Plastic Chess Sets – What Kind of Player are You?

Which plastic chess set is right for you? There are many different types of plastic chess sets which may be suitable depending on your playing style.

Most chess players are crazy about owning at least one plastic chess set they can call their personal favorite. I’ll tell you about mine in a little bit. But first, I want to help you understand your playing style and then what types of plastic chess set you should own.

Your level of interest in chess can likely be placed as Competition, Club, or Casual. As a casual player you might enjoy slow chess or blitz chess, occasional club play, once-in-a-while games with a friend, chess at the beach, or with a business associate. Club players are usually a little more dedicated to the game and get in-the-know quick about the in’s and out’s of chess sets, and what it takes to turn the heads of their fellow chess players. Competitive chess players think less about what set they are playing with than what it takes to win the game – and win the money… or trophy!

So what does this have to do with plastic chess sets? The 3 styles of chess players named above should all be familiar with the “regulation plastic chess set”. While you may have learned chess with red and black plastic and a red and black cardboard chessboard, the regulation chess set standards apply to all competitive chess players and is quite universal from park chess players to non competitive play. This means that if you only play chess casually, as long as you own a basic regulation chess set you’ll fit in with 99% of the chess club players, competitors, and be well set to play chess anytime. These plastic chess sets meeting regulation standards are recommended for all chess players.

What is a Regulation Plastic Chess Set?

A regulation plastic chess set should be 3 ¾” to 4 ¼” tall. The typical set is 3 ¾”. The base of the piece should be 40-50% of its height. No need to worry about this though, because almost all plastic chess sets are correctly proportioned by design.

The basic plastic chess set is always solid plastic or weighted solid plastic. Hollow pieces are simply not recommended since they are too light for most purposes.

Plastic Chess Set Options

The basic plastic chess set used by 95% of all tournament and club players is recommended for ALL chess players – children and adults, home or club, chess study, etc. From there you can move into the more special plastic sets that are weighted, specially styled, and collector sets:

• Basic Plastic Chess Sets
• Weighted Plastic Chess Sets
• Superior Plastic Chess Sets
• Collector Plastic Chess Sets

My personal favorite is great for club players and falls into the Superior Plastic Chess Sets category. It’s called the Hastings Chess Set. Fine detail and great for club or casual play.

Again, the basic chess sets (first choice) are for all chess players. Even if you rarely play it’s still a much better choice than most chess sets readily available at the local store. Not only that, it’s going to be less expensive and much better quality!

How much does a plastic chess set cost?

Plastic chess sets range in price from $4.95 to $59.95. Basic chess sets are under $10, while club players can get a very special set, superior to most for under $25.

If you’re looking to buy a plastic chess set, click the links above or check out the combos below. These chess set combos include suitable chessboards and bags.

Plastic Chess Set Combos