help with selecting a new chess set

I'm getting back into playing chess and would like some input on selecting an appropriate chess set for informal play. Aside from aesthetics

- What is the most common/popular size as to (king) height?

- What would be a good 'ratio' between height and base diameter?

- Should I look for double/triple weighted pieces?

Just posted that very info

Have a read here

King height of at least 3.5 inches to make sure the pieces are big enough to be handled comfortably.

For plastic pieces, it is a must to get them double or triple weighted.  The extra weighting helps keep the pieces stable especially in low-time scrambles.  I have seen many a video where a casual chess match was played in the park and pieces start flying all over the place; this indicates the person who brought the pieces likely brought unweighted plastic pieces.

3.5" would be a tad small for a competition set here in the UK

3.75" (95MM) Kings are the norm for OTB competitive play here

1.5" (35 mm) base diameter on a 2" (50 mm) square board

Single weighted pieces have 10g added to pawns, 20g to Rook, Bishop & Knight and 50g to King & Queen and will be fine. Double & triple weighted pieces have double and triple that added and can be cumbersome when a fast but nimble lift and place is required especially for younger players or players with smaller hands.

Well, first you need to decide a budget and then the piece and board materials and colors.

For instance a very inexpensive, unweighted plastic set and vinyl roll up board will cost less than $20.

A weighted plastic set and board will cost a bit more.

Wood sets are even more expensive.

I would suggest you look at American Chess Equipment.  In fact you can call there and ask for Shelby.

The new Ultimate plastic set and the Olive thin mousepad board is a very good combination.  Talking with Shelby might even produce a holiday season discount.

Good luck and enjoy.

I'm wanting to treat myself so my preference is wood (no preference as to type) up to a $200-250'ish range. I think I'd want to play more if I had a nice, expensive (for me) set. I felt I would/could decide on the pieces then find a board of the correct size that would compliment the pieces. That is just the aesthetics of the matter though

I'm just looking for the kind of input to help make sure I'd be happy with the size, weight & proportions. No tournaments... just friendly games with others

Depending on where you live it might be easier to purchase the board first. A large selection of those beautiful Rechapados Ferrer (Spain) boards are not that easy to find if you don't live in the EU. The unique wood grain of a board is something that should be inspected and selected in-person if at all possible. Maybe go with the more common 50mm/2inch square size for the widest variety of pieces that will follow.

That's definitely my plan to spend the money on the pieces as I am leaning toward a rollup/mousepad type board for portability, take to the park, etc.

And yes, I definitely looking for a traditional Staunton style. Don't really care if it is 'fierce knight', slant base, vintage reproduction, etc. I'll know the particular style I want when I see it.

Right now I am loving the attica-series-premium-staunton from stauntoncastle dot com. Just a beautiful set for the price. I'm just concerned a 4" King is too large for casual play

You're planning on taking a $200-250 chess piece set to the park? Brave man! Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable to do that. I know (for myself) if I'm not 100% comfortable, I can't really 100% enjoy myself. I would get an Ultimates Chess set and a mousepad or silicone board for outdoors. You'll still have $180 for a nice wood indoor home set. 

Well, I say 'to the park' metaphorically. I live on a sail boat and most of the games (poker, Mahjong, chess, etc) is played at the marina bar among other boat owners. Or at the local bar(s) that boat owners frequent. Main point being I'll likely end up with a portable 'roll up' type board like you recommend

What are your thoughts on a 4" King in that environment? Should I be looking at a smaller size?

Oh man, those RF boards are gorgeous! I just bought 2 RF boards, one dark and one light. I have to restrain myself from buying more.

In an indoor bar? I'd go silicone for the board. Wet tables, ice, drinks, food. A mousepad board has a fabric playing surface, it will get dirty very fast in that environment. The whole kit will condense into a small bag when done. Very convenient. Although smaller pieces may be more convenient, a nice 3.75-4" King set is more fun to play with. I'd go with the 4" King. Who wants to hunch over a small board for fun? After a few drinks the larger, heavier pieces will be appreciated. Haha! I think mousepad and silicone boards mainly come in 2.25" square size anyway so yeah, 3.75-4" would be a good fit. Nice and meaty pieces. Enjoy!

What is the cost of a Rechapados Ferrer in the EU? In the US they actually go for the roughly the same price as a solid wood board. 

Well, for use in a bar setting I would consider a vinyl roll up board.

I own all types of these boards and have used them in the settings you describe.

The silicone boards are kind of sticky where you cannot slide the pieces on the board.  And that kind of board is a dust magnet with stuff sticking to it.  If you don’t mind always picking up the pieces to move, that’s fine.

The thin mousepad boards can be easily stained.

The vinyl boards wipe clean in most cases and the surface is not sticky, so pieces can slide easily on them.  Vinyl boards are also cheap, so if you ruin one it’s no big deal to replace it.  The only thing is that this board needs to be stored rolled up, with the printing on the outside.

I suggest you get a set that can stand the rigors of where you plan on using it.  The plastic Ultimate set would be great.

If you want a wood set, that’s what I use for this, then get a set better designed for it.

The House of Staunton sells the Liberty Series set.  My Liberty set is well over 15 years old and it still looks great.

Chess Bazaar sells a GM Blitz set.  A number of posters here have this set and all seem to like it.

I'll tell you what you want, what you really, really want - two chess sets

For taking to the park you want a silicone chess set similar to this and for playing at home you want a timber based chess set. I prefer ebonised chess pieces on a walnut and sycamore board but that's just my personal preference.

If you're new to chess get a board with algebraic notation around the edges that will make it easier to note your games and follow games in books. At some time in the future you'll also want to add a chess clock too, more expense.

The size of the pieces and board should ideally be in line with tournament standards which are 95 mm Kings sitting on 50 mm squares.

I've never played with silicone but from what I've read I think silicone would be too quiet for my taste... I like a good solid 'thunk' when I set a piece down.

Lots of good info being shared and I thank everyone for sharing their advice. I'm taking it all in for future reference as it seems everywhere I go everything is 'out of stock'

@Westsailor32 Yeah it's kind of tough out there to get your hands on a chess set these days. However I know of one place that isn't out of stock. Hopefully this will help you.

Chess Sets Pieces Wooden Board Magnetic Travel Chess Set (houseofchess.com)

Interesting you should mention Etsy. I've never paid much attention to the site thinking it's mostly stay at home moms selling knitting, arts & craft, stuff like that. 

Not sure how I stumbled across the chess sets/board/etc. offerings on Etsy but I ended up buying an 'Old English' (Lessing Staunton) ebony/boxwood set (King Height: 3.75 inches, King Base Diameter: 1.75 inches, King Weight: 58.3 grams) from CHESSBYINDIA for $160. Wish I could post a pic because it's a gorgeous set for the price

An excellent choice, I have to say that because they're virtually identical to my 40 year old chess men. The 58g x 95 mm King will have a nice feel to it as will the rest of the pieces. I particularly like the knight especially the mane, open mouth and teeth a well detailed knight. The King base at 44.5 mm will be tight on 50 mm squares, so you may prefer a board with 55 mm squares.

I found the CHESSBYINDIA Old English chess pieces here