1. If I have trouble with the website. What should I do?

We here at ChessRight.com continuously strive to keep our website operating professionally. If you discover links that are not working or if you have trouble with any part of the website, we want to hear about it! Please contact us at: help@ChessRight.com so we can fix the problem right away.

2. Please help me learn the rules of chess - I want to learn how to play!

There are many websites and books that will help you learn how to set up the chess board and move the pieces. We found this website to help you get started. You should also check out our Playing Chess page for more links and resources to learn to play the game of Chess, including an interactive chess board for your study.

3. How do I get better at playing chess?

Once you have learned how to set up the board and move the pieces, the best way to learn to play better chess is to play regularly, play often, seek out people who play better than you do and ask to play with them, and ask them for tips and advice. Most chess players are happy to talk about the game and how they learned to play. You should visit our website regularly and play against the computer on our Playing Chess page. There are also many computer software game packages, handheld games and books that can help to sharpen your chess skills. ChessRight.com offers some of these books and games on this site, so please check out our bookstore. More items are constantly arriving, so please check back often. If you are looking for something in particular, please request it and we will try to find the best buy for you.

4. 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. These extra queens are intended for use in a maneuver called "pawn promotion."
The term "chess set" does not 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.

5. How do I choose a chess set?

Chess sets come in all price ranges and will differ substantial in quality and workmanship. If you are just learning, or trying to interest a child in chess, you may want to start with a plastic set to keep your initial investment minimal. We also offer some extremely reasonably priced wooden sets. Please visit our store for ideas.
However, if you already know you love playing chess and you want to buy an heirloom, your budget considerations will be very different. So ask yourself what you will be using this chess set for; is it mostly for show in your home? (look at our Decorative or Collectors Sets or check out our Combos) Will you be wanting something for tournament play? (Decorative sets will definitely NOT be welcome!)
If you still want some help choosing a chess set just right for you, send us an email at: sales@ChessRight.com and let us help you pick out something just right for your game. Or give us a phone call at (503) 387-3270 during regular business hours (Pacific Time) and someone will be pleased to assist you in making your selection.

6. Why are some sets and boards so much more expensive than others?

The quality of the materials and workmanship greatly affect the price of a chess set. Rosewood, ebony or teak, for example, are more expensive than boxwood or sheeshamwood. An inlaid wooden board has better quality materials and finer workmanship than a printed board. In our top quality sets, such as some of the sets manufactured by the House of Staunton, the craftsmanship that goes into carving the knights represents a large part of the overall cost of the chess set. So take a close look at the knights in your set before making your selection, and be sure to pick ones that are to your liking.

7. How do I pick a chess board?

Some chess sets come with boards, others are sold separately. Please be sure to check this to avoid disappointments and misunderstanding. Purchasing a separate chess board allows you to express your individual good taste, but the temptation is there to purchase a smaller chess board because of the smaller price tag. If your chess pieces are bigger than is ideal for your chess board, you will find that the pieces are crowded together and tend to get knocked down during "battle."
The easiest formula for finding the right chess board is to take the diameter of the base of the king and add a half-inch. (A chess set with a king that has a 1.5 inch base would fit a board with 2 inch squares. If the king's base is 2 inches across, look for a board with 2.5 inch squares.) This works well for most table-top varieties of chess sets. There is a mathematical formula which is used to calculate the ideal proportion, which you can find in our blog.
This half-inch rule of thumb will NOT work for our Mega-Chess (R) pieces. Normally, a recommendation is given for each of our giant chess sets but please contact us to make sure you know what size board will go with your Mega-Chess (R) purchase.
The final factors in selecting a chess board are your budget and your proposed use. There are exquisite chess boards inlaid in fancy woods from around the world on sale in our store, which are great for display in your den. But these can be very expensive and may not be suitable for travel or outdoor play. If you are going to be taking your chess game "on the go," you may want to consider a board that folds or rolls up for easy care and travel.

8. Speaking of care, how do I care for my new chess set?

A wooden inlaid chessboard should be lightly waxed and buffed once or twice a year, using a good quality furniture polish (such as Minwax) and a good cotton cloth or cheesecloth. Although vinyl chess mats may be wiped clean with a rag, your wooden chessboard should never be dry-wiped and you should avoid all polishes that contain silicone as this can damage the finish on the chessboard. Above all else - use the wax sparingly and allow the wax to dry before buffing. NEVER use a liquid polish.
Plastic, stone and glass chess pieces may be wiped clean with a damp rag. Your top quality chessmen should be lightly waxed and buffed either once or twice per year, using only a high quality paste wax with a cotton cloth or cheesecloth. We recommend Liberon's Paste Wax. Please make sure that you carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions on the paste wax carefully, as improper waxing could ruin the finish on your Chessmen. Above all else - use the wax sparingly and allow the wax to dry before buffing. You should NEVER use a liquid polish.