Selecting a Chess Board
Square Size

Square Size

Selecting the size of a chess board square size should be based upon personal preference, especially for casual play. However, there is a guideline for tournament play that may be of help in selecting the proper square size.

The 75% Guideline states that the base diameter of the king should be no more than 75% of the chess board square size. For example, a king that has a 1.5" base should have a chess board square size of 2".

For casual play, however, the chess board square size is totally up to you. With this in mind, we would strongly recommend that the square be at least 1/4" larger than the king base. For example, a king with a base of 1.75" may work very nicely for casual play on a chess board with only 2" squares (87.5%).

Please also keep in mind that having much to much space on the chess board may not be very attractive as the chess pieces may become lost in a sea of chess board squares.

Lastly, please take into consideration the overall size of the chess board and the furniture on which it will be placed. For example, a chess board with 2.25" squares may be just right to meet the 75% guideline, but on the other hand, the whole chess board may be too large for the coffee table on which you intend to play. In this case, smaller squares or a small border may be the answer.