Drueke 826.42 18-Inch Champion Chess Set with 3-Inch Chessmen

by Drueke

Product Features

• 1.75" Playing squares with 3" European Staunton weighted chessmen
• Walnut and American hardwood construction
• For ages 13 to adult
• 90 day warranty

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 0.5 inches ; 8 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 9 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005O718
• Item model number: 826.42
• Our recommended age: 8 years and up
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,624 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

Product Description

The 18" Champion Chess Set is made of the finest quality hardwoods. Each square is a solid block of premium American walnut or aspen framed with a solid walnut border. The 3" European Staunton weighted chessmen are beautifully hand crafted pieces that compliment the classic design of the board. All materials are carefully selected to meet the highest standards of game manufacturing to ensure many years of fun, family entertainment.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superior craftsmanship, truly top-shelf., October 18, 2003

By 

Smaug "Jeremy" (Round Lake Beach, IL United States) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Drueke 826.42 18-Inch Champion Chess Set with 3-Inch Chessmen (Toy)

If you really like chess and you would like to have a set that is both functional and beautiful, Drueke is the way to go. They are about the only manufacturer of high quality chess equipment left in America. The dark squares and trim are American Black Walnut, and the light squares are Aspen. The part that is really great is that it is made from solid blocks of wood. Most decent chess boards are veneered, which means that there is a very thin layer of nice wood glued on top of some very cheap wood. This is not such a bad idea, as chessboards do not get heavy duty use. These higher end Drueke models are solid though. Even though it's not necessary, it just exudes a feeling of quality. It is heavy and solid. If you turn it over, it is just as well finished on the B side as the top. If you don't like the sawed trim treatment on the top side, flip it over. The walnut is simply beautiful. I'm embarassed to admit it, but this chessboard is the most beautiful piece of furniture in my house. :) If you pair it up with a set of Drueke pieces of appropriate size you will truly have an heirloom piece. Please note that if you want something for tournament use or something super rugged, you would be better served by a set of solid plastic pieces and a roll-up tournament size mat board, and for about 1/10 the cost. It is kind of like this coffee table analogy: You could have a coffee table made from cinder blocks and a piece of plywood, but it doesn't really give you that pride of ownership that a fine piece would. Yes, it will serve you well for as long as you can stand to look at it. However, you just don't look at it and get a warm feeling inside. You won't go out of your way to show it to people. This is your oppurtunity to own something of very high quality for not too much money. Yes, I know that $100+ is a lot for a chess set, but it isn't a lot for fine furniture or something nice to display which also shows you have a good mind to go with your good taste. I can't really think of enough good things to say about this board. If you have a lasting interest in chess, buy this. You will not regret it. The only decision is what size to get. Mine is a 'Grandmaster' model, the one with 2.25" squares for tournament size chessmen. (I don't think Amazon.com carries that model, but their smaller ones are every bit as nice) A wise man once said: "Buy once, cry once. Buy cheap, buy twice."

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars opinion about chess board, September 23, 2005

By 

Nathalie (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Drueke 826.42 18-Inch Champion Chess Set with 3-Inch Chessmen (Toy)

This chess board is beautifull. It is a pleasure to play with these hand carved pawns. It is expensive but it is worth it if you like chess board games.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Second that!, January 15, 2005

By 

artslover "artslover" (Kirkland, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Drueke 826.42 18-Inch Champion Chess Set with 3-Inch Chessmen (Toy)

Jeremy is right-on in his review. Beautiful board at a reasonable price (given that you want quality). Mine resides in my living room full-time. Worth the price.