How is the Bauhaus set to play with?
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againseriously
Oct 21, 2021
0
#1
I’m just curious, has anyone here spent a significant amount of time playing actual games with the Bauhaus pieces? I find the idea of an abstract and modernist set attractive, but wouldn’t want to consider spending that much if they would ultimately just be a display piece. And actually, I guess I have the same question about the Man Ray set. Thanks…
Oct 21, 2021
0
#2
Hey @againseriously - a curious post indeed. Allow me to try to provide a different perspective on ‘play’. It’s 2am in the morning in my world and I can’t sleep, so I hope the following makes sense!🥴
I have no experience playing with these sets, so I hope you get an answer from owners of the set or sets.
That said, if you love the Bauhaus or Man Ray sets you will find a way to play with them or at the very least, do more than display them.
Stay with me ….
Your love of the aesthetic will mean you inherently know what the abstract pieces are - so, you would be able to use them for study, or to set up online ‘daily’ games on your own board and play along accordingly …
….because of their abstract or modern nature, unless you find another person who loves the set, it’s unlikely you will play an opponent over the board or play blitz - the pieces may be too confusing or simply too unwieldy.
But…
When you know and love the pieces yourself - you are not confused - hence you ‘play’ in the sense of study, setting up historical classic games or an invisible online opponent.
I may not have explained this well so let me provide my own context - I really like some of the older and/or non-Staunton influenced designs. Take the French Regence as an example… I couldn’t play blitz with it or it would be unfair to play OTB with it because the other players would be confused but because I like the design and know the bishop from the queen etc…. I can study with it, or play my brother online with it …
So, I’m saying if you love it, buy it and … display it and play with it but just know that it is likely the playing will be under reasonably narrow circumstances.
I hope that make sense.
Further, with this perspective - potentially a whole array of exciting designs come into play for each of us.
Staunton or Staunton derivatives will probably always dominate the landscape of ‘playable’ sets but that does not mean we cannot not appreciate and use other designs.
I hope that helps. I am going back to sleep now! Thank you for posing the question - providing an answer has helped me turn off the work issues that we’re plaguing me.
And my normal caveat- I am not an expert, please take heed of players with more experience than I in the reality of playing good chess. 👍
Oct 21, 2021
0
#3
@Powderdigit — Thanks for your thoughts. My thing is that I can’t tell just from the photos how much I’ll like them in person, so I’m curious to collect impressions from others. But you’re right, they could be used in a variety of contexts where the quirkiness would be less of an issue. P.S. — I’ve seen you around the forum for a few months (since I joined), but I just now figured out the NY reference in your handle…
Oct 21, 2021
0
#4
Hey @againseriously - glad my thoughts were helpful - if a bit rambling! 😊 And sorry -it seems one paragraph looks bold - not sure why?
On Neil Young - yes - good pick up - but in an obscure way. My favourite band is an Australian outfit named after the Neil Young song - Powderfinger.
So… I went with Powderdigit.
Here’s Powderfinger live - if you enjoy old fashioned rock music - you’ll enjoy. Otherwise, perhaps not! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4ykYyAv2jrA
I purchased a set with board not so long ago, and I didn’t think to play with it. I like to play with Staunton and things like Vienna Coffee House sets. I am chess collector and I am interested in different styles from different times. However, after your post I think I will give a try and use the Bauhaus to go through a game or two.