One of the phenomena of 2020 was the release of "Lady's Gambit" on Netflix.
The miniseries about chess player Beth Harmon not only wowed audiences, but also fueled a thirst for the game of chess.
Has there ever been a better time to sit quietly looking at the pieces, using strategy and stillness in your quest for triumph?
And, perhaps more importantly, not having to do it through a screen?
Whether you're new to the game or a longtime fan, it may be time to update your tools.
Chess expert and author of "How to Network" and "How to Land Your Dream Internship" Tam Pham is more than pleased with the rebirth of the game, and offers some advice on how to buy a new chess set.
"There are a lot of options out there, but I'm drawn to this one with roll-up vinyls and weighted pieces," he says.
“When I was 13 years old, I won a contest organized by thechesswebsite, and the founder mailed me this exact chess set.
It's quite affordable now that I'm older, but at the time, I felt like Christmas had come early, and I didn't get tired of juagr! "
Pham used to teach chess to children in schools and at her local library, and then to friends in their co-working space (hence the book on networking).
He used sets like this to teach new students.
"They are simple, affordable, easy to use, spacious and convenient to take anywhere," he says.
Although he loves a fancy glass chess set for special occasions, he suggests staying away from them for children or those who are new to chess.
"The best chess set I have ever played was made of glass, but it was too bulky to carry, sometimes unclear to differentiate between the two colors of glass and a pain to clean," he says.
While it's tempting to add one of those multi-game sets to your cart, Pham advises against: “I'd avoid those cheap 10-set-in-1 wooden sets. The pieces are so small and light.
They are easy to lose and difficult to see clearly with such a small board.
What if you are looking to give someone else a really special outfit?
"If I wanted to splurge, I would love to buy the official wooden chess sets they use for the world championship," says Pham.
New year, new habits.
Now is your time: Start scrolling through our favorite chess games that are still available.
Wooden chess sets
Umbra Wobble chess set (MX $ 4,947.00;
amazon.com.mx
)
An innovative design sees magnetized wood pieces resting in concave squares that create cool movement on the board.
The bases the pieces prevent them from falling.
Wooden Chess Set (MX $ 307.00; amazon.com.mx)
With foldable design, easy to store in a drawer when not in use.
Official World Chess Set (MX $ 6,135.00;
worldchess.com
)
These are the only pieces approved to play for the official World Chess Championship, and therefore they are the self-gift that Pham would make to himself.
Travel chess games
WE Games Tournament Chess Game (MX $ 346.70;
amazon.com
)
There's nothing wrong with the basics when it comes to starter sets, says Pham.
And this one, with its roll-up board and plastic parts, is perfect for a beginner or frequent traveler.
Amerous 15-Inch Magnetic Wood Chess Set ($ 2,549.00;
amazon.com
)
This is also handcrafted from a high quality magnetized wood, plus it comes with two additional queens and even a carrying case.
Chess games for kids
Bobby Fischer Learn to Play Chess by WE Games (MX $ 1,915.80;
amazon.com
)
Highly qualified to homeschool, children always on the right.
Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set (MX $ 2,279.00;
amazon.com
)
OK, it's not just children who love Harry Potter.
Note: The prices above reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.
