Review: Leather Chessboards by Mario Sanchez (Kyogle Leather Shop)

• Board color: Green and white (aka Tournament Green)
• Square size: 2.25-inch (aka 22-inch board)
• Border color: Black  
• Edge color/detail (i.e., between the border and chess squares): Dark green to match the dark squares on the board with a thin line just off the black border 
• Back: Dark green (note that Mario normally stains the backs of the boards a lighter mint green color)
• Case: Black with black stitching and brass colored fasteners/hardware
• Chessmen: None (i.e., as I already have multiple sets to use with the board)
• Special request: 2 velvet bags for the chessmen

• Back of the board: There is some slight color variation on the back side of the board and I think I would have been satisfied with the lighter mint color Mario normally uses (note that I specially ordered the darker color). Additionally, there is also some risk that over time the dark color of the back side could gradually leach into the squares on the front - especially if the leather is exposed to liquids.
• Velvet bag: Mario usually includes one large velvet bag to hold chessmen in the case. However, I asked him to include two smaller bags (i.e., one for white and one for black) and he graciously agreed. Unfortunately, the smaller bags are sized for smaller chessmen so they are a bit too small to hold my 3.75-inch pieces. I am making a larger bag myself out of velvet (easy to do), so this is really not an issue.  

Well, I believe I owned the only one of these green versions in existence for a couple of years now.  I posted a few pictures of my board in my latest topic on sets I love and use.

The squares of both our boards are identical to each other.  I did get the lighter green backing and my green border also looks to be lighter than yours.

My case is the caramel tan color instead of the black but the design and other details are the same as yours.

Yes, welcome to the Sanchez Green Leather Chess Board Club, of which I believe we are the only 2 members at this time.

That appearance is because of the photo, not the board.  I assure you the squares are perfectly square.

That is BEAUTIFUL! Definitely adding something to my wish list!

Eyechess: Ron, my board would probably not have been possible without your previous work with Mario. Thank you for thinking through the design and pursuing it. In addition to the color changes (i.e., to the edge, back of the board, and case) I also opted for slightly simpler edge details (no tool marks as in your design); other than that the boards are identical. One thing I wondered about was the color of the white squares. On my board, they appear to be off white (almost yellowish) which I prefer but I actually did not request from Mario (an oversight on my end). In the photos you posted of your board, however, it appears the white squares are closer to white and much less yellow. Would you agree with this or is the whiter square color on your board just an artifact in the photos? 

PolarChess: I can confirm that the squares are perfectly square. There is a slight curl to the leather board at first (especially when new) and I think you might be seeing the resulting curve in the photos. 

Chrislott: Thanks very much. I would not hesitate to order from Mario. He will work with you to produce the perfect board. One feature of these boards that is difficult to convey through photos is the tactile feel. Between the score marks, bumpy/flat spots, and smooth finish, it has a very pleasing feel to it. I cannot recommend these boards highly enough.  

The square coloring on your board looks the same as mine.  That picture of my board was not in the best of lighting.

What was the cost of the board?  Thanks.

Cghori: The cost varies according to the specific options you select. To review pricing, please check out Mario’s Etsy page (note that this is the same link referenced above).

How well do peices slide on these boards?

jjupiter6: Chess pieces slide well on the leather; the surface is very similar to a vinyl board.

Do you roll up the board with the squares on the outside or inside?  I would think squares inside to protect the surface from scratches, etc. when in the tube and pulling in/out.

This board, like most roll-up ones, should be rolled up with the squares on the outside.

The square side of this board has a smooth leather finish as you would find in a vinyl board.  The backside is not a smooth finish but it is still leather. 

The carry tube that Mario has made has the smooth leather on the outside and the not smooth finish leather on the inside.  However, there is nothing about that inside finish that would scratch anything.  I have had my 2 boards, including the smaller analysis one, and I have never had or even considered a problem with this.

Why roll with the squares inside?

Cghori: I agree completely with the comments made by Eyechess above.

Cghori: The reason is that, like vinyl, this leather has a bit of curl “memory” - especially when it’s new. Rolling the board with the squares facing out, helps ensure the board lays flat when you want to use it. If you roll the board in the opposite direction (squares facing in), you will likely encounter issues getting the leather to lay flat.

Bertilak:  It really is a beautiful board, but the pebble-like finish on the green squares kind of bothers me.  I wonder why they can't be smooth like the white squares?

cghori, that pebbling does not interfere or disrupt the smoothness of the board.  Yes, there are some tiny indentations but that part of the board is just as smooth to the piece as the unpebbled white squares.

I think this is a case where the photo does not reflect reality when looking at and using the board in real life.

Cghori: I agree with Eyechess that the pebbled surface has no discernible impact on game play. The pebbled surface does, however, add a visually/tactilely interesting texture. I like it a lot.