what do you like in a chess table

I build furniture and I want to move into building some nice chess tables.  But what features work best in your opinions on a chess table versus just a board?  What works better for a club / class setting versus a home setting?  

Like I said in an earlier post I am building one for my church and would like to build some to add to my store.  But the one for my church I'd like to have 2 boards built in so 2 games can be played at once.  Does board colors and set styles really affect gameplay?  if so would it be best to build a board in the style of tournament chess sets?

Thanks

JB

room on the sides for books. some roominess in front as well.

2-1/4" squares. a delimiter of some dark wood looks great.

I had n't thought of room for books at all! that's a good idea. 

squares of maple/walnut would be a good start, though great wood options abound. purpleheart/satinwood anyone?

a matte finish for no glare.

yes that would be nice-  the book idea.  Should their be a shelf on the side or just space to lay the books and how much space?

just space. how much? I'd hope for at least 8"--and somewhat more is always nice.

What do you think of the board being sligtly elevated above the table top- so as to give shielding from errant book shifting?

it's an ok option. not important though. more a matter of taste.

Here's my quick sketch

Low enough to lean comfortably into but high enough to lean back spread legs out in, an dark wood please. :)

not so much room in front so that it's quite a reach to make long moves, but plenty to rest your elbows. when I thought of a raised board it was more like this:

and generous width like so:

It's fantastic that you're thinking of this. But as an avid chess player I would hate for the board to be elevated from the rest of the table. If I were playing a faster game I'd have trouble knocking things over.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the Queen Anne style for a chess board. I prefer a much more arts and crafts look, or even colonial style. I like a warm cherry finish personally, but a nice oak would look good too. The contrast between the board squares and the table should be clear but not obnoxious. The drawers are optional.

My own chess table is oak, 36"x60" with four columnar legs.  It has a warm oak finish and fits comfortably in an eclectic study that is heavy on wooden arts & craft style furnishings. (Not Stickley, but nice.)

This study sounds like an excellent candidate for the chess den, room, nook thread. :)

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/general/do-you-own-a-chess-den-room-or-nook?page=1

Yes, definitely room on the sides, not only for a book or a magazine, but also for captured pieces, a clock, and maybe a cup of coffee.

I was in a shop the other day that had a HUGE chess table, with maybe 3" squares or better (not high quality but huge), but the table was exactly the size of the board. My first thoughts were: "Where am I supposed to put the captured pieces?" and "Where am I supposed to put my elbows?"

Also, it was lower than a regular table. For me, dining table height is perfect. It's how we're all used to sitting, and much lower means you have to sit with shoulders hunched over. Not good for long thinks.

A good chess table should include the following:

1. Built-in minibar and coffee machine.

2. Built-in microwave and small freezer.

4. Built-in chess clock, programmed so that a minute of your opponent´s time only lasts 55 seconds.

3. Sensors under all 64 squares and a hidden mini-display and microkeyboard on your side, all hooked up to a silent laptop running Houdini inside the table.

These are the basics. Otherwise, cherrywood looks nice. And hooks for handbags are a thoughtful touch, much appreciated by female opponents.

http://www.thebestchesstables.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=22

The best chess tables I have seen/found anywhere . My favorite is a toss up between these two : 

http://www.thebestchesstables.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=37

http://www.thebestchesstables.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=36

Maybe someday I can afford one of them . 

I think a nice chess table should also have drawers ( both sides ) to store pieces, pens/pencils, score sheets/books , etc .  Drink holders are also a nice touch to avoid putting drinks directly on the table ... 

How did I not think of this!?

Maybe we could sneak in a little make up drawer too? 

And I know this is a stretch, but it would be wonderful if it had a space to cuddle up inside for naps. :)

Great links, Reb!

Personally, I hate all that wood where my feet would be. It's one reason I preferred four legs to a pedestal table.

The table doesn't need to be an armoire with hooks and the like, but a hidden drawer is a nice touch.

Thanks for the link to the chess den/study, splitleaf. I'll check it out.