Wegiel Handmade European Ambassador Chess Set - Wooden 21 Inch Beech & Birch Board with Felt Base - Carved Hornbeam & Sycamore Wood Chess Pieces

I bought this set nearly 6 years ago, so I could teach my 4 year old daughter how to play chess. Since then, she's not only learned how to play, but her little sister was born and is now learning chess to. I mention this not to brag (well, maybe a little, clever kids! haha) but to emphasize that despite this set now having been used by myself and a couple of rambunctious kids for years now, it's held up terrifically. The board and pieces are all well-made, the board can be easily folded up with the pieces inside to put it away, and the nice, big, wooden board and hand-carved pieces make a nice table-top decoration if you prefer to leave the board out on the table for long stretches of time (which we often do, because it's easier to convince the kids to play a few moves before arguing for screen time when the game is out in the open, ready for a match). The price has gone up a notable amount since my original purchase, but as long as the quality is still as good as the one I got, I'd say it's still worth it.

There seems to be many sizes of the same board and pieces and I made sure that I am ordering the 'Ambassador' model for the size of board and pieces I wanted. The Ambassador model comes with really good size chess pieces and the they are really well made, lovey to look. Kids love to play with his chess board. The board itself is very well crafted. Glad to buy this on sale for a very decent price. Chess lovers will enjoy this board and pieces. Pieces too are of a good weight. This item is impressive. The pictures make you feel that green felt to store the pieces are sturdy, but I was surprised that the green housing to store the pieces is a very thin plastic (sort of) material. Its flimsy as well and the item I received had the green felt looking slots for the pieces broken in the corners. I didn't care to return as I feel that even if that breaks I will throw away that and use the folding board for storing the pieces. I must say that I liked the board and did choose to buy as it had nice slots for storing the pieces, which kids love to put back after they are done, but the broken plastic did not make me return the product (or exchange) as the important parts (board and pieces) are so lovely. This is a very strong chessboard, nicely crafted pieces of very good size (some might even say they are really big).

Arrived in perfect condition and shipped/arrived on time (2 day).I chose the Ambassador 21" over the Imperator 21" because i like the pawn style better on the Ambassador, and i don't really care about whether the pieces are weighted or not. It's very easy to drill a small hole in bottom (right through the felt) and glue in a small lead cylinder flush with the wood if you want to weight them. Very playable and stable enough for anything except speed chess.My son and i opened it outside, in full sun, because SOME reviews complained about a "strong varnish smell", and i have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, but THERE WAS NO STRONG SMELL, just a BEAUTIFUL well crafted chess set, A WORK OF ART!!!I have NEVER enjoyed a game of chess so much in all my life, it's like playing chess on the Mona Lisa, or something, such a beautiful board and pieces, will be treasured, much used, much loved, and handed down to my grandson!

I wanted a a chess board that my kids could grow up playing on a "the family board". This is the size, heft, and hand-made quality that I wanted. The pieces feel substantial in your hand. The workmanship is wonderful. Personally, considering the details, I would say that it is worth 2-3x the price.That is not to say there are no negatives, and here they are:The board and pieces stunk when it was first opened. It was obviously from what was used to stain the wood and is understandable because any smell of the pieces was trapped in the box, but it did stink. I just left it in the garage for a few weeks before I brought it in. The smell doesn't stay forever, but it does need to air.Also, there isn't enough clear distinction between the king and queen. The look is too similar for my taste and the height is too close. It's not a big deal once you get used to the look, but more of a height difference would have been welcome.Bottom line:The negatives don't change my rating. The first you can just air it out to not be a problem, and the second is a personal preference and small irritation. I have seen no other chess board of similar size and heft that gives you the feel that this is how the game was classically played.Buy it, air it out first, and enjoy your games with a fine chess set.

Both the pieces and board are really nice, and a great playing experience. The pieces are not weighted, but substantial enough that as long as you're not playing at sea, I can't see a reason to have them any heavier. The green plastic not-velvet-thermo-formed piece holders on the inside of the board are the reason for 4 rather than 5 stars. Pretty marginal quality and the plastic arrived cracked. At this price point, that is the best place to give, in order to get such a gorgeous board and pieces. It's not a big deal to me, but if it is to you, be forewarned. I bought this to have as a leave-out-chess-problem board. Really love the look, but it is true to spec measurements and takes up more of the table than I was planning. Good problem. And it appears it didn't make me a better player. Yet. I've played more chess in the last 2 months than I have in 5 years.

This is a gorgeous set! My son loves it. Well made with solid pieces. The engraving is very nice and well done. Storage for the pieces underneath. Easy to pack up and take with you. 5 stars!