Wooden vs. Plastic Chess Boards: Which is superior?

Whether you’re brand new to the game of chess or have fond memories of playing as a child, chances are you’ve seen a few beautiful chess sets through the years. A true classic, chess never goes out of style. A good chess set will last decades and become a cherished heirloom.

As the years go by, you and your family can invest layers of meaning and memory into a chess set. You may lose a pawn or two, and find some quirky replacements from other, long-forgotten board games. Your set may call to mind a tournament victory, or Sundays with Grandpa, or the first time your kid won against you without any help.

A wooden chess board is everything an heirloom ought to be: sturdy enough to last generations, beautiful in itself, practical for everyday use, and capable of calling forth cherished memories.

Sophisticated and Classic

There’s nothing wrong, per se, with a plastic chess set. I’ve certainly played with them at chess clubs and at friends’ houses, and they get the job done. But you have to admit there’s something about the game of chess that calls out for a certain aesthetic. 

Chess is one of the oldest still-played games in the world, a pastime of kings and generals. Nowadays perhaps played mostly by young children at home and senior citizens and parks, it retains that royal cache. Why not lean into that with the classic, sophisticated look of a wooden chess board?

Sturdy and Long-Lasting

There are practical reasons to choose wood over plastic, as well. A wooden chess board is sturdy enough to last generations. The folding kind often acts as storage for its own pieces, making losing them less likely. This is also handy for traveling. Whether you’re headed to a park, a family game night, or a tournament, you can tuck the pieces into place in the interior of the folded board, latch it closed, and head out secure in the knowledge you’ll arrive with an intact set.

A chess set is perfect for handing down through generations. Wood is not only long-lasting, but timeless. Wood never goes out of style. 

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Setting the Stage

In life, as in theater and film, we are affected by our surroundings. A good set designer will choose materials that support the atmosphere called for in any given scene. This supports not only the audience buying into the story, but also the actors as they settle into their roles. In the same way, when choosing the material objects to set the stage of your everyday life, go for items that make you feel like the hero in a grand adventure.

Find a Wooden Chess Board Today

Whether you’re just getting into chess, looking to teach your grandkids, or have been playing for years and are looking for an upgrade, a wooden chess set makes a great treat for yourself, and a classic, valuable gift for others. With a wide range of prices and styles, you’re sure to find the perfect set for anyone.