bright red is distracting. The darker shades of red are ok. Remember, us Septuagenarians sometimes do not like change!
Using Red Pieces in Tournament Games. Your Opinion? Post Your Red Set Pictures
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loubalch wrote:
GNM, I do like that resin set, but I'd prefer it without the faux distress. To me, it looks more like dirt than aged ivory. I wonder if I can get the set without it?
Another thing, when I peruse through Jon Crumiller's collection of ivory chess sets, most of them look in pristine condition. So why would I want a reproduction set that looks like an antique set that hasn't been cared for properly? But then again, I don't understand why anyone would pay $100+ for new jeans that have been distressed to look like jeans I've already thrown out?
As to red pieces in tournaments. I should say upfront, I don't play in many tournaments. I have no problem with the reddish rosewoods, padauk, mahogony, or red sandalwood pieces. I think they look great. I would have a problem with fire engine red (aka Bozo) colored pieces, especially if they're highly reflective. I just sold off a high gloss plastic set because it was glaringly uncomfortable to play with.
Although I was tempted by some of the low prices on lacquered sets the House of Staunton is clearing out, my better judgement won out, and I declined.
Lou, although you make some intereting points for a set without distress, I do prefer it. It would be nice if the set were offered both ways.
I have a few high-gloss red lacquer sets and they do not bother me as long as I'm not playing on a glossy board. Regarding the Bozo red color, here's a pic of my Romanian red set. Is this set too red for you?
May 30, 2016
0
#124
goodknightmike wrote:
loubalch wrote:
GNM, I do like that resin set, but I'd prefer it without the faux distress. To me, it looks more like dirt than aged ivory. I wonder if I can get the set without it?
Another thing, when I peruse through Jon Crumiller's collection of ivory chess sets, most of them look in pristine condition. So why would I want a reproduction set that looks like an antique set that hasn't been cared for properly? But then again, I don't understand why anyone would pay $100+ for new jeans that have been distressed to look like jeans I've already thrown out?
As to red pieces in tournaments. I should say upfront, I don't play in many tournaments. I have no problem with the reddish rosewoods, padauk, mahogony, or red sandalwood pieces. I think they look great. I would have a problem with fire engine red (aka Bozo) colored pieces, especially if they're highly reflective. I just sold off a high gloss plastic set because it was glaringly uncomfortable to play with.
Although I was tempted by some of the low prices on lacquered sets the House of Staunton is clearing out, my better judgement won out, and I declined.
Lou, although you make some intereting points for a set without distress, I do prefer it. It would be nice if the set were offered both ways.
I have a few high-gloss red lacquer sets and they do not bother me as long as I'm not playing on a glossy board. Regarding the Bozo red color, here's a pic of my Romanian red set. Is this set too red for you?
Bozo Red doesn't bother me. As a TD, I'd allow it. It's less difficult than some of the Bozos I've had to deal with.
cgrau wrote:
goodknightmike wrote:
loubalch wrote:
GNM, I do like that resin set, but I'd prefer it without the faux distress. To me, it looks more like dirt than aged ivory. I wonder if I can get the set without it?
Another thing, when I peruse through Jon Crumiller's collection of ivory chess sets, most of them look in pristine condition. So why would I want a reproduction set that looks like an antique set that hasn't been cared for properly? But then again, I don't understand why anyone would pay $100+ for new jeans that have been distressed to look like jeans I've already thrown out?
As to red pieces in tournaments. I should say upfront, I don't play in many tournaments. I have no problem with the reddish rosewoods, padauk, mahogony, or red sandalwood pieces. I think they look great. I would have a problem with fire engine red (aka Bozo) colored pieces, especially if they're highly reflective. I just sold off a high gloss plastic set because it was glaringly uncomfortable to play with.
Although I was tempted by some of the low prices on lacquered sets the House of Staunton is clearing out, my better judgement won out, and I declined.
Lou, although you make some intereting points for a set without distress, I do prefer it. It would be nice if the set were offered both ways.
I have a few high-gloss red lacquer sets and they do not bother me as long as I'm not playing on a glossy board. Regarding the Bozo red color, here's a pic of my Romanian red set. Is this set too red for you?
Bozo Red doesn't bother me. As a TD, I'd allow it. It's less difficult than some of the Bozos I've had to deal with.
Chuck, Can you imagine playing in a tournament with one of your Bozo red sets on a green & buff vinyl board? How sweet it is!
cgrau wrote:
Here's a Bozo Red set from Bohemia I'd allow.
Gorgeous sets Chuck, thanks for posting
May 30, 2016
0
#129
goodknightmike wrote:
Chuck, Can you imagine playing in a tournament with one of your Bozo red sets on a green & buff vinyl board? How sweet it is!
Been there. Done that. It's like Christmas.
May 30, 2016
0
#130
verylate wrote:
the bozo bohemian I'd play with, but that's just one step this side of the line. The bozo windsor, with the mis-sized N and B, is over the line
The Windsor is the same color as the Bohemia set. As to the relative size of the B and N, I agree, they are out of proportion. But that's not disqualifying. In fact, I've played in major open tournaments where for years that design was standard. There are scores of pictures of Fischer playing on it.
cgrau wrote:
verylate wrote:
the bozo bohemian I'd play with, but that's just one step this side of the line. The bozo windsor, with the mis-sized N and B, is over the line
The Windsor is the same color as the Bohemia set. As to the relative size of the B and N, I agree, they are out of proportion. But that's not disqualifying. In fact, I've played in major open tournaments where for years that design was standard. There are scores of pictures of Fischer playing on it.
The Windsor sets were quite popular in the 1950s and early 60s, albeit a plastic set. And were used in many of the US championships during that period.
cgrau wrote:
Here's a Bozo Red set from Bohemia I'd allow.
Chuck, what's up with the leaning Bishop of Bohemia? 
goodknightmike wrote:
I have a few high-gloss red lacquer sets and they do not bother me as long as I'm not playing on a glossy board. Regarding the Bozo red color, here's a pic of my Romanian red set. Is this set too red for you?
No, Mike, I love your Romanian "red." Red's a funny color for chess pieces, depending on the intensity, hue & finish, it either works or it doesn't. You love it up to point (wherever that is) after which, you're in Bozoland.
Hey Chuck, what's up with the midget knight?
May 30, 2016
0
#135
cgrau wrote:
Here's a Bozo Red Windsor I'd allow.
That's not Bozo, Chuck; for Bozo the color requires a little more orange and must look scarier. Your set is close to the candy apple red I was talking about. I'd be tempted to take a bite out of that Windsor bishop to see if it has an apple beneath the skin and to reduce its size. Perhaps give some of that apple to the knight to build up a little weight.
hi Mike
red reminds me of............,
roast, lipstick.
Santa? and that red-nosed reindeer
:)
lofina_eidel_ismail wrote:
hi Mike
red reminds me of............,
roast, lipstick.
Santa? and that red-nosed reindeer
:)
Hi Lofina, don't forgot Bozo the clown!
goodknightmike wrote:
Hi Lofina, don't forgot Bozo the clown!
Indeed not. The Boz' nose.
May 30, 2016
0
#139
Do you think I would be allowed to use my favorite set in a tournament game?
I noticed lately that players are using RED pieces more and more in tournaments outside the US. What's your opinion? Please post some pictures of your RED piece sets.
Perhaps what's old is new again and we are returning to the 19th century where red, a cochineal red stain, was common on bone and ivory sets. In fact, I've never seen a Victorian Whittington-Pattern or In Statu Quo travel chess set in anything but natural and stained red. I know you know this, goodknightmike, but this is for the other readers.
Personally, I see nothing wrong with red from the brighter red of cochineal stain to the deep rich red of "bud" rosewood or Cocobolo, a wood that, unfortunately, turns darker with age. Ebony is a dense wood, and when of the highest quality the blackest black, but I'm not sure it's as beautiful as the finest rosewood.
Unfortunately, the USCF is being its typical over-regulated self in not letting players use red sets -- I think that's brighter red a la House of Staunton's plastic Collector series -- in Over-the-Board tournaments. This is supposed to be the land of the free, yet red is allowed in Europe. Typical.
There is no way this unusually high quality ivory, 1885 Burmese set would look good in black. I would love to own it, but I refuse to mortgage my house.
I would probably draw the line at glossy, candy apple red.
Best,
Bob