The official FIDE 2013 World Championship set

[Dr.Wael Deeb]

At UK£200 (ca. US$350), here's an advertisement for the Official FIDE 2013 World Championship chess set:

http://www.sac-games.com/product.php?id_product=164

This is perhaps the most minimalist Staunton design implementation I've seen. If a process control engineer were to design a set to be manufactured with the least number of cuttings, it might look something like the above.

The reviews I've read are mixed. Interestingly, the objections are more focused on the price rather than the appearance.

De gustibus non est disputandum. My own thought is that FIDE should probably not be in the business of product endorsement.

Personally, I think the idea of FIDE competing with commercial companies is a bad one. They should be trying to stimulate business and not trying to own it.

As to the set, I think it looks pretty dreadful for $350. It is funny, since there have been many truly spectacular sets over the years in World Championships, and usually the players were the ones with the final say. Somehow, I get the feeling that was not the case here.

Frankly, most of the sets running for $90 - $150 by House of Staunton look better.[/quote]

Agreed 100%....
Dr.D

[Cubeman]

I notice that the picture on the box does not show the anorexic Knight.

[sje]

The knight has an art-deco look, almost as if it were formed from bent sheet metal. It is even less detailed than the German Staunton knight, and that is saying something.

One thing about the set which I haven't seen before is the use of white felt bottom coverings for the white pieces and black felt for the black. It's a nice touch, but unfortunately mostly invisible in play.

Here's another set offered by the same dealer, more reasonably priced at UK£62/US$96:

http://www.sac-games.com/product.php?id_product=373

The above is quite similar to the sets I've seen used by players from Russia and I've thought about getting one, even if the bishops lack a mitre slice. I don't know if the style has an official name; a common appellation is "Zagreb 1959".

[geots]

First, thank you for articles on chess sets- a subject I love. I cannot talk long tonight- I am sick. Maybe be back in a few days, then again........... My wife type for me here. I really wanted "just the boxed pieces" of the championship set. As I told you, I only use vinyl roll-up boards. (choice not necessity. Not being cute- but I could buy every wooden board over 200 bucks that shyster company sells)

Don't take this the wrong way- it "is what it is". There are graveyards of people (not figuratively, sadly- nothing for me to be proud of) whose biggest vice may have been to try and screw me over. Then again when you are my friend- it is for life.

Anyway, forget euros, pounds and US dollars. I gotta have a broker who tells me each time there is a change in the value of the US dollar. Nothing to do with this. Can't stay- need a bit of oxygen. Wife can finish. If you caught them trying to do to you what they tried to pull on me price-wise............. A threat? No way- a goddam promise! (She is only typing what I wrote- she hates that word I just used.)


Love ya guy- Keep those "chess piece posts" coming. Please promise me that.


george

[sje]

I just ordered about a dozen more items, so there will be some new reviews in the coming weeks.