Cardinal Glass Chess/Checkers Set ($5.48)

I wanted to post a quick review on my first chess set. I don't really know anyone who plays chess other than my Dad, and he knows the rules and not much more, so I figured this one would be nice. The board itself is glass, and feels very nice. Heavy, and is 14" according to Amazon. It's not tiny, but it's not a full size board, either. Perfect for analyzing your games I bet. The pieces may or may not be glass, but they are clear for the look of it. Instead of black and white pieces, there is clear glass and frosted glass. This is the same with the board and is quite easy to differentiate. All pieces have felt under them (although some are a bit uneven/missing a little) and the board also has little glued on pads on the bottom for support and to keep it from sliding. The king (according to the box) is 2.5". It also includes pieces for checkers, with the same frosted/not-frosted feature. These are...interesting. They aren't all the same size, and I can imagine would be hard to stack.

Pros:

Has weight to it, feels sturdy, good size for personal use or playing (especially for experimenting with openings, tactics, etc.). Price, too...$5.48 at Walmart.

Cons:

Pieces don't seem to be glass (a YouTube Video claims the pieces aren't), odd checker pieces (not THAT bad, though), no extra queens or anything for pawn promoting (could always use a checker piece), no case for pieces (I use a bag that held shoe shining materials from the Dollar Tree).

All in all a very good set for the price and I'd recommend you get one if you'd like a board by your computer or on your coffee table.

I have basically the same set, just a different picture on the box. It is right next to my desk to work on positions. I hardly ever play IRL, so it works just fine for my purposes.

I could understand why people don't like them, but the felt makes it so there isn't any annoying clinking, and it's a GREAT deal for under six bucks. Anything else in that range was cheap plastic miniature sets or one that had built in tic-tac-toe. I admit, though...I want a nice wooden one, but this one will keep me happy! :)

bjprichmond, that's what I think it's great for. I sat down for awhile just playing a game working on stuff.