Hey my Chess Friends! I appear in this new 4-hour film series on the Culture of Chess! INFO AND DOWNLOAD AT ideasroadshow.com/chess/ WATCH THE TRAILER AT ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zLnOklDkTGQ.html DVD FOR PURCHASE ON AMAZON www.amazon.com//dp/B0C13M1B84/
did you say you sell sets? I like the set that has the sheesham and boxwood pieces - but not clear on the name - you don't say what the name is, but you have that section titled "zagreb" but you also call the next set zagreb????
Loved this vid. I have always been fascinated with historic chess sets. My favorite one to play is the German Knight set. Loved the books you showed too!
I’m a subscriber now. Thank you for this I recently got my Columbia ll series 4 1/2” king Staunton made of African Paudouk and boxwood. I absolutely love it. It’s from Staunton Castle in India and my board is from India made of the same wood. It’s from The Chess Empire of India (the oldest chess making company in the world) it’s considered a luxury set and it’s gorgeous!
Thanks for the good comment! I haven't made any videos for almost a year -- but have many things to be videoed ... just waiting for me to get to them. In the meantime, please take a look at my long list of existing videos at ancientchess.com/page/videos.htm
My respect to you from a person that had and has come back to love chess again to take interest in the various styles of chess through history, well done I will continue to have a browse of you website!!!
Thanks! Comment or send questions any time. More videos can be selected here ancientchess.com/page/videos.htm ... and our book is out now at aworldofchess.com
Thanks for looking that up. Yes, I can see why it's called zebrawood or tigerwood (no relation to the golf pro). Very nice! I wonder if I can find any sets available made in that...
The game of chess was born in Bharat (India )during the Gupta dynasty in the 6th century. Today, more than 1500 years later, it is played in 172 countries. Chess is one of India's contribution to world culture, with games played in the court of kings, to those played in villages, and now, is a professional sport.
Very good video. I just pulled the trigger on the winchester staunton set looks very familiar to the set you showed before the Leningrad. Am sure it will be perfect.
Really nice to see some of these close up and against eachother in natural lighting. Saw that you had to evacuate for the hurricane. Hope all is well. Thanks.
Thanks for the message. Yes, I still get my best light outside. Was away about a week with the family, we stayed with relatives. Turned out to be very little damage to our home, others were not so lucky. Back now and getting back on track....
One set that I find missing in this presentation is Paul Murphy's set. An elegant variation of classic Staunton. Anyway, very nice and valuable presentation of some of the best known styles of chessmen. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the good comment. For those interested, the "Paul Morphy" design can be found here on Amazon (good price) : www.amazon.com/s?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=paul+morphy+chess+set (let me know if that is not the design you had in mind)... It's not likely that Morphy played many, if any, games on a set like this, however. The 'Staunton' design had only been patented in 1849, and was not established as the official international set until 1924. Morphy visited Europe to play the greatest players there in 1959 .. and Staunton, his chief adversary, and greatest proponent of the Staunton chessmen pattern, famously did not manage to show up and play Morphy during that visit. It's likely Morphy played most games on variations of the Directoire or Regency designs, and old English patterns including the Barleycorn sets, with which he has posed for pictures. [this post is from Rick -- I just realized my computer was open to my daughter's account when I was posting it!]
@@drazini THANK YOU for a valuable piece of history regarding Paul Morphy vs. Staunton. Encyclopedia of chess information, arn't you! Yes, those Paul Morphy sets you linked to on Amazon are the ones I had in mind. Thank you for that, too! Keep up with interesting chess videos!
That is strange. I have no idea why my comment was removed. Anyhow, I find that the French Lardy queen's coronet is the most durable, as there are no breakable points. For other Staunton sets with brittle coronet points, I suggest buying fitting pipe caps to protect the crowns while stored.
I love that set, because it's design is beautiful, but simple (wich makes it perfectly playable), and specialy the wood natural colors and stripes. That wood has only 2 problems: hard to work (dark parts feel like rock, but light parts are quite smooth), and it's kinda photo-sensitive (light parts get red and darker over time, when exposed to light), but there is probably some way to avoid that. But it's a very resistent wood. (oh! I guess it's called "tigerwood" or "zebrawood" in english)
Well, I'd say it's more like bodybuilding. Saying it's only biceps is a little insulting ;) The game of chess helps to develop quite a few intelectual capacities. But I generally agree, that there is a lot more to do that chess doesn't impact at all. Same way like bodybuilding doesn't help to jump high like MJ or run long distances :)
@Mr Awesome Wrong, chess has been shown to increase iq and this was at quite a low 'dosage' in the test subjects.... studies to prove it. Challenging games actually have carry over to many areas of your life life..... And avoiding dementia is more about healthy nutrition.
@Mr Awesome Good for you buddy... am I supposed to be in awe of that or something? I've been studying psychology for years... as well as neuroscience as they are two subjects I have much interested in ,as i am fascinated by the human mind. I would have to go through a big stack of books to find you the exact study... it was something like two 1 hour sessions a week over a 3 month period that raised iq by 10 points in subjects or something like that. Which considering is a very low stimulus is impressive ... you will also find many other studies that show video games increasing grey matter in individuals. The body is a biological adaptation machine, it adapts based on the environmental stresses imposed on it and games of the right kind are perceived as a stress that calls for adaptation.... and thus you literally make physical changes within your brain as an adaptation repose (neuroplasticity.) Hope you learnt something today cya.
It seems like 'Gonçalo alves', along with other names, is used in English as well. Wikipedia: Gonçalo alves is a hardwood. It is sometimes referred to as zebrawood or tigerwood - names that underscore the wood’s often dramatic, contrasting color scheme, that some compare to rosewood. Even the russian wikipedia calls it Гонсало альвес = gonsalo alves. And it is a nice looking wood for sure!
Awesome and informative video. I am in the process of making my own pieces and was wondering what type of wood to use. Also, I was wondering what style / shape to use for the pieces. This answered both curiosities. I appreciate you taking the time to make this! -cKw
Great video my friend, very informative, I am looking for a good chess set too, preferably inexpensive, house of staunton if possible. Do you have any good suggestions? Anywhere I can go see some videos of good house of staunton chess sets? thanks!
I agree! This guy is really great, very thorough! If you are looking at videos of close up chess sets, there's this guy Al Su, he's pretty thorough and shows pieces up close, take a look. ru-vid.com/show-UCN9hWmsod9kzRQpc0D0tIJw
I agree. I have heard from some people who think the German knight, the one used for most high level tournaments, is actually a nice, modern development. But to me, it's simply devoid of character. I can't help thinking that those sets, like our plastic tournament sets, were selected mostly because they are cheap to make and easy to stock a large tournament with.
Those are the "supreme" design. I have have them now in boxwood/rosewood, which is actually a nicer, richer wood than the one shown here (here is shown boxwood/sheesham). If you go to my website, ancientchess com and select the "Staunton" icon (first thing in the second row under the video), it will take you to several including this "FINE ROSEWOOD SUPREME..."
Thanks for the comments. Yes, the chess houses have definitely decided that 'sheesham' doesn't sound great, and are calling it either golden- or honey rosewood. A very nice wood, deserving a nice name. I think this is a very good point. You don't want to have a chess set that's too precious to play on -- that just wouldn't make sense! That's one reason I am fond of reproduction sets. Antiques are just too valuable to touch - but reproductions can play chess. Rick AncientChess com
Hi, I am very late to this video it was really nice and very informative! I really want to know the name of the set that you said was the most popular set (sheesham) starting at about 7:11 into the video! Where can I get this specific set? I am relatively new to wood sets and loved the look and overall design of that set! Thank you for any help!
@@yakkyuu12 Thanks for finding me here! It has been a while since I sold that particular set. The supplier I used to get it from called i the "Supreme" design, with a 4 inch king. Others may have it listed by other names. Anyway, keep looking around at chess sets, and if you like, let me know what you are finding available online
(continuing)... The pieces in the video are made in factories in India... so that's the place to investigate -- but I haven't yet. It seems that Jaques of London gives us the long-standing traditional standard for Staunton sets, and the 1849 copyright page can still be viewed (though fire damaged)...but most of us have seen dozens if not hundreds of variations on that theme, all considered Staunton.
The French chavet is my personal favorite variation. Cleaner lines and more elegant, the knight in particular. I also personally love the Vienna coffeehouse and Mikhail tal soviet style and the Hungarian Romanian styles
I think you're right. I'm sure I've seen the work 'copyrighted' in print, but that doesn't make it right. A recent article by Frank Camaratta (big Jaques/Staunton authority) tells me '...I obtained a copy of the design registration for the Staunton chessmen from the patent office in London..." I have no idea what the difference is legally, especially now that anyone anywhere can crank out a Staunton set without authorization (can't they?).. but "patent" seems to be the right word!
...fool, courier, elephant, adviser ... historically an archer, judge, adviser ... It has also been suggested that the shape of the bishop in the Zagreb set simulates the shape of an actual bishop in the Eastern Orthodox church.
How much would a set like this cost? It's very nice. I'll be shopping around for a new chess set. Just realized yesterday that the dreuke pieces that I've been having for over 20 years are too small for my board.
Hello! Very nice video. I would love to know what wood combination is your board. It looks very sweet, very mild tones! If possible could you please tell where could I get that particular board. Thank you in advance.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, the 'Zagreb' set shown in this video has been adapted with a cross on the king. The original design, favored by Fischer, has only a ball. This variation seems to have been the favorite of the Soviet Bloc countries, at least in the 50's, although it is also seen, for instance, in Murray's History of Chess (1913), page 773. The idea that the piece next to the king and queen is a 'bishop' seems to be English and Scandinavian. Most countries call it something else.
If I may correct you on one small matter- it's not Zagreb set (which you have shown in the video), but Dubrovnik set that was favourite of Bobby Fischer's. There were three 'official' versions of the set- and I hope you'll find it interesting to take a look at history and differences on this excellent site: www.dubrovnikchessmen.com/dubrovnik-chess-sets.html .
Looks like I made a mistake here. The chess set shown was owned by Zukertort (affectionately known as Sugar-Pie), but the "Immortal Game" was played between Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky (June 21, 1851). Somewhere I read an assertion that this or a similar set was actually used in the Immortal Game ... but now I can't find the source! So... count me One Bad, while I go do some more research...
Hi Rick, I have two questions. 1. How are wooden chess sets made when mass produced? Do they have automatic robotlike machins or must skilled craftsmen turn every piece by hand? And how are the knights made? Are there machines for them, or must they be carved by hand? And what about the pieces in this video? Are the made by hand? 2. How much can one change the look of a staunton design and still call it staunton? (Maybe this question is too difficult to answer. If so, I understand)
But, who can be objective in comparing the many chess sets that exist and have existed? One who has been subjected to the same style, held as the standard, for their entire life? Ah, but Chess is so vast!
Beatutiful set! Design reminds me of Filipino sets, but this is more streamlined. And yes, what an amazing wood grain. I don't know what this would be called in English either. I don't think I've seen it before.
Good questions! 1) I don't know how much automation there is nowadays in production, but I believe it is always more as time goes on. I know a very good researcher, Milissa Ellison, who is looking into that question. I'll have to ask her what she's finding. 2) I haven't read anything absolute about how far the Staunton design can deviate. It is an issue of course in tournaments. From what I have read (official US rules), it is first of all up to the players, and if needed up to the referee.
Thanks Pogsie, I got all these from a company in India... same place the big chess seller, House of Staunton, etc., get them. I'm trying to restart that connection again ... but prices for everything are high now -- especially international shipping.... ancientchess.com
Interesting question. I assume you mean those simplified knights' heads that are used in international tournaments. We have a discussion of those knights in another video: "Blue and White Inlaid Wood Chessboard with Red and White Chessmen". Many people find them nice, but I find them too simple and lacking in character. What do you think?
Thanks, the series is called 'supreme'. It happens that I have just one of these sets on the shelf. It's the same design you see here, but the dark pieces are a deep rosewood (see other sets in this video, to see what rosewood looks like). Please send a message through my site ancientchess.com if you'd like to discuss it further.
Thanks for asking. I'm sorry to say I don't know -- I get them like that from the factory. If anyone has a suggestion, let us know. Occasionally I find a piece that's a little dull and I'd like to shine it up!
Looks like comment from RK831 was removed. Anyway, it raises a good point: Many of these designs have queens with tiny brittle points (like the one at the start of this video). Very breakable! I can't tell you how many queens I've had to take out of commission because one of their little crown points was broken. A good consideration if you're buying or handling a set!
I might be able to help. Tell me exactly what you need. Also, measure the king's height to be sure we're talking about the same size set. Notice also what sort of padding the pieces have on the bottoms.
Thanks for the message. I would very much like to see that set, but I do not find it by a google search. Do you have any other ideas how to find the site? I know it is a problem that RU-vid will not allow us to send web addresses in this comment thread.
Sir, the Bold Stallion set at 6:10 is absolutely stunning! I found on your website the “refined” version for sale. What is the difference between refined and the original versions and do you still sell the original version shown in this video? Regards
Thanks for your message. The one I have for sale is the same design as shown here. It is just called 'refined' as a description, not meant as the name of the set. Yes, I think if you view the listing, you will see it is the same set. stores.ebay.com/worldchessandfinearts?_dmd=2&_nkw=stallion
Hey AncientChess, how you doing? I had a question about this video. What size king is being displayed on the set at 7:30 ? It looks like either 4" or 3.5" but I can't tell. Thanks for your time.
Thanks for asking. You'll find that set here on eBay, made of boxwood and genuine ebony www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-EBONY-CHESS-MEN-BOLD-STALLION-REFINED-STAUNTON-SET-K-4-2-712/223097114473?hash=item33f19fcf69:g:QxQAAOSw6EhUSRKh:sc:USPSPriority!07105!US!-1
Thanks for asking about the 'ultimate' chess set. I now have them listed on eBay as "PETITE FINEST CARVING ROSEWOOD INLAID CHESS SET K=2.5" ". They are item number 251074390176 (but that item number can will probably change soon). The listing includes a folding inlaid wood board.
Thanks for the question. The best set I have now, shown in this video at 6:20, is the Bold Stallion set. It's made of boxwood and genuine ebony, now selling for $210 including shipping within the U.S. (a little more to ship to other countries). You can find it by going to my eBay store and searching the word 'stallion'. www.ebay.com/str/worldchessandfinearts (I will have some listings down, while I'm on vacation; back up on August 12th)
This is the most beautiful set I ever saw: (search in google for "xadrez em gonçalo alves") It was made here in Brazil, with a wood called "gonçalo alves" or "maçaranduba" (I don't know the name in english). I have worked with such wood, and it's VERY hard to work, specialy in the black parts, but the results are outstanding! Unfortunately, the guy who made that set is not working on it anymore... :( (forgive my bad english ;-) )
you say the Russian set is the ZAGREB set - but the section before that is labeled with that name - what is the name of the first one, that you called Zagreb ??? The stallion is nice, with the boxwood and sheshan wood???? Zagreb I don't like the horse as well...
