Chess Openings, and more

Chess Openings
Most chess games start with two players rather quickly executing some memorized moves. This is called the "Opening." For example, the most familiar chess opening is called the Ruy Lopez Opening, or the Spanish game.
But at some point, the pace of the game slows down as the players rely less on rote and more on considered reaction. The interaction of the pieces - called "the position" - requires analysis and thoughtful contemplation. This is the "middle game," the traditional image of players taking their time between moves, analyzing the situation, hoping for some insight and inspiration to turn the position into opportunity.
Trying a few new opening gambits will change the circumstances in the middle game. If you are looking to break out of the plateau where your chess game has stalled, the best prescription would be to try a few new openings. Here are some possibilities:

Traditional openings
Some unusual openings

Try something new and see where things lead. If the new opening doesn’t help your game, you can always go back to your favorite or try another.
National Chess Day
Mark your calendars and plan on having a little fun. National Chess Day is coming up, October 8th 2011. Email us and let us know what you are going to do to celebrate.
Chess Tournaments
Check out our "Playing Chess" page for a free game of chess against the computer, then find a chess tournament from around the world - many of these contests offer prizes, all offer an opportunity to meet new chess friends. Check back often for new postings.
Featured Product

Stallion Knight Chess Pieces - This is a top quality set for a remarkable price, making it our Pick of the Month. The king stands a bold 4 inches tall. Set comes with double queens, used for pawn promotions. The raised head of the knights, or 'laughing knight' style, gives this set its name. Pieces are padded with leather - not felt - which usually denotes more expensive sets.
Pair this up with your favorite chess board, or may we recommend? The 2.2 inch Rosewood / Maple board makes a perfect pair with this chess set. Order both together and use the coupon code “SeptSpecial” (no spaces) to receive $15 off your order.
Keep Playing Chess!

Product Notifications for February 2011

COMING SOON: ChessRight is currently negotiating with the National Museum of Scotland to offer their authentic museum-quality reproduction of the Isle of Lewis Chessmen. Please watch for that new product in the upcoming weeks.
LAST CALL: The Chess-themed wall calendars for 2011 have been selling well, but their time is almost done. If you are interested in one of these calendars for your home or office, please place your order quickly. These calendars will be withdrawn soon.

See all the beautiful chess sets at www.ChessRight.com today.

HISTORIC CHESS PIECES UNEARTHED

Recent excavations at James Madison’s Virginia estate have unearthed fragments that are believed to be parts of the President's chess set.
The news story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_madison_s_chess_pawns
Although several of the founding fathers were very fond of chess, most famously Benjamin Franklin, few people in Colonial America played chess. It is therefore fairly likely that these chess pieces would have belonged to the fourth President, and not some other member of the household.
In connection with this archaeological find, ChessRight.com is offering a new poster of Chess in the Revolutionary Era (http://chessright.com/product_info.php?products_id=395). Although James Madison is not pictured, the historic detail of the poster (including the pre-Staunton style pieces) shows the game to be taking place in the Tea Room at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's home, around 1783. The Yahoo news story tells us that Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, fellow Virginians, played chess often. Perhaps James was not in attendance on this particular day because he was busy writing the US Constitution (which would be adopted in 1787).

Be sure to visit www.ChessRight.com soon.

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.

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

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.

Impossible Chess Set

What's New for February?

These tough economic times have taken a toll on us again here at Chess Right. For the fourth time in the last six months, we have lost a supplier. We still have more than 200 items for sale on our site, and if you don't see what you are looking for online, ask us. We actually have many more items that are not posted online. But if you have had your eye on one of our many beautiful chess sets and don't see it on our site anymore, you will know what happened -- that item is no longer available. In some cases, there are still a few inventory items remaining before we discontinue so you may need to act quickly.

What's that? Did I hear you say that you'd love to "act quickly" for one of our chess sets but you're short of money? Consider a visit to our newest partner, America One. They are still making personal loans, even if your banker isn't. While we hope you will use your new-found funds to purchase one of our chess sets, that's really not required. These loans can be for any reason. See our website for links to all the details.

TOURNAMENTS: We have begun adding upcoming tournaments to our new "Playing Chess" page, along with links, videos and resources on how to play chess and how to play better chess. Please check back often to see upcoming chess tournaments. Maybe you can compete for some of the prize money, or perhaps you will enter one of these tournaments just to have fun meeting other chess players.

FEBRUARY'S FEATURED PRODUCT: In February, we commemorate Presidents' Day -- observed this year on Monday, February 15th, 2010. Our featured product is the American Revolutionary War Chess Set from the Studios of Anne Carlton.
This product is sold elsewhere for $199.00 plus shipping and handling. Our excellent price is $169.00 plus $15.00 for shipping anywhere in the U.S. Total cost delivered to you is $184.00 with all the Studio Anne Carlton quality and satisfaction guarantees. And who knows? Maybe you can rewrite history ...

The Clinton Library

This summer, I took a trip into Little Rock to see the Clinton Library. When I asked, I was informed that the presidential library had three chess sets on display. One that was particularly interesting was a decorative chess set with caricatures commemorating the Belfast peace accords. I remember that news announcement, sometime during 1997 I think it was. I was working for a British fellow in those days, a short guy with an oversized ego. I think everyone has met at least one of those in their lives.

This set (called “The Northern Ireland Political Chess Piece Process.") was designed by Belfast sculptor Anto Brennan and produced by his company Open Windows Productions. As it was a gift to the library from President Clinton, the staff did not know any of the details whether this was given to the President or by whom, but furnished me with this photo. The photo may be a little difficult to read; on the Nationalist / Irish side: King is Bernie Ahern, the Irish Prime Minister; Queen is Mary McAleese, President of Ireland; Bishop is Sean Brady; Knights are John Hume and Seamus Mallon; Rooks are Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams; with paramilitary pawns. On the Loyalist / UK side: King is Tony Blair, British Prime Minister; Queen is Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of England; Bishop is Robin Eames; Knights are Dr. Ian Paisley and David Trimble; Rooks are David Irvine and Dr. Mo Mowlam; with pawns depicting the R.U.C.

Enlarge picture: Belfast Chess Set

Please note: the center column, entitled “Rules of the Game of Chess,” has been left blank.

I found another chess set on the top floor of the exhibit and was able to snap this photo somewhat surreptitiously (I’m pretty sure the security people said no photos were allowed) so the photo quality isn't so very good:

Enlarge photo: Rulers of the Sea

This set is called “Rulers of the Sea” with a nautical theme. It was a gift to the President and the First Lady from the artist, Alexander C. "Doc" Cullison of Washington, D.C., on the occasion of President Clinton's first Inauguration in 1993.

Beautiful designer chess set!

This is the "Alice" set by designer Yasmin Sethi.

See more about this chess set on the designer's website.

It does not appear to be available for sale. My guess is it is just a prototype. So admire it from the pictures ... then cruise over to www.ChessRight.com to find a beautiful chess set to own.

Daylight Saving Time

March is here and Daylight Saving Time has arrived. It’s frequently albeit incorrectly called Daylight Savings Time, possibly because that may be somewhat easier to say. Besides, no daylight is actually saved by the adjustment of our clocks. The First Day of Spring is still a way off, but most of us have already set our clocks forward an hour. There are still some communities in the U.S. that don’t participate in this ritual each March.

Whenever someone mentions time to a chess fanatic, all thoughts turn to “clocks” and then to “Chess Clocks!” Chess Right Chess Store has an assortment of chess clocks (starting at $29.95) to help you find the chess clock just right for your game. Then, please take some time to look around our newly designed shop and check out our new merchandise.

Keep playing chess!

Finding Fun in Tough Economic Times

If the news media is to be believed (and that's a whole separate issue), many of us are feeling the economic pinch these days. Paying the mortgage and keeping gas in the tank are a couple of those "must-have" items in the family budget. Having fun is often one of the line items that gets cut in tough times. It may be good for the financial health, but it's depressing and not-so-good for the mental health.

But it doesn't have to be that way. It's not necessary that we should all sit on the edges of our cots and do nothing. That is not really a workable plan, not in the long term. What is necessary is that we should find ways to entertain ourselves for less, to enjoy ourselves in different ways than we have done before. In other words, we need to find fun and enjoyable ways to spend more time for less money.

Although this may seem counter-intuitive, consider this: Buy a new chess set from www.ChessRight.com and start playing chess regularly.

What's that you say? Chess sets are expensive! How can that be a great way to save money?

Think it through! There are many lovely chess sets at www.ChessRight.com for less than $100, or under $150. You don't have to buy a fancy, expensive set to start having fun. Once you have purchased the set of your choice, there is NO additional cash outlay to have months, even years of enjoyment. Challenge one of your neighbors to play chess with you -- you've always wanted to get one-up on your arrogant neighbor and here is a socially-acceptable way. Put up a notice on a bulletin board at the local grocery store, community center or library and meet someone new to challenge to a friendly (yes, let's keep it friendly) game of chess.

The point is that, once you have purchased the chess set of your choice, you don't have to spend any more money to enjoy hours and hours of fun, challenging family and friends, and keeping your mental health through these troubling times. So come on by www.ChessRight.com and buy the chess set that's just right for your game.

Caitlyn takes the stage

Check out this video: Caitlyn at ChessRight . com



Come see all the decorative chess sets for sale at www.ChessRight.com/ today! See for yourself how the hardest part is picking which one to buy.

Some chess pieces are weighted (video)

Check out this video: Some chess pieces are weighted


Visit ChessRight.com to buy the chess set that is just right for your game.

What does a standard chess set include? (video)

Chess Right 1

Come by to see all the beautiful chess sets for sale at www.ChessRight.com and buy yours today!

What does a standard chess set include?

All chess sets are expected to contain at least 32 chess pieces with sixteen pieces of each of two colors; each “team” should have a king, a queen, two bishops, two knights, two rooks and eight pawns. Some chess sets come with four queens. This “extra” queen is intended for use in a maneuver called “pawn promotion.”

The term “chess set” doesn’t always means that a chess board is included. There is no way to tell from the words, so it is important that you know before purchasing a chess set whether or not the board is included. If the set you are buying does not include a board, one will need to be purchased separately.

Please visit www.ChessRight.com to see all our beautiful chess sets, chess boards and other chess equipment for sale.