SQUARE - Wooden Chess Set CONSUL - 48 x 48 cm (18.89 x 18.89 in) - Chessboard & Chess Pieces

I researched lots of chess sets for my son who plays in local tournaments. I wanted one I could afford that was both pretty and regulation standard. I couldn't be happier.The set is very well made. The hinges open fully and it lies completely flat when open. This set has regulation 2-inch squares. The lines on both sides match up so evenly you can't see the join between the 4th and 5th rank. The king is a little high at 110 mm rather than the standard 95 mm (95 mm without the cross). The diameter of the king seems to be around 75% of the squares' width, as recommended. I was a little concerned about the balls on the queens' crowns and the large cross on the kings' but, according to my son, they make it easier to visulise your position. It is obviously hand made as the decoration and the numbering have been scorched onto the surface of the wood: all very neat.My son is absolutely delighted. He thinks it's beautiful and so much better than his old set.The only improvements could be the addition of spare queens and perhaps a less flimsy insert to hold the pieces. It's fine for now and, if it breaks, I will probably cut some foam to fit and glue it to the inside of each side of the box to protect the pieces.

The board, which doubles as the box, is well made with moulded trays for the pieces. The board opens perfectly flat, you can't see the fold. The actual squares appear to be hardwood veneer on a plywood backing, with an attractive pressed (pokerwork, or pokerwork effect) border, the numbers and letters have a pleasantly handwritten appearance and blend nicely into the design. The pieces (hornbeam, it says) are beautifully crafted, lovely to handle, again with a seemingly handcrafted pokerwork design finish. A set to suit any level of player, I'd have thought. I wouldn't recommend it for travel, or a hospital bed, as the pieces are not weighted, they're just the weight of the wood. But the felt bases prevent them from sliding about. On a TGV or inter-city train with tables, possibly.

Hopefully my photos are sufficient to show this wonderful handmade chess set. I have compared with a standard school/tournament plastic/vinyl set that you can get for around twenty quid. For little over three times the price you are getting a substantial upgrade.See the photos for details.I’ve just had this delivered and cannot wait to play my first game on it.Thank you to the people that made this with care.Edit: in case the pics aren’t in order:I have weighed the pawns for plastic set and for this wooden set and also both kings for comparison. The board without pieces is 1300g+ and with pieces just over 2kg. The wooden pieces are also shown next to plastic pieces from a standard set for comparison. The squares are 50mm. Hope this helps.

This chess set has charming and somewhat arty features and is a pleasure to use. All wood, hand finished, and pleasant crafty feel to it. It is imposing, being 20 inches with large pieces. Pieces stored in lid when folded.

Ordered this yesterday and received today. I was concerned as others said the inside was broken, but mine was intact. I couldn't be happier with this - the pieces are large and chunky, the detail on the pieces and the board is gorgeous, and the whole thing has a pleasing weight that makes it feel high quality and pleasant to play with. It does have a strong smell of glue or paint, so I'm leaving the box open for a few days to air it before giving it as a gift. Lovely chess set at this price.

This set is really beautiful. Very well made and looks more expensive than it is. Would definitely recommend.

The board and pieces are really nicely crafted. The numbered/lettered ranks however completely spoil the classy look (at least on the item I received), looking like a 5 year old had scrawled them on.I appreciate this is "hand" made. But why would you go to all the effort of producing a quality board and pieces, but ruin the overall aesthetic at the last moment, with the finishing touch?Baffling. I really wanted to love this, but returned it for this reason.

Returned the chess set because it is way to big but I will order the same but smaller