The Palace Journal
Choosing a chess set means matching the king height to the square size, and choosing a wood species and a piece style. Our buying guides help you decide with confidence: what budget for a beautiful chess set, Staunton chess sets and their sizes, the electronic chess board or the chess clock suited to your play. Looking for a gift idea? Follow our advice on giving a chess set at Christmas, then browse our wooden chess sets and our complete chess sets.
Black Friday on 27 November, Cyber Monday on the 30th: here’s how to make the most of these two dates to choose a wooden chess set, chess board or backgammon set that will last, whatever your budget.
Skeletons, the undead, skulls, Templars or Isle of Lewis warriors: our selection of chess sets for Halloween, plus ideas for a chess evening that gives you chills.
Everything you need to know about backgammon in one guide: equipment, starting set-up, how a game unfolds, variants around the world, simple strategies and criteria for choosing a suitable wooden board.
Compact, magnetic and always ready to play: the pocket chess set. A pocket chess board that slips into a jacket or handbag is the ideal companion for the travelling player and the perfect gift for any lover of the 64 squares. Why choose a pocket chess set? A pocket chess set fits into a bag, […]
Retirement marks the beginning of a new life, rich in free time and possibilities. Giving a chess set for this occasion means giving a passion for decades to come. Why chess is the perfect retirement gift Chess has unique qualities that make it particularly suited to retirement: Cognitive stimulation Numerous studies show that regularly playing […]
Sizes, weather-resistant materials, care and budget: everything you need to choose a giant outdoor chess set or garden chess table suited to your space.
Which chess set, chess board or backgammon should you give at Christmas 2026? Our guide combines player profile and budget, from entry-level to marble and precious wood pieces.
The chess clock (also known as a chess timer or stopclock) is an essential tool for any official game. It guarantees fairness by limiting each player’s thinking time. Whether you play 3-minute blitz or 2-hour classical games, understanding time controls and choosing the right clock will make a real difference to your game. Why use […]
Need a chess board right now? Here’s how to print a board to the correct dimensions (A4, A3, squares of 4 to 6 cm), assemble it securely, sort out pieces, and later move on to a folding or solid wood chess board built to last.
Discover the best electronic chess sets, from the most popular to the most technical
