Archive for the ‘Chess Product Reviews’ Category

Chess Book Review: Gary’s Adventures in Chess Country

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Gary’s Adventures in Chess Country is one of the most delightful and helpful chess teaching books that has come along in quite some time.

Your favorite child will love both the bright illustrations and clear explanations that are featured in this 152 page hardcover chess book published by Mongoose Press.

Chess Book: Gary's Adventures in Chess Country

Chess Book: Gary

Written by Igor Sukhin, with an introduction by Susan Polgar, Gary’s Adventures in Chess Country teaches children the logic of chess while engaging their young imaginations in an exciting adventure through chess country with Gary and his magical friends.

Parents or teachers should not be too intimidated if they are not masters of chess since this book is an excellent way to learn along with children. Each chapter has many teaching tools and asks all the right questions. (Better still, all the correct answers are in the back!)

Most experts agree that chess is a highly valuable game to teach logic and that life has consequences for each action.

As Grandmaster Susan Polgar says in the introduction of Gary’s Adventures in Chess Country, “Anyone can reap the benefits of learning chess, but young children often gain the most from the game. Chess provides children the opportunity to learn pattern recognition and critical thinking skills. Practicing basic chess skills motivates them to think, which in turn, builds nerve connections in the brain.”

“Social benefits are often reaped, as well,” she continues. The game of chess rewards courage, sportsmanship and self control, while allowing children to positively interact with their peers. Perhaps the greatest social benefit chess can offer is an avenue for earned success, the kind that helps children build the confidence and self-esteem they need to excel in school.”

From to talking Chess pieces to magic carpets, Gary’s Adventures in Chess Country is fun, easy to understand and is sure to be a favorite method of introducing children to this timeless and popular game. I highly recommend it.

This wonderful chess book is available for purchase for $20.95 at Wholesalechess.com. See the chess book’s product page for more information: Gary’s Adventures in Chess Country.

Written by Lyndia Graham, Manager at Wholesale Chess

Review: Executive Staunton Chess Pieces

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

If we had to choose one set of chess pieces as a favorite from our less-expensive plastic pieces, it would be the Executive Staunton Chess Pieces (item #0175.)

First, the color of the white side is gorgeous. Some whites in the plastic sets lean to a natural or caramel hue but these have a classic ivory color that is reminiscent of exotic ivory. (It’s good the days of hunting those majestic elephants for ivory are gone, but that beautiful ivory color will live on forever!)

Second, the pieces have a matte finish to offset glare, but enough sheen to show-off nicely in the overhead lighting of tournament play.

The Executive Set is a classic Staunton design with a 3 7/8 inch tall king who sports a 1 5/8 inch base. The king weighs 59 grams so it has a nice solid feel. (The entire set is nearly three pounds so it is a great weight for private our tournament play.) The queen stands firmly at her king’s side at about what could be considered his shoulder height. Rather they stand–the set has two queens of each color.

The knight isn’t as cheesy as some are. This one has a proudly raised head with laid back ears and a clipped mane. He shows just enough teeth to look threatening–but not so much that he looks unduly evil. A pawn is a pawn, but the rooks are sturdy looking and the bishops look as though they will do their job well.

The price alone makes this an excellent value. The full set of chess pieces sells for just $14.99. If it is ordered in the Executive Staunton Chess Set Combo it is an even better deal.