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ChessCentral has a chess board to match every chess set we carry - and fit every budget. From vinyl roll-up chess boards to folding chess boards to top quality wood chess boards of the finest hardwoods, this category has it all. Note that when matching chess boards to chess sets and chess pieces, the base size of the King needs to fit it correctly on the chessboard's square size.
Of course, nearly every chess set found here will recommend a square size for a matching board. But a good formula is to measure the base of the King and then add 1/2 inch for the best chess board square size to match your chess pieces. For tournament play you will want to choose between a 2.25 inch square and a 2.375 inch square for your chess board; however, we have chess boards for smaller chess pieces and for larger chess pieces. If in doubt, email us at email@ChessCentral.com.
Determining the Chess Board Size to Match your Chess Pieces
The minimum square size for a set of properly proportioned Staunton
pattern chessmen is such that the width of the base of the King should
be 78% of the width of a square. In other words, you should divide the
King's base diameter by 0.78 to determine the ideal square size for the
chessboard. Let's look at an example, the Reykjavik II chessmen. The
Reykjavik II has a King base diameter of 1.75", which is the norm for a
3.75" King. If you enter 1.75 into a calculator and divide by 0.78, the
result is 2.243 which is rounded to 2.25". Hence, the minimum chessboard
square size for the Reykjavik II chessmen would be 2.25".
If you purchase a chess board that has a smaller square size than is
considered the minimum, the pieces will appear crowded together on the
chess board. This crowding will significantly increase the likelihood of
chess pieces being knocked over during the heat of battle.
You can always purchase a slightly larger size Chess board than what
is considered the minimum and it would work just as well. Using the same
Reykjavik II chessmen example, either a 2.25" or 2.375" square
chessboard would be considered ideal. The chart below details the most
common King base diameters opposite its ideal range of square sizes.
