Category
Equipment & Reviews
Essential Chess Books for Intermediate Players
A curated shortlist of chess books that actually move the needle for club-level players, organized by the specific skill each one builds rather than by hype or age.
Hardik Ranpariya · October 13, 2026
Best Chess Books for Beginners
How to choose genuinely beginner-appropriate chess books — what separates titles that actually build a foundation from ones that assume knowledge a true beginner doesn't yet have.
Hardik Ranpariya · October 9, 2026
Building a Home Chess Library: Where to Start
How to build a genuinely useful home chess library without wasting money on books that don't match your actual level or study needs.
Hardik Ranpariya · October 5, 2026
How Electronic Chess Boards Work
The technology behind sensor-equipped chess boards that automatically detect moves — how they work, what they're used for, and whether you actually need one.
Hardik Ranpariya · September 30, 2026
Staunton Pattern Pieces: The Tournament Standard
The history and design logic behind the Staunton chess set — why this specific 19th-century design became the universal standard for competitive play.
Hardik Ranpariya · September 26, 2026
What to Look for in a Tournament Chess Set
The specific requirements a chess set needs to meet for over-the-board competitive play — piece pattern, sizing, and coloring regulations most events actually enforce.
Hardik Ranpariya · September 18, 2026
A Guide to Digital Chess Clocks
What to look for in a digital chess clock — time control support, display clarity, and the practical differences between the major models players actually use.
Hardik Ranpariya · September 14, 2026
Understanding Chess Piece Sizing and Board Proportions
How king height, base diameter, and square size relate to each other — the proportions that separate a comfortable, playable set from an awkward one.
Hardik Ranpariya · September 9, 2026
Wooden vs Plastic Chess Pieces: What to Know
A practical comparison of wooden and plastic chess pieces — feel, durability, cost, and which is actually the better choice for your situation.
Hardik Ranpariya · September 5, 2026
How to Choose Your First Chess Set
A practical, no-nonsense guide to buying a chess set you'll actually enjoy using — what really matters and what's just marketing.
Hardik Ranpariya · September 1, 2026