play both games.
Magnetic Chess Board
A simple and easy to use magnetic chess board is ideal for beginners. This is an affordable option and a good starting point to learning how to play chess. It’s a small, lightweight travel set that folds in half.
Glass Chess Set
For something a little different you might like this glass chess set. It features clear and frosted chess pieces and a transparent glass chess board. It could be used both for play and as a display piece.
Roll-up Chess Set
An easy to carry roll-up chess set is simply a chess board on fabric or vinyl which you can wrap up your pieces in and take wherever you need it easily. This is a small chess set option and a great space saving option. It’s 42cm wide so a nice size but easy to travel with.
Black and White Chess 3-in-1 Board
This lovely classic black and white style chess board is a 3-in-1 meaning that it also has pieces for and can be used for chess, checkers and backgammon. This makes it a family fun board that will make a great addition to the home collection of games.
Luxury Marble Chess Set
If you want to treat a chess fan this Christmas, get them this luxury marble chess set made with Himalayan marble. Made with fossilstone and black marble, it comes in a lovely blue case.
Giant Chess SetGiant Chess Set
And if you want to be super extra you could get this giant chess set. It probably works best played outside, and will be great fun in the summer. But if you do have a large indoor space, this could provide a lot of fun this Christmas.
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