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ChessBoss - Helping You Play Better Chess

I wanted to take a moment and bring attention to a website that is doing good thing for consumers playing chess. I can’t truly do it justice describing all of the benefits of Chess Boss, but please have a look at what they offer to you:

 

ChessBoss.com is your number one source for everything if you play chess. Whether you play as a beginner or a grandmaster you can find something here that will allow you to have fun as you play chess and play chess better. Our free chess download is a program that is advanced beyond the rest of the free chess game downloads available. Once you play on our free chess game you will see why we are better.

The most important thing anytime you get a free download on the internet is security. You need to know the site you are on isn’t going to give you a virus or defraud you. Chessboss.com has the best security on the web and will never give you a problem as you try to play our free chess games. Our site uses top encryption technology to ensure all of our players’ information is safe as they play.

Are you a grandmaster or a skilled player who is tired of the same game? Are you a new player who wants to try a different game anyway? We offer a huge variety of different ways to play chess so it never gets boring. We offer everything from loser’s chess, in which the object is to lose, to random chess where the back row is set up in a random configuration each game. All of these games are free to play, just like the regular chess game.

Free chess is a lot of fun. Playing chess games for money is even more fun. ChessBoss.com is the only place on the web that you can play chess for real money. Not only that, but our security ensures that when you play chess all you need to worry about is your next move. Also, our rating system ensures that beginners aren’t playing against grandmasters. You will always end up in a fair, competitive game that will test your skills without you being completely outmatched by your opponent. Plus our instant matching service makes it easy find a chess game.

This is no ordinary free chess download. We at ChessBoss.com have created the best free chess download on the web. The graphics in the game are clear and detailed and the program runs smoothly. Chess is better when you can see the board clearly. Get a clear view at ChessBoss.com.

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Tags: Chess News, Chess Opinion by BraRoeChess
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Does Chess Make You Smarter or Just Look Smarter?

Some people think that playing chess will make them look smarter. I hate to be the one to tell them this, but they are wrong.  It only makes you look smarter if you actually know how to play and can hold your own against your opponent.  Simply sitting down to play at a chess set with just a little bit of knowledge of the rules isn’t fooling anyone.  You can’t just randomly move the chess pieces around and hope for the best. People will notice when you are faking it.  So, don’t go into a game of chess thinking that onlookers will be impressed by your intellect just because you are sitting at a chess board.  You have to actually have some knowledge to back up your actions on this one.

 

That being said, if you do have the know-how and the will to play, chess can make you smarter.  This is a game that forces you to think and consider your moves carefully.  Each piece moves differently from the other pieces and you have to keep that in mind while playing.  So there you are with multiple pieces that move multiple ways trying to oppose multiple pieces also moving multiple ways.  If that doesn’t get your mind running, I don’t know what would.  Strategy is essential as well as a subtle attention to detail.

 

Crossword puzzles? Soduko?  Those are a good warm up, but if you want to really give your mind a workout, sit down and play a game of chess.  You’ll find yourself having quite a bit of fun as well as developing your problem solving skills and organizational abilities.

Tags: Chess Sets, Chess Opinion by BraRoeChess
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Chess Does not Have to be High-Tech

We live in an age where games are getting more and more high-tech.  Is that really what makes a game fun?  Do we really need to stare at a screen for hours on end getting carpal tunnel syndrome from pushing the same few buttons over and over?

I think not.

A simple game of chess can be just as fun as any videogame.  It doesn’t require some crazy plotline that would never happen, exaggerated sound effects, or even a power outlet.  It’s a game that lets you actually be face to face with your opponent and maybe even have an actual conversation during game play.  Astonishing, I know.

A simple board, some finely crafted playing pieces, and a willing partner are all you need to enjoy this wonderful game.  It takes just as much brain power as any game you can think of and emerging victorious over your opponent is just as satisfying as beating the hardest level of any videogame.

You can play it just about anywhere, too.  In the comfort of your own home, in a park to enjoy a beautiful day, or even your break room at work are all possible locations to enjoy a game of chess. That’s the beauty of the game; it’s wonderfully versatile in where and when it can take place.

In an age where gaming is going further and further technologically, remember that there are simple alternatives that can be just as fun.  So keep chess in mind when you’re in the mood for some good, simple fun.

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Tags: Chess Opinion by BraRoeChess
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Different Ways of Displaying a Chess Set

There are more than a hndful of chess players that keep their chess sets on display. Not only do I not blame them, I encourage them! A well selected chess set is a remarkable site, and certainly the talking point to most any room that houses it. The concerns that is brought up most often is whether or not to display a chess set with all the pieces aligned and ready to play, or to leave them in set as if a game where already in progress.

Proponents of the first choice like the clean look of the chess set. Ready to go, with endless possiblities just waiting, the game beckons to be played. Seeing the chess set gives that sense of hope when looking a board ready to go.

The other option is too set the board up as if there were a match already in progress. Showing off the battle of wits that has been engaging two players. When one walks by such a chess set on display, the natural inclination is to stop and look at the game.

Either way, it really doesn’t matter. Both ways show off a chess set, and gives people a good idea of a hobby or interest of yours.

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Tags: Chess Sets, Chess Pieces, Chess Boards by BraRoeChess
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Why Choose a Themed Chess Set?

Sometimes, a chess set is more than a chess set. A little philosophical, I know. But the fact remains that there are a class of chess set that go beyond the pleasures of playing chess and become a little bit more. There are several reasons that a person obtains a themed chess set, and the primary one is rarely for playing chess.

To begin, there are more than enough themes out there for anyone. Anything from Medieval themes that take the literal representation of the chess piece name (i.e. an actual bishop for the bishop), to sports, to literature and pop culture. Most themes prevent instant recognition of the pieces, especially once the pieces have developed. Most people are not going to remember that the Giraffe is the knight on an animal chess set.

So then why have a themed chess set?

A themed chess set is often times bought because of the theme itself. Civil war buffs will flock to chess sets depicting that confrontation. Golf fans enjoy a chess set depicting their favorite past time. Personal interests are often the biggest factor when selecting a themed chess set.

Another reason for selecting a particular themed chess set is for is decorative value. A good themed chess set can be the highlight or accent in most any sitting room or den. Tall and distinct, A Renaissance Metal Chess Set can easily control the feel of the room from the corner. Most themes can easily start conversation in nearly any room that they are placed. A well coordinated chess set theme can also just blend in as part of the room, with the right décor.

Whatever the reason, a theme chess set is certainly a popular choice amongst chess admirers. A theme exists for most every enthusiast. What one will you choose?

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Tags: Chess Sets, Online Shopping by BraRoeChess
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How do You Align Your Chess Knight?

We see several different mark that make any chess set unique. The materials, color matching, and details of the pieces are just a few of the area. While each piece has its own unique touches to it, the one piece that can have the largest amount of detail put into it is the Knight.

With that in mind, the logical debate that erupts is how to align you knight when playing chess? It is something that we debate every once in a while – do you line your knights up facing each other or facing the opposition.

Proponents of the former, my self included, choose to face their knight toward each other. That is too show-off the knight. With all the detail and hard work in the pieces, not displaying it would be just a shame. Some try to make the argument that ergonomically, it is also easier to grab the pieces and move them. That argument usually gets debunked.

The other argument is to have the knights facing toward the opponents. The main argument there is psychological, that the knight focused across the chess set in an attack bearing show your opponent why you are there.

Whatever the reason, I am sure that we can all agree that the knight is an impressive piece on the board. We would like to hear from you though, how do you orient your knight?

Tags: Chess Pieces by BraRoeChess
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Getting the Best Chess Board for Metal Chess Pieces

Matching to the right board is something often concerns players that are looking to have chess pieces made from metal. There are very few metal chess boards and sometimes, a board made from metal is not what is being sought. Luckily, there are three options that are available.

The first is of course a metal chess board.  Metal chess boards are boards that are made from wood and are covered, like a veneer, with metal. Usually the board is made of Brass. The white squares are made retain the brass’s natural color, while the black pieces will have brass that is tinted another color, such as blue, red, or a darker brass. Brass boards will match with any metal chess pieces.

The next option is leather chess boards. Leather chess boards are made with a wood base and then have a leather cover over them for the playing surface. Boards can come in black and gold, black and brown, or burgundy and gold for the colors of the squares.  There are several options of leather chess boards that come as chess chests, with storage for the pieces beneath the board.

The third option is a carefully selected wood chess board. Most chess boards that are glossy in finish will be excellent options for chess board, especially non-traditional colors such as grey or Blue. Light colored woods such as Hazelwood and Bubinga are options that will match well with metal chess pieces. Rosewood and Black, matte finished boards usually do not mesh will with the metal chess pieces.

So, it is easy enough to be able to find a that matches your style with your metal chess pieces if you can keep these three rules in mind. As usual, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at Bradford @braroechess.com anytime.

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Tags: Chess Pieces, Chess Boards by BraRoeChess
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Three Different Designs for Chess Knights

One of the defining traits of a chess set is the knight. While each of the other pieces can bring their own flair to a chess set, especially the crown of the King or the coronet of the Queen. But with the Staunton chess set, the knight is the one piece that offers the greatest opportunity to find a chess set with exceptional detail.

While there are several different styles of knights, and many areas where a craftsman may showcase his work, there are generally three different types of knights: German, French, and Russian Style.

German Style
German Style chess pieces are where the nose of the knight is cut so that it is at a 45 degree angle. There is nothing overly significant about the angle, it just a way to have the knight stick out.

French Style
The French style is when the nose is straight across. More often than not, designers are going to create chess sets where the knight is fashioned at this level. Again, there is nothing special about the angle, but it does allow the knight to have a more prominent display of a mane.

 

Russian Style
The final style is the Russian Style. Here, the knight is the most head strong, with the nose pointing straight up and down. Symbolic of the history that the Russians have brought to the game and history of chess, the knight stands proud amongst the rest of the chess pieces.

No knight is right or wrong, but now you have an idea of the different designs behind the knight the next time you view a chess set.

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Tags: Chess Sets, Chess Pieces by BraRoeChess
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Chess Clocks - Do You Bash Yours?

Recently, there was a conversation in the forums at Chess.com about whether or not it was ok to bash a clock.

The original author mentioned how the old standby BHB brand chess clocks always weathered the excitement filled hits that the game brought on. The concern is how much can a chess clock take?

Newer, digital clocks are not built too take the same shock that analog chess clocks were known for enduring. On the same token though, has anyone ever had to take and end a match because some one hit the clock too hard?

Join the discussion and let us know - Do you bash you chess clock?

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Tags: Online Shopping, Chess Opinion, Chess Clocks by BraRoeChess
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