Chess Size Guide

A guide to matching your chess pieces to your chess board.

There is an official tournament guideline for pairing chess pieces with a board. It states that the base diameter of the king should be no more than 75% of the diameter of the board’s squares. For example, a king with a 1.5 inch base should ideally be used on a board with 2 inch squares.

There is also an element of personal preference. Not everyone needs to follow tournament standards. In any chess set, the king has the widest base. At minimum, the square must comfortably accommodate the king. How much space is left around the king when centred on a square determines whether the setup feels cramped or spacious.

Why it's important?

When buying a chess board and a set of chess pieces it's important to get the sizing correct. The pieces must not only fit comfortably on the board but also look uncluttered and visually balanced. You also need to ensure that the board itself will fit on your chosen table or playing surface. There are three key measurements to consider:

The diameter of the king’s base.
The size of the squares on the chess board.
The overall size of the chess board.

Board too small…

If you choose a board where the squares are the same diameter as the king’s base, it will appear too small. Although playable, the board will look crowded and untidy.

Board too large…

If the board is too large, the pieces become visually “lost” in the centre of oversized squares. The king may still appear fine, but the pawns can look small and insignificant.

Just right…

The ideal combination provides the king with some, but not too much, space within the square. The pawns should also feel naturally at home on the board.

All our chess piece listings include a recommended board size. We will never recommend a board that is too small for the pieces, but it is normal for us to recommend a board slightly smaller than strict 75% rules would suggest.

If you need help choosing the correct board size, please call or email us for guidance.

The Regency Chess Company is a trading name of JDS Toys & Games Ltd. Registered office: L5 Commerce Park, Frome BA11 2FB, UK. UK Registered Company number: 05642467. VAT: GB925 9476 81
The Regency Chess Company is a registered trademark number 2523868. The Regency Chess Company Limited, UK registered company number 06955067 is owned solely by JDS Toys & Games Limited.
Shareholder and Managing Director: Julian Deverell.

Regency Chess

Chess Size Guide

A guide to matching your chess pieces to your chess board.

Why it's important?

Board too small…

Board too large…

Just right…

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