Help & FAQ - Chessetup Store’s Guide to Products, Policies, and More

Do Chessetup Store chess setslive up to expectations?

Absolutely! At Chessetup Store, we take immense care to ensure our premium
chess sets are accurately represented in the photographs. The only editing done
is placing the product on a white background to maintain clarity. Many
customers have told us that their luxury chess sets and handcrafted chess
boards look even better in real life than they do online!

Who are Chessetup Store’s suppliers?

We work exclusively with some of the world’s most reputable chess
manufacturers. Sourcing from renowned countries like Italy, Spain, Poland,
Germany, Holland, India, and the UK, we guarantee our wooden chess sets,
handcrafted chess boards, and premium chess products are of unmatched quality.

How do you store chess pieces from Chessetup Store?

Some of our chess sets include a dedicated chess piece storage box,
which is always mentioned in the product title or description. For sets that do
not come with storage, or if you’re looking for a storage solution for an
existing set, we offer a stunning selection of wooden chess storage boxes
and cases to keep your pieces safe and organized.

Are chess sets a good investment?

Yes, chess sets from Chessetup Store are not just for play but also make
excellent investments and heirlooms. Crafted from luxury woods like
Ebony and Rosewood, these chess sets are designed to last generations. Exotic
woods like Ebony may become unavailable in the future, adding to the value of your luxury chess sets.

How does Chessetup Store ship products?

We ensure reliable delivery through trusted carriers like FedEx and DHL. Whether you’ve ordered a handcrafted folding chess board or
a luxury tournament chess set, you can track your shipment and stay
updated every step of the way.

How do I choose the right chess set?

With so many stunning options, choosing the perfect chess set can feel overwhelming! At Chessetup Store, we’ve made it easier by offering a diverse range of premium chess products to suit every preference. Explore our chess set bundles, which pair exquisite wooden chess boards crafted from rosewood, sheesham, padauk, or ebony wood with luxurious Staunton chess pieces in materials like metal, plastic, or classic wood. In addition, we offer storage boxes to keep your pieces secure and organized, along with specialized collections like folding chess sets, magnetic chess sets, and pocket chess sets for players on the go. Don’t forget to check out our chess clocks and timers to elevate your playing experience to tournament standards.

At Chessetup Store, every product is designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable chess experience, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player.

What if I change my mind?

We understand that sometimes preferences change. That’s why we offer a 30-day hassle-free return policy. If you wish to exchange your chess set or return
it for a full refund, simply send it back to us—no questions asked.

How does Chessetup Store ensure secure payments?

Your safety is our top priority. Powered by Shopify, the world’s leading e-commerce platform, Chessetup Store ensures all payments are processed securely. Shopify Payments is fully PCI DSS compliant, trusted by millions of businesses globally. Your transactions for products like luxury chess boards or folding tournament chess sets are 100% safe.

Shopify Payment.

Whatare the shipping options and costs?

Chessetup Store offers FREE
worldwide shipping for a limited time. Additionally, express shipping
options are available to most countries. For detailed information, please refer
to our Shipping Policy.

What is the return policy?

We provide a 30-day guarantee with free returns and a full refund, no questions asked. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund. For more details, please see our Refund Policy.

How is my privacy protected?

At Chessetup Store, we prioritize your privacy. We collect only the necessary information to process your
orders and enhance your shopping experience. Your data is handled securely and is not shared with third parties without your consent. For comprehensive
details, please review our Privacy Policy.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept various payment methods to ensure a seamless shopping experience. For a list of accepted payment options, please visit our Terms of Service.

How can I contact customer support?

If you have any questions or need assistance, our customer support team is here to help. You can contact us through any of the following options:

  • Contact Page: Visit our Contact Us page for a quick and easy way to reach us.
  • Email: Send us an email at support@chessetup.com, and we’ll get back to you promptly.
  • Live Chat: Available directly on our website during business hours for real-time support.

We’re dedicated to ensuring your experience with Chessetup Store is as smooth as possible. Let us know how we can assist!

General Chess Knowledge

Is chess a sport?

Yes, chess is recognized as a sport by many international organizations,
including the International Olympic Committee. While it doesn't involve
physical exertion like traditional sports, chess requires intense mental
stamina, strategic planning, and competitive skill. Chess tournaments are often conducted in professional settings with strict rules, much like other sports.

Is chess an Olympic sport? / Is chess in the Olympics? / Is chess an Olympic event?

Although chess is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, it is
not currently an official Olympic sport. However, it is featured in events like
the Chess Olympiad, where top players from around the world compete. Chess
continues to gain recognition globally, and its inclusion in the Olympics
remains a topic of discussion.

How many squares are on a chess board? / How many squares in a chess board?

A standard chess board consists of 64 squares, arranged in an 8x8
grid of alternating light and dark colors. These squares provide the playing
field for chess pieces such as pawns, knights, rooks, bishops, queens, and
kings.

What are the names of the chess pieces?

Chess features six unique pieces, each with distinct movement rules:

  • King: The most important piece; losing it results in checkmate.
  • Queen: The most powerful piece, capable of moving any number of squares in any direction.
  • Rook: Moves horizontally or vertically across the board.
  • Bishop: Moves diagonally on the same color.
  • Knight: Moves in an L-shape pattern.
  • Pawn: The most numerous piece, advancing one square forward (or two on its first move) and capturing diagonally.

What is a defender piece in chess?

A defender piece in chess refers to any chess piece that protects another
piece or critical position on the board. For example, a pawn protecting a king
or a bishop covering a rook is considered a defender. Strategic use of
defenders is vital for maintaining control and avoiding unnecessary losses.

What is a gambit in chess?

A gambit is a strategic opening move where a player sacrifices a pawn or
piece to gain a positional or tactical advantage. Famous examples include the King's Gambit and Queen's Gambit, both aiming to dominate the center of the
board early in the game. Gambits are
popular in aggressive play and professional tournaments.

What is a grandmaster in chess?

A Grandmaster (GM) is the highest title awarded by FIDE (the International
Chess Federation) to elite chess players. It is a lifelong title granted to players who meet specific performance criteria in international tournaments. Grandmasters are considered the pinnacle of chess mastery.

How many chess grandmasters are there?

As of today, there are approximately 1,800 chess grandmasters worldwide. This number varies as new players achieve the title and older players retire.
Countries like Russia, the United States, and India are known for producing a
significant number of grandmasters

Why are there gender categories for chess?

Chess has open tournaments where anyone can compete and women-specific
tournaments to encourage female participation. Historically, fewer women played chess due to societal norms, but gender-specific events aim to bridge this gap and foster more diversity in the sport.

What are the other versions of chess?

Chess has inspired many variants, including:

  • Blitz Chess: A fast-paced version with limited time per move.
  • Fischer Random Chess: Randomized starting positions for the back row.
  • Bughouse Chess: A team-based variant with two boards.
  • 3D Chess: A multi-layered chessboard for advanced gameplay.

These versions provide fresh challenges and entertainment for players.

How many moves are there in chess? / How many possible moves in chess?

The number of possible moves in chess is nearly infinite due to the complexity of the game. After two moves (one by each side), there are 400 possible board positions. This number grows exponentially, reaching approximately 10^120 possible games, known as the "Shannon Number." Chess's vast possibilities make it a game of endless strategy and
creativity.

Chess and Intelligence

Does chess make you smarter? / Does chess make you have a higher IQ?

Yes, playing chess can improve cognitive abilities, but it doesn't directly increase IQ. Chess
enhances skills like:

  • Problem-Solving: Players develop strategic thinking to outmaneuver opponents.
  • Critical Thinking: Analyzing moves on a wooden chess board or a luxury chess set sharpens decision-making.
  • Memory Improvement: Remembering tactics, positions, and opening sequences boosts memory retention.

While chess alone won't make you a genius, its mental benefits have long been associated with improved academic and professional performance.

Does solo chess improve intelligence? / Does solo chess improve performance?

Yes, solo chess is an excellent way to refine mental skills and boost
performance. Here's how:

  • Tactics Practice: Solving puzzles on a foldable wooden chess set helps improve pattern recognition.
  • Concentration: Playing against a chess engine enhances focus over extended periods.
  • Strategic Thinking: Simulating games fosters foresight and adaptability.

By practicing solo chess on a premium tournament chess set, players can strengthen their cognitive abilities and gain confidence for real matches.

How big is a chess board?

A standard chess board is 8x8 squares, with a total of 64 squares.
Each square’s size depends on the
board's overall dimensions:

  • Tournament boards typically measure 20 inches or more, with squares around 2.25 inches.
  • Travel or foldable chess boards can be smaller, while luxury chess boards may feature larger, intricately designed squares.

For professional play, the size of the chess board must align with the
proportions of the Staunton chess pieces, ensuring optimal gameplay.

Where does the king start in chess?

The king chess piece starts on the e1 square for white and e8 for
black. Positioned centrally, it is flanked by the queen chess piece and bishops on a properly set up wooden chess board or luxury chess set. This placement is crucial to maintaining the standard setup of the game.

How is winning independence like winning chess?

Winning independence, like winning chess, requires strategic planning,
patience, and the ability to anticipate challenges. In chess, as in historical
struggles for independence, success hinges on controlling key positions,
leveraging resources effectively, and outmaneuvering opponents. Both scenarios demand critical thinking and the ability to adapt under pressure, whether on a handcrafted chess board or in real life.

What chess engine beat a grandmaster in chess?

The most famous chess engine to defeat a grandmaster is IBM’s Deep Blue,
which defeated World Champion Garry Kasparov in 1997. Today, engines like Stockfish and AlphaZero far surpass human capabilities, dominating even the best players in matches conducted on professional tournament chess boards

Chess Rules and Gameplay

Who goes first in chess? / What color goes first in chess?

In chess, white always moves first. This rule applies to all formats, whether you're
playing on a premium chess board, a tournament chess set, or a luxury wooden chess set. Starting first
gives the white pieces a slight advantage in setting the tone of the game.

 Can a king kill aking in chess? / Can a king take a king in chess? / Can kings take kings in chess?

No, a king chess piece cannot kill or capture another king. The rules of chess prevent two kings from being adjacent on the board, as it would place both in check, which is illegal. The game's objective is to checkmate the opponent's king, not to
capture it.

Can the king in chess kill? / Can the king attack inchess? / Can the king capture in chess?

Yes, the king chess piece can attack or capture an opponent’s piece, but only if doing so does not place itself in check. For example, the king can capture a pawn or knight if it is safe to do so. This rule applies across all chess variants,
from tournament chess boards to folding chess boards.

Can the king capture the queen in chess?

Yes, the king chess piece can capture the queen if the queen is not protected by another piece. However, this move must not place the king in check, as that would be an illegal move on any professional chess board.

Can a king take a queen in chess?

Yes, a king can take a
queen under the same conditions mentioned earlier. The move must not expose the king to check. In luxury chess sets and handcrafted chess boards, this rule is crucial to master strategy.

Can the knight kill the king in chess?

A knight chess piece cannot directly kill or capture the king, as the objective of the game is to checkmate the king, not capture it. However, the knight can contribute to a checkmate or force the king into a losing position.

Can you have two queens in chess? / Can you get two queens in chess? / Can you have 2 queens inchess? / Can u have 2 queens in chess?

No, the queen chess piece cannot move like a knight. The queen moves any
number of squares horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, while the knight chess piece moves in an L-shape. Understanding these differences is vital for mastering Staunton chess sets.

How does the bishop move inchess?

The bishop chess piece moves diagonally across the board on squares of the
same color. Each player starts with two bishops—one on a light square and one
on a dark square. On handcrafted
chess boards and wooden
chess boards, bishops are pivotal for long-range strategies.

How can a knight move inchess? / How can the knight move in chess?

The knight chess piece has a unique movement: it moves in an L-shape,
covering two squares in one direction and one square perpendicular to it. Knights are the only pieces that can "jump" over other pieces, making them invaluable on any luxury chess set or premium
chess board.

Where can the queen move inchess?

The queen chess piece is the most powerful piece on the board. It can
move any number of squares in a straight line—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Its versatility makes it essential in dominating the game, whether you're
playing on a tournament chess set or a foldable wooden chess set.

Can pawns attack backward inchess? / Can pawn attack backward in chess?

No, pawns cannot attack or move backward. Pawns only move forward, but they capture diagonally. This unique movement adds complexity to the game, especially in folding chess games or when using handcrafted chess boards for strategic
play.

Chess Strategy and Improvement

How to get better at chess? / How do you get better at chess? / How to get good atchess? / How do I get better at chess?

To improve at chess, start by studying the basics of the game on a wooden
chess board or a luxury chess set. Focus on these areas:

  • Openings: Learn key opening strategies, like controlling the center.
  • Tactics: Practice solving tactical puzzles involving knight chess pieces, bishops, and pawns.
  • Endgames: Master endgame scenarios like king and pawn versus king.
  • Play Regularly: Use a tournament chess set or online platforms to gain practical experience.
  • Analyze Games: Review your games to identify mistakes and missed opportunities.


Consistent practice on a handcrafted chess board can help you become a strong player over time

How to play chess for dummies?

Chess is easy to learn but challenging to master. Here’s a quick guide for
beginners:

  • Set Up the Board: Place your Staunton chess pieces correctly, ensuring the white square is in the bottom-right corner.
  • Learn Piece Movements: Understand how each piece moves, especially the queen chess piece (most powerful) and pawn chess piece (most numerous).
  • Understand Objectives: The goal is to checkmate the opponent's king chess piece.
  • Start with Control : Control the center with your pawns and develop your pieces like knights and bishops early.

For a deeper understanding, use a premium chess board to practice.

What to teach a beginner in chess?

When teaching a beginner, focus on:

  • Basic Rules: Explain piece movements, board setup, and objectives.
  • Common Tactics: Teach forks, pins, and skewers involving rook chess pieces, knights, and bishops.
  • Opening Principles: Control the center and develop pieces efficiently.
  • Endgame Basics: Demonstrate simple checkmates like king and queen versus king.

Encourage practice on a foldable wooden chess set to build confidence.

How do I use time better in chess?

Effective time management in chess is crucial, especially in timed games
using a digital chess clock. Here’s how:

  • Openings: Use prepared lines to save time.
  • Middle Game: Focus on analyzing positions deeply and avoid unnecessary calculations.
  • Endgame: Practice common patterns to play quickly under pressure.

Using a professional chess clock helps build speed and precision.

How to utilize a queen side majority in chess?

A queenside majority involves having more pawns on the queenside than your opponent. To leverage it:

  • Advance Pawns: Push pawns carefully to create a passed pawn.
  • Support with Pieces: Use bishop chess pieces and rooks to back up pawn advances.
  • Create Pressure: Force your opponent to defend against queenside threats while you control the center or kingside.

This strategy is especially effective on tournament chess boards with experienced players

Why is it hard to win with black in chess?

Black starts second, giving white the first-move advantage to control the
game’s pace. To overcome
this:

  • Focus on solid defenses like the Sicilian Defense or King's Indian Defense.
  • Counterattack effectively to seize the initiative.
  • Playing on a luxury chess board enhances focus and strategy for competitive games.

How to win a chess game in 3 moves? / How to win a chess game in three moves?

Winning in three moves requires your opponent to make mistakes. One common trick is:

  • White: Move pawn to e4.
  • Black: Moves pawn to f6.
  • White: Moves queen to h5, threatening the king.
  • Black: Moves g5.
  • White: Moves queen to h5 for checkmate.

Practice these tricks on a folding magnetic chess set for better understanding.

How do you get a draw inchess?

Draws can occur in several ways:

  • Stalemate: No legal moves for the player whose turn it is.
  • Threefold Repetition: The same position occurs three times.
  • Insufficient Material: Neither player has enough material to checkmate.
  • 50-Move Rule: No pawn moves or captures in the last 50 moves.

Use a professional chess set to practice and recognize draw scenarios.

How to beat one-player chess?

To beat a computer or single-player chess engine:

  • Play Aggressively: Engines are programmed for defense but can miscalculate attacks.
  • Force Positional Mistakes: Use pawn structures to create weak spots.
  • Analyze Afterward: Review games to learn from mistakes.

Use a luxury wooden chess set for offline practice or online tools for analysis.