this is odd (USCF is inconsistant on advice on board size

I am looking to get the plastic collectors chess set  here:  http://www.uscfsales.com/product_p/mencol40.htm .   It is on the USCF's own sales website.   It advices a board size of 2.25 inches to 2.375 inches per square.   

But then I look at the U.S. Chess Federation's Official Rules of Chess, 5th edition, and it says the following reqarding board size from 41C page 227:

"The guideline for determining the proper square size for a Staunton chess set is that the King should occupy around 78% of the square.(Dividing the base diameter of the King by 0.78 will yield the proper square size).  An acceptable square size may be up to 1/8 inch larger than this number, but not smaller."

When you divide the base size of the King in the Collectors set, (1.875) by 0.78 you get 2.4038... .   That is larger than the range mentioned on the USCF's sales website(2.25 inches to 2.375 inches per square).  

Which is right?  What board size should I get?  Why is the advice on the USCF's website different from the rule book? 

Wow. That is really amazing.

Now you know why nobody reads that rule book.

Yeah, to think somebody acutally has more time on their hands than we do.

My 4" Collector on a 2.5" board:

and on a 2.375" board:

For me 2.5" is the right size. The guidelines are interesting but the only rule is how it looks in rl.

does it really matter

Wow, I didn't know people still read books with descriptive notation!

it didn't take long at all the look up the rule.   I've had the book for a while now and since I decided I wanted to buy a chess set, I just looked it up to see what it said. 

all I can say is that the USCF still sells it on their website http://www.uscfsales.com/product_p/b0012rh.htm    USCF is the governing body of Chess in the USA, is it not?  What is wrong with reading their rule book in order to make sure you are following the rules? 

Okay, let's not go astray. I'm quite familiar with the book, I own a copy of it, along with about 1000 other pieces of chess literature. There is nothing wrong with reading it. Post #6 addressed your concerns, most of the rest of the comments are all sarcastic, not to be taken seriously. Advice, pretend you're a duck instead of a warblar and the comments are water.

The second comment was directed at the photo, he has a vintage (or reprint) book in front on the top picture.

Only if your playing Fischer

Fischer probably wouldn't go with the USFC's rules,   he'd create his own rules and demand that everyone following them.

Okay, story time! I used to play at the Mechanic's Institute where they have chess tables and club sets. There is a strong expert there who always brought his own set because the club sets looked they had been used in WWII. He'd always show up early and set up the board. One week I was paired with him, me having the Black pieces. So I got there extra early, set up the board with a club set, my scoresheet and a clock, then waited. As soon as my opponent entered the room I beat feet to my seat and sat down. He asked, "Do you mind if we use my set?" I replied, "No, I  like the club sets." He then proceeded to go around the room gathering the best club pieces he could find to replace the ones on the board I had set up. Didn't do him any good, his noodle was so baked he played like a D player.

I don't like the idea of messing with peoples minds.   When I play someone, I want their A game.   It should be about chess, not psyching the other player out.

Gee, I dunno...cuz they're the USCF? lol  They once sent me a board with a dark square on the right-hand corner (go figure)...

just rotate the board 90 degrees.

lol...with the letters and numbers running down the sides? 

Yeah, if only they'd heeded these sterling words of advice:  never buy chess supplies at a Berlin fire sale...

you didn't tell me the board in question had the letters and numbers on it.   wow . . .  that is a big mistake for USCF to make.   I hope you returned the board.