For playing with other people, I would go with 2 or 2.25.
1.75 I would use more for personal analysis.
What size chess board do you like to use at home?
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It depends on the diameter of the King's base...
Chess Set Sizing - Pieces vs Board...
The primary sizing criteria for the set and board is that of square size vs King base diameter...
A good rule of thumb is...
King base diameter = 0.75 * square size
or equivalently....
Square size = 1.33 * King base diameter
Any variation from these ratios, or the size of individual pieces and pawns becomes a matter of personal preference...
http://blog.chesshouse.com/how-to-select-the-right-size-chessboard-for-pieces/
You might also want to consult the FIDE Manual, Sections 2 and 3 on equipment regulations for FIDE events...
https://www.fide.com/FIDE/handbook/Standards_of_Chess_Equipment_and_tournament_venue.pdf
Dec 31, 2022
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#4
I think 2” is a good compromise in size. It’s small enough to be relatively portable, but still a decent size that is close enough to tournament size
Dec 31, 2022
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#5
MCH818 wrote:
It all depends upon your own preference. I started with a 12” and moved up to a 1.75” board. I ultimately went with a 2” and a 2.25” board because the others were too small. I really like my 3.5” sets on a 2” board. The size makes it easier to see the entire board from a sitting position. I think I prefer it over the 2.25” these days. It also is much less imposing and less serious compared to my 2.25” board. The “serious” factor was something suggested by another member (I can’t remember who) and he was right. But you really can’t go wrong with either size. I would stay away from 4” and larger pieces on a 2.375” board because it would be difficult to see the entire board.
I think 2.25" is indeed more imposing. I never thought about that before. But now that you mention it 🤔. 2" is more personal. Reminds me of stationary. Personal sized envelopes vs business sized envelopes.
Dec 31, 2022
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#7
I just got some 3.5" height king pieces. I was focused on king base for too long before that. I was having a hard time finding pieces. Changing to 3.5" really made a difference. I finally found a good fit.
Dec 31, 2022
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#8
Don't really have any good pictures. Thinking about getting the photographer next door to help me get some good shots. Top picture is 3.75" kings on a 2" square board. Bottom picture has 3.5" king on the same board. I would use either set. I think the 3.75" would be better to play with. While the 3.5" would be better to study with.
14x14
From recent experience over the holidays, when I have friends, family (of all ages) over for a party and want to leave out a chess set for casual play or conversation, it's a 2.25" vinyl board all day. There's usually, beer bottles, wine glasses, red Solo cups, plates of half eaten pie, napkins, kids, you get the idea. I put away all my expensive wood sets and leave out plastic chessmen, on a vinyl board. "Nice" plastic, like a Shelby Ultimate set, or Legend Products Kings Indian. So, with either of those, the board is 2.25"-2.17" (55mm)
Did anyone play on any of your sets during the parties, @Pawnerai? Sounds like it could have been really fun!
lotsoblots wrote:
Did anyone play on any of your sets during the parties, @Pawnerai? Sounds like it could have been really fun!
I had the plastic Kings Indian set up on vinyl. We are fortunate to have enough room in the house for guests so the chess set didn't take up any much needed space at a separate table.
My 9yo son was challenging everyone who knew how to play. I glanced over a few times, he got in at least 3-4 games. Each game attracted onlookers. He's a good kid and took it easy on his younger cousin. Although he didn't let him win out of charity, he didn't demolish him either. Hah! Most of the adults were too busy eating, drinking, and catching up though. 
I am looking into getting my first chess set to use with friends and family that come over. I know that standard tournament boards have 2.25 inch squares oftentimes, but I also see set with 2" and 1.75" squares. What in your experience is the best size for home play?