July is the month we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, considered to be the birth of the U.S. The founding fathers expected the observance would be July 3rd, when they voted to accept the resolution, not July 4th when they formally signed the document, which they considered a mere formality.
The Battle of Gettysburg also happened in July, another historic moment in the development of our country. This month’s featured product is our Deluxe Civil War chess set which will be “on special” all this month for the reduced rate of $114.00 - that’s 20% off our everyday low price of $142.50 and still includes shipping and the free book. This is a beautiful decorative chess set with an etched glass board that sits raised off the tabletop on four horse head columns. Very eye-catching! Check it out.
There were some difficulties here with our Fourth of July celebrations, and we never did get the directions to the local fireworks right. But we did grill burgers and dogs in the back yard.
We here at Chess Right know a little something about what it is like to be deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Less than 1% of the American population is currently serving in the military, and even fewer have been deployed to the war. So perhaps you are one of many Americans who may be looking for ways to support our troops but don’t know anyone serving at the war? We support the Megachess Signature Chess Program! If you are interested in organizing an event, or just looking for an event near you, please contact us for more information. Or, as an alternative, your local veterans’ hospital would be grateful to accept your donation of a gently used chess set (just mark your donation “Sets for Vets”). To learn more about “Sets for Vets,” visit: http://www.uschesstrust.com/programs-and-resources/sets-for-vets-program/
July is a great month for family vacations and pool parties. As always, we hope you have fun and stay safe, and of course, keep playing chess! Be sure to visit Chess Right Chess Shop for the chess set just right for your game.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Chess Variants
The game of chess is centuries old and still played all over the world. I suspect if an inventor were to pitch chess in its modern form to Milton-Bradley, or Parker Brothers, or any other major distributor of toys and games, it would probably be turned down as “too complicated.” Luckily, we will never need to test my theory as the game is already well established.
Chess is so well received world-wide that many variants have also been introduced over the years. As summertime comes and schools let out, this is a season for having some extra fun. So perhaps this is a good time to try your hand at one or more of these great chess variants - just for the fun of it.
One of the popular chess variants is called Bughouse, or Tandem Chess. In this game, two teams of two players each face off over two chess boards. As chess pieces are captured and removed from one chess board, the player passes the captured piece to his partner who has the option to place the piece anywhere on his playing board.
Andernach Chess calls for the piece making a capture to change color. For example, if your bishop captures my rook, I lose my rook but I gain a bishop on that square. In Suicide Chess, the object of the game is to lose all one’s chess pieces. Capturing moves are mandatory. There is no check - the king is captured like any other piece. Kung-fu Chess is a variant without turns. Either player can move any piece at any time without waiting for his opponent to move.
When non-traditional pieces are added, these are referred to as “fairy chess pieces” whether they are shaped like fairies or not. For an example of “fairy chess pieces,” check out our Seirawan chess pieces. This chess variant adds four new pieces, two to each team, the elephant and the hawk, but is played on a traditional (8 by 8) chess board. Instructions for playing this chess variant will be posted at ChessRight soon.
Other chess variants use different boards, such as a hexagonal board that was very popular in the 1930s. I’m curious about the three bishops in the diagram since none of the chess sets I own would support this configuration. Other variant shaped boards include boards shaped like the infinity sign, cylinders and, of course, our favorite 3-D Chess (reminiscent of the multilevel board from Star Trek but much more familiar and playable). Our 3-D Chess set is one of our best selling products and lots of fun and has recently restocked so we have sets ready to ship.
Some chess variants use both new pieces and unique playing boards. We recently got some more Dragon Chess boxes back in stock. In this variant, there are four new pieces, two dragons added to each team, with a board consisting of the 124 playing squares. Instructions for playing Dragon Chess are included in each box, or you can use the central 64 squares on the playing board for a traditional chess game.
If you are looking to add a little fun to your chess game this summer, try one of these games. Or send us your favorite variant for us to try and to share. By changing the rules to the chess games, even if only for a little while, the beginners can challenge the more experienced players for a chance to upset the natural order of things. Summer chess can be fun again.
Visit Chess Right Chess Shop for all your chess needs.
Chess is so well received world-wide that many variants have also been introduced over the years. As summertime comes and schools let out, this is a season for having some extra fun. So perhaps this is a good time to try your hand at one or more of these great chess variants - just for the fun of it.
One of the popular chess variants is called Bughouse, or Tandem Chess. In this game, two teams of two players each face off over two chess boards. As chess pieces are captured and removed from one chess board, the player passes the captured piece to his partner who has the option to place the piece anywhere on his playing board.
Andernach Chess calls for the piece making a capture to change color. For example, if your bishop captures my rook, I lose my rook but I gain a bishop on that square. In Suicide Chess, the object of the game is to lose all one’s chess pieces. Capturing moves are mandatory. There is no check - the king is captured like any other piece. Kung-fu Chess is a variant without turns. Either player can move any piece at any time without waiting for his opponent to move.
When non-traditional pieces are added, these are referred to as “fairy chess pieces” whether they are shaped like fairies or not. For an example of “fairy chess pieces,” check out our Seirawan chess pieces. This chess variant adds four new pieces, two to each team, the elephant and the hawk, but is played on a traditional (8 by 8) chess board. Instructions for playing this chess variant will be posted at ChessRight soon.
Other chess variants use different boards, such as a hexagonal board that was very popular in the 1930s. I’m curious about the three bishops in the diagram since none of the chess sets I own would support this configuration. Other variant shaped boards include boards shaped like the infinity sign, cylinders and, of course, our favorite 3-D Chess (reminiscent of the multilevel board from Star Trek but much more familiar and playable). Our 3-D Chess set is one of our best selling products and lots of fun and has recently restocked so we have sets ready to ship.
Some chess variants use both new pieces and unique playing boards. We recently got some more Dragon Chess boxes back in stock. In this variant, there are four new pieces, two dragons added to each team, with a board consisting of the 124 playing squares. Instructions for playing Dragon Chess are included in each box, or you can use the central 64 squares on the playing board for a traditional chess game.
If you are looking to add a little fun to your chess game this summer, try one of these games. Or send us your favorite variant for us to try and to share. By changing the rules to the chess games, even if only for a little while, the beginners can challenge the more experienced players for a chance to upset the natural order of things. Summer chess can be fun again.
Visit Chess Right Chess Shop for all your chess needs.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
COLLECTING
From Grandma collecting pictures for her scrapbook in an old shoe box to the fellow that collects antique cars in his garage, and back yard, and front yard, people love to collect things that have meaning for them.
SOMETIMES CHESS SETS ARE PART OF A COLLECTION.
The new arrival of the Santa Fe train chess set with diesel vs steam is just such a collectible. The train enthusiast that goes loco for all things locomotive will be thrilled to add this chess set to his train collection. Here he can show off his affection for trains while keeping his strategy skills sharp with friends, neighbors and family.
The boy who always wanted to grow up to be a fireman, especially if he did, will appreciate the Red Hats of Courage chess set or the Policemen vs Firemen chess set to add to the memorabilia he is already accumulating.
The World War Two veteran (or the history buff that loves collecting relics from that historic conflict with the Nazis) would delight in adding our World War II chess set to his archives.
SOMETIMES CHESS SETS ARE THE COLLECTION.
With so many attractive chess sets, the hardest part is picking just one. If you are not already collecting keepsakes and memorabilia with a theme, and if you love playing chess, it’s likely that you are a candidate for amassing a marvelous chess set collection. It starts off modest enough - perhaps you got a plastic chess set when you were young. Then you saved up and bought the main wooden chess set that you prefer to play, usually a traditional Staunton style. Then you added a small travel chess set to go with you on vacation. Soon, it just builds. Perhaps you like the look and feel of a stone or glass chess set so you buy one. Perhaps you find a decorative set that amuses and delights you, like a golf- or other sports-themed set or a set depicting a favorite period in history, and you buy one of those, too. Then, of course, you will need another chess board - or maybe even a chess table - to display your new decorative set. Then another chess set catches your eye at a flea market or yard sale, at such a bargain price that you just can’t pass it up. That set will need a new chess board, too. Perhaps one of your friends or relatives passes a chess set along to you when they are cleaning out the attic. And so it grows and grows.
We here at Chess Right Chess Shop encourage this sort of hoarding behavior. Chess sets can be so beautiful, and many folks think you are so smart just to have a chess set on display. (Sure, we all know a few chess players that are as dumb as a box of rocks, but that’s not the impression that most folks have. And there’s no reason to make any changes in that public image, thanks anyway.)
Chess is a classic game of strategy, little wonder it’s called the “Game of Kings.” Chess sets come in a variety of styles and material, from intricately carved wooden Staunton-style pieces to cast metal or hand-painted stone figures. It's highly unlikely that the game will be going out of style any time soon. So we say, “Collect away!” and let the admiring compliments roll in.
Please visit Chess Right Chess Shop to purchase a beautiful chess set just right for your collection
SOMETIMES CHESS SETS ARE PART OF A COLLECTION.
The new arrival of the Santa Fe train chess set with diesel vs steam is just such a collectible. The train enthusiast that goes loco for all things locomotive will be thrilled to add this chess set to his train collection. Here he can show off his affection for trains while keeping his strategy skills sharp with friends, neighbors and family.
The boy who always wanted to grow up to be a fireman, especially if he did, will appreciate the Red Hats of Courage chess set or the Policemen vs Firemen chess set to add to the memorabilia he is already accumulating.
The World War Two veteran (or the history buff that loves collecting relics from that historic conflict with the Nazis) would delight in adding our World War II chess set to his archives.
SOMETIMES CHESS SETS ARE THE COLLECTION.
With so many attractive chess sets, the hardest part is picking just one. If you are not already collecting keepsakes and memorabilia with a theme, and if you love playing chess, it’s likely that you are a candidate for amassing a marvelous chess set collection. It starts off modest enough - perhaps you got a plastic chess set when you were young. Then you saved up and bought the main wooden chess set that you prefer to play, usually a traditional Staunton style. Then you added a small travel chess set to go with you on vacation. Soon, it just builds. Perhaps you like the look and feel of a stone or glass chess set so you buy one. Perhaps you find a decorative set that amuses and delights you, like a golf- or other sports-themed set or a set depicting a favorite period in history, and you buy one of those, too. Then, of course, you will need another chess board - or maybe even a chess table - to display your new decorative set. Then another chess set catches your eye at a flea market or yard sale, at such a bargain price that you just can’t pass it up. That set will need a new chess board, too. Perhaps one of your friends or relatives passes a chess set along to you when they are cleaning out the attic. And so it grows and grows.
We here at Chess Right Chess Shop encourage this sort of hoarding behavior. Chess sets can be so beautiful, and many folks think you are so smart just to have a chess set on display. (Sure, we all know a few chess players that are as dumb as a box of rocks, but that’s not the impression that most folks have. And there’s no reason to make any changes in that public image, thanks anyway.)
Chess is a classic game of strategy, little wonder it’s called the “Game of Kings.” Chess sets come in a variety of styles and material, from intricately carved wooden Staunton-style pieces to cast metal or hand-painted stone figures. It's highly unlikely that the game will be going out of style any time soon. So we say, “Collect away!” and let the admiring compliments roll in.
Please visit Chess Right Chess Shop to purchase a beautiful chess set just right for your collection
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Chess Pieces from Film Canisters
Very creative ... take a look: http://www.garieinternational.com.sg/clay/chess.htm
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Alice in Wonderland
The recent release of Tim Burton’s movie of “Alice in Wonderland” has brought a renewed interest in the 1865 novel by Lewis Carroll. This new movie tells a tale of Alice’s return to Wonderland several years after her initial visit. Critics have been divided in their opinions about this new movie, but the original tale remains a classic part of our culture.
Studio Anne Carlton has updated and re-released their popular Alice in Wonderland hand-painted chess set. Please visit our website to see this new set and read one recent review of this new set. Add this delightful chess set to your home decor and get some conversations started.
Visit Chess Right Chess Shop to see all our beautiful chess sets and find the set just right for your home.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
THE IDES OF MARCH
THE IDES OF MARCH
Calling all Classicists! “The Ides of March” refers to the middle of the month, the 15th of March, a day that was once celebrated with a parade in honor of Ares, the God of War. History holds that on the 15th of March in 44 B.C., Julius Caesar, Roman dictator for life, was assassinated in the capital city of Rome. A seeress had warned Caesar of this event, in the phrase later coined by Shakespeare, “Beware of the Ides of March!”
So it is fitting for the month of March that we here at Chess Right should welcome TWO new decorative chess sets with Roman themes. From the Studio of Anne Carlton, the Roman Chess Men are made of durable polyresin and ground stone. Our introductory price: $104.00 includes shipping anywhere in the U.S. and comes with a money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. From the Studios of Ital Fama, the Roman Bust Chessmen are cast in metal by Italian artisans. Our introductory price: $426.00 includes shipping anywhere in the U.S. and comes with several options and premiums (please see our store for details).
Choose either one of these sets to add a bit of classic history to your home and your chess game. Now you can help Caesar renew his quest for world domination.
To add a quick note of perspective to our current national situation, Cicero was a Roman orator of the same approximate historical time period as Julius Caesar. Cicero had warned of the dangers to the Roman Republic when the citizens learned they could “vote open the doors of the Treasury.” One quote attributed to Cicero urges that “The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced … the mobs should be forced to work and not depend on government for subsistence.” Sounds like something that could just as well have been said in our own era, doesn’t it?
TIME CHANGE
A new video about Speed Chess has been added to the page called “Playing Chess” (as have some more announcements regarding upcoming tournaments around the U.S.). If Speed Chess looks like something you could enjoy, please be sure to check out our assortment of chess clocks for the one that fits your style and budget.
Visit ChessRight.com today for these and many more chess products!
Calling all Classicists! “The Ides of March” refers to the middle of the month, the 15th of March, a day that was once celebrated with a parade in honor of Ares, the God of War. History holds that on the 15th of March in 44 B.C., Julius Caesar, Roman dictator for life, was assassinated in the capital city of Rome. A seeress had warned Caesar of this event, in the phrase later coined by Shakespeare, “Beware of the Ides of March!”
So it is fitting for the month of March that we here at Chess Right should welcome TWO new decorative chess sets with Roman themes. From the Studio of Anne Carlton, the Roman Chess Men are made of durable polyresin and ground stone. Our introductory price: $104.00 includes shipping anywhere in the U.S. and comes with a money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. From the Studios of Ital Fama, the Roman Bust Chessmen are cast in metal by Italian artisans. Our introductory price: $426.00 includes shipping anywhere in the U.S. and comes with several options and premiums (please see our store for details).
Choose either one of these sets to add a bit of classic history to your home and your chess game. Now you can help Caesar renew his quest for world domination.
To add a quick note of perspective to our current national situation, Cicero was a Roman orator of the same approximate historical time period as Julius Caesar. Cicero had warned of the dangers to the Roman Republic when the citizens learned they could “vote open the doors of the Treasury.” One quote attributed to Cicero urges that “The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced … the mobs should be forced to work and not depend on government for subsistence.” Sounds like something that could just as well have been said in our own era, doesn’t it?
TIME CHANGE
A new video about Speed Chess has been added to the page called “Playing Chess” (as have some more announcements regarding upcoming tournaments around the U.S.). If Speed Chess looks like something you could enjoy, please be sure to check out our assortment of chess clocks for the one that fits your style and budget.
Visit ChessRight.com today for these and many more chess products!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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