Best Chess Set Requa Board with Inlaid Wood and Ranks and Files (Numbers and Letters on Side) - Board Only - 15 Inch

This large and beautiful chess board arrived yesterday in very good packaging that protected the board itself. The board was in a manufacturer's container, with interior corners that kept the board protected somewhat, and then there was another inner box, and the larger, outer packaging. The board arrived in perfect condition. The board is about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch thick, with a round rubber foot-pad in each corner. The surface is smooth and shiny, beautifully finished and flawless, and the squares are a good size. The board itself is 15 X 15 inches, but with the border and the lettered and numbered ranks and files (helpful when analyzing or describing moves or replicating moves inches literature), the board is actually about 13-1/2 X 13-1/2. It seems durable and not at all flimsy. The color or tone of the squares is suited to match available chess and checkers pieces. I'm very happy with my purchase.

This chess board is simply beautiful! The inlaid wood design is intricate and visually striking, creating a stunning display whether you are playing a game of chess or simply using it as a decorative piece in your home. The board's large size of 15 x 15 inches is perfect for comfortable and strategic gameplay. The inclusion of ranks and files also makes it easier for beginners to learn the game and for experienced players to keep track of their moves. Overall, I am incredibly impressed with the Requa Chess Board. It's a high-quality product that looks fantastic and adds an air of elegance to any room. If you're a chess enthusiast or simply looking for a beautiful and functional game board, I highly recommend the Requa Chess Board with Inlaid Wood and Ranks and Files.

Really nice wooden board. Looks great and feels very sturdy.

TL;DR = Solidly built and should last a while. Can be made into a 5 star product with a little DIY if it really matters. Long version = Board feels solidly built and hefty. The wood quality is good and the wood grain figure really comes to life in certain lighting. It's hard enough finding a good solid wood board within this price range that also possesses proper rank and file notations. This would satisfy all but the most discerning of customers. The only reasons I'm rating as 4 rather than 5 stars is as follows: 1. A few of the rank/file inlays are not properly flush with the surface of the board. (we're talking a few thousandths of an inch) 2. The wood is not properly sealed. It appears to only have a very thin layer of clear coat. Had this board undergone a fine light sanding to even out the surface and had a few more layers of some kind of coating (anything really, traditional oil rub finish, lacquer, or even polyurethane would have been fine) to adequately close the pores of the wood and I would have rated this 5 stars. Alternatively, if this board were to sell at $35 rather than $45 I'd also list it at 5 stars . Pictured with the above photos of the board are the House of Chess - Rosewood Galaxy Staunton Wooden Chess Set Pieces King size 3" Triple Weighted https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WKVMAKK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I feel the pieces and board go together very nicely if you are looking to purchase a full set. I'm satisfied with my set and believe it will serve well for years to come.

At the time I ordered this board there where only 7 reviews but all positive with 5 stars, so I ordered it to go along with this chess set https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WKVMAKK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I was not disappointed this is a very nice board and good for learning rank and file numbers. I am 64 years old and retired, having never played chess before. I decided I needed something to help keep my mind sharp, so ordered this board with before mentioned pieces for a cheap price compared to what I could have spent for such a nice set up. I am now really enjoying learning to play chess and it is a game that makes me think. It will be awhile before I can compete with advanced players, "like my brother", but I am having fun learning.