WHY
RULES FOR EQUIPMENT
Chess is a very complicated game that demands concentration and focus.
Certain rules have been adopted for pieces, boards, and clocks to keep them
from distracting from the chess game. If a set is too detailed or the pieces
are too similar then they may distract the player who has to spend time
figuring out which pieces are which. At the same time a chessboard with
graphics on it or squares that are too bright can become irritating after
looking at the board for several hours.
CHESS PIECES
Chess pieces must be of the staunton style. The staunton style is the very
classical look of pieces that most of our sets feature. This includes the
King with a cross, a queen with a spiked crown, a rook that looks like a
tower, a bishop with a diagonal slit, a knight that looks like a horse head,
and a round-headed simple pawn. Many "fancy" sets are too detailed
and it becomes hard to tell the pieces apart. Some modern sets feature pieces
that look almost identical and can be frustrating for opponents who are not
familiar with the pieces. Each set of chess pieces must also be significantly
different in color - one light set and one dark set (usually
white/cream/natural/light wood vs. black/dark brown/dark wood). Chess pieces
are generally measured by the King's height. Tournament chess pieces should
be between 3.5" and 4.25" (King height). The base should be 40-50%
as wide as the height. The pieces should not be overly shiny and should be
made of plastic or wood. The pieces should also be significantly weighted as
to not tip over easily. Generally if your pieces weigh at least 1 lb. for all
32 pieces you are fine. Heavier pieces are not needed, though they do feel
nice. If you have any questions about your chess pieces check with your
tournament director. Wholesale Chess offers a number of tournament chess sets.
- Classic staunton style
- 3.5" - 4.25" King height
- Made of plastic or wood
- At least 1 lb set of 32 pieces
CHESSBOARDS
Chessboards must be plain squares of alternating light and dark colors. The
colors should not be too bright and should also not blend in too much with
the pieces. For this reason the most popular colors are matte green and blue
(and why black/white is usually not recommended - it blends in with the
pieces). The material may be any material that is not too shiny. Generally
vinyl chessboards are recommended or folding paper boards. Wood may also be
used. The squares must be between 2" and 2.5". They must fit the
pieces proportionally - not too crowded, not too spread apart. Wholesale
Chess offers a number of tournament appropriate chess boards.
- Alternating light/dark squares
- 2" - 2.5" squares
- Made of vinyl, paper, or wood
- Not too bright colors
CHESS CLOCKS AND TIMERS
Chess clocks and timers are used to control how much time each player uses.
There are mechanical/analog clocks and digital clocks. Both are acceptable,
though digital clocks are usually preferred if there is a time delay featured
in the tournament (check with your Tournament Director). Clocks should be
near silent. The player with the black pieces gets to choose on which side of
the board they would like to have the clock. Wholesale Chess offers a number
of tournament appropriate chess clocks.
- Analog and digital clocks are allowed, though digital may be preferred
- Clocks must be near silent
Besides pieces, boards, and clocks, you may need some other materials like scorebooks or scoresheets. Those are used to record, or write down, your games for record. Ask your Tournament Director if you are required to write down your games.