1) Orient the board: Place the board so that a light-colored square is on the right-hand corner for each player (“light on right”).
2) Lay the pieces:
Second rank: All eight pawns line up on the row closest to each player.
Back rank (from the corners in): Rook, Knight, Bishop, Queen on her own color (white queen on a light square, black queen on a dark square), King, Bishop, Knight, Rook.
3) Confirm symmetry: Both sides should be mirror images. Once everything is in place, White moves first.
Specialty makers online: Shops like Noblie Collectibles offer handmade luxury and custom chess sets crafted from walnut, porcelain, amber, and other premium materials.
Fine game boutiques: High-end department stores or dedicated board-game retailers may stock artisan sets, but the selection is usually limited.
Artisan fairs & galleries: Local crafts markets sometimes feature individual woodworkers or sculptors who take custom orders.
For the widest choice of materials, styles, and price points—all with secure worldwide shipping—buying directly from a reputable online atelier is often the most convenient option.
Ask yourself what you want out of the game. If chess is an occasional pub pastime, a budget plastic board will do the job. But splashing out buys you three things no cheap set can match:
Feel – Weighted knights and queens land with a satisfying thunk, and the pieces glide rather than scrape. You’ll play longer without fatigue.
Presence – A hand-carved walnut board turns a corner of your living room into a study worthy of Sherlock Holmes. It’s décor as much as pastime.
Longevity – Properly cured hardwood or kiln-fired porcelain shrugs off warping, chipping, and sunlight. Your grandchildren can learn on the same board.
So, is it “worth it”? If you value tactile pleasure, a touch of theatre, and the idea of handing something down, absolutely. If you’re just learning the moves, start cheap and upgrade when the bug bites hard.
Elevate every match with a Noblie luxury chess set. Each board and every chess piece is carved, cast or painted by hand, turning the classic chess board and pieces into a true work of art.
Choose a wooden chess set in rich walnut, a gleaming porcelain chess set, or a rare amber chess board. All materials are kiln-dried, polished and matched for perfect balance on the board.
Looking for a one-of-a-kind present? Our artisans design custom chess sets with family crests, corporate logos or bespoke colour palettes. Each order ships in a lined presentation case and includes a certificate of authenticity.
