Tools of the Trade Chess Equipment
Tools of the Trade - Chess Equipment Chess is not complete without its gears. Over the years, little has changed to the equipments used for chess games. The board and pieces, with the exception of the rules, have remained slightly similar to its predecessors. However, the trend of designing chess sets has been practiced for several centuries. Themes from different sources, be it literature, movie or popular culture, were used to design the board and pieces used for chess games. The Chess Sets There are several variations of designs for chess sets. Basically, chess pieces used for the game are figurines that are taller than they are wide. They are also available in an array of designs. However, probably the most popular design is the Staunton design, after Howard Staunton, the 19th century English chess player. Staunton designs were created by Nathaniel Cook. Staunton style chess sets were first seen in 1849 and were created by Jaques of London. Since then, the Staunton designs were considered as the standard design used for actual chess games. The demand for the universal model of chess pieces were renewed during the late 18th century and early 19th century. During those times, chess was beginning to become popular and gained interest particularly in international plays. The styles and varieties of the conventional form started in the 15th century and had expanded by the beginning of the 19th century. During that period, some of the most popular conventional styles and chess sets were the English Barleycorn, the French Regence, the St. George and the Central European Selenus. Most of the pieces used were tall, cumbersome during chess games and easily tipped. However, the major disadvantage of such chess sets was on the uniformity of the pieces. The game�s outcome could be altered due to the player�s unfamiliarity with the opponent�s pieces. The Staunton Chess Set The early 19th century called for the need of a standard chess set with pieces that were universally accepted by chess players of different backgrounds. The first solution to the problem was released in 1849 by John Jaques of London, which was then the games and sports manufacturers of Hatton Garden, London, England. Although Nathaniel Cook was credited with the Staunton design, it was believed that his brother-in-law, John Jaques, conceived the design. The Staunton chess design underwent several theories. Firstly, the development of the set has utilized prestigious architectural concepts. Since the architects of London were influenced by the neoclassical style of the Romans and Greeks, the appearance of the new chessmen was based on this style and the piece achieved what seemed to be symbols of the Victorian society. The second theory involved Jaques experimenting with a design, which would not only be accepted by the players but could also be produced at an affordable price. Eventually, Jaques synthesized and borrowed several elements from pre-existing sets to create a new design that used universally acknowledged symbols atop usual stems and bases. More so, the pieces were compact, well-balanced and weighted to give a set that was understandable as it was useful. During the third theory, the Staunton design was the combination of both theories with the synergy of Nathaniel Cook and the artisan John Jaques. The design was then patented in March 1, 1849; Nathaniel Cook registered the Ornamental Design for Chessmen. During that date, there was no provision for the registration of any design of ivory and was only limited to articles chiefly made of wood.