Are There Different Size Chessboards? Exploring Beyond 8X8 Sets
While the rules and objectives of chess remain constant, there is a lesser-known aspect that adds a fascinating twist to the game—the varying sizes of chessboards.
Chess, as you may know, is typically played on a standard 8×8 square board, but are there different size chessboards?
There are different sizes of chess boards. The dimensions of the chessboard range between 15 (38.1 cm) and 20 inches (50.8 cm) overall, but it’s up to players to choose the size that suits their needs. However, when it comes to official tournaments, a standard 21-inch (53.34 cm) board is used by FIDE and USCF.
Keep reading to learn more about different size chessboards and which size is used in tournaments.
Are There Different Size Chessboards?
To begin with, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the chess sets that a tournament player MUST bring and the informal chess sets that a typical person can play on.
Tournament chess board size is regulated by FIDE. A typical regulation chessboard is 21 inches (53.34 cm) long and 21 inches (53.34 cm) wide. The appropriate thickness is 0.75 inches (1.9 cm), while each square size should be 2 inches (5 cm) by 2 inches (5 cm).
Conversely, the average player can choose any board size ranging from 15 (38.1 cm) and 20 inches (50.8 cm). Let alone these super tiny sets that people make and buy for fun.
Many players prefer chess pieces with a 3-inch (7.6 cm) king on a 15-to-18-inch (18-to-45.7 cm) chess board. It can fit on most side tables at home and provides enough room to play chess properly.
Are All Chess Boards 8×8?
You might think that it’s impossible to play chess in any other way than on the popular board of 8×8, but there are more than 2,000 different chess variations, according to the Encyclopedia of Chess Variants, and many more were deemed insignificant to be listed.
Explore the fascinating world of chess variations and expand your strategic horizons with ‘The Encyclopedia of Chess Variants’—your ultimate guide to an array of innovative and exciting chess games.
The same pieces and rules that are used in chess are employed in these variations, but the board is different. It doesn’t have to be the typical 8×8 board that produces 64 squares. In certain variations, the piece’s movement is altered to match the shape of the gameboard.
Here’s a list of other popular variations that are only used for fun playing but not in official tournaments:
| Board Size | Chess Variation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8×9 | Active chess | Pawns can go up to four steps when moving for the first time. Whoever checks an enemy king first wins. |
| 12×12 | Chess on 12×12 | On the 3rd and 10th ranks, pawns advance. |
| 10×10 | Decimal Chess | Typically includes extra pieces. Other decimal chess uses fairy pieces, while others just use conventional pieces. |
| 12×16 | Double Chess | When moving for the first time, pawns can go up to four steps. Whoever checks an enemy king first wins. |
| 16×8 | Doublewide chess | Each participant uses two full sets of chess pieces. |
| 8x8x2 | Flying chess | Only specific pieces can transfer to and from the higher level. |
| 6×6 | Los Alamos chess | You play without bishops in this form. This was the first form that a computer program had played a game like chess. |
Can You Purchase Different Size Chessboards
Embark on an intergalactic chess adventure and bring the iconic Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set into your home, where strategy meets sci-fi in a visually stunning and intellectually engaging gameplay experience.
Elevate your chess game to new heights with the John N. Hansen Strato Chess set, where gravity-defying moves and vertical thinking combine to create an exhilarating and visually captivating chess experience
Experience the thrill of strategic collaboration and friendly competition with the Wooden Three-Person Chess Set, where three players can engage in an engaging and interactive chess showdown on a beautifully crafted board that fosters teamwork and exciting gameplay.
Of course, there are different size chessboards that you can purchase. Ranging from the ideal tournament size to the travel size, you can find the size that suits your needs best.
The typical purchase sizes range from 15 (38.1 cm) and 20 inches (50.8 cm). However, you can find a travel-size chessboard as small as 9 inches (22.8 cm).
Here are some recommendations for chessboards with different sizes (and price ranges) you can purchase on Amazon:
Conclusion
The diverse sizes and combinations of chess boards offer a captivating exploration of the game, providing players with endless possibilities to challenge their skills, strategize, and delve into new dimensions of the timeless game of chess.
Whether it’s the compact and fast-paced action of smaller boards or the expansive and strategic depth of larger ones, each variation opens up a unique realm of possibilities, keeping the game fresh and enticing for players of all levels and preferences.
If you are not intending to play chess professionally, why should you limit yourself to the traditional 8×8 board when you can embark on an exciting journey across various sizes and combinations, enriching your chess experience and broadening your understanding of this remarkable game?
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