Family Board Games

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The Board Game Go is a classic game of strategy

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:45:00 +0000

It is believed that the Go Game origin could date back to 2300 B.C . One legend of how this board game originated was during the reign of Chinese emperor Yao who had his counsellor develop this to teach his Son the ability to concentrate, balance and some discipline. Apparently the tales indicate that the son; Danzhu, was a bit of a challenge when it came to ‘discipline’. The Chinese refer to this game as weiqi or wei-ch'i.
Historical writings indicated that the game spread to Korea during the 5th century AD. The Korean name for the game was baduk. Further evidence of the board game Go in Japan date back to the 7th century AD. It eventually gained popularity with the imperial court in Japan. In 1603 the Japanese assigned a Buddhist Monk; who held the honor of being considered the best player at the time, the title of Godokoro ( Minister of GO). Schools were developed for teaching, practicing and competing with individuals placing great importance on being ‘ranked’ based on wins.
The game was slow to spread to the Western world. Influenced by two gentlemen named Edward Lasker; who learned the game while in German in the early 1900’s, and Arthur Smith who learned Go while travelling in the far east, they formed the New York Go Club in 1905. During World War II and with the rather unfavorable feelings toward the Japanese in the West during that time the game ceased to be popular but did re-emerged late in the 19th century.Using black and white stones on a 19 x 19 ( originally the game was on a 17 x 17 board) game board the two players alternately place stones in an effort to conquer territory. It’s a game that makes you think, based on strategy and concentration it is truly challenging the mind. It is a game that has been around now for nearly 4000 years and is currently played all over the world.
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Quality time playing Mahjong – a Family Board Game

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:55:00 +0000

A fun way to spend time with your family or friends is playing a board game. It’s a great way to bond with your children and most all these games encourage them to ‘think’. You will be teaching your children math, reading, encouraging memory function, ability to communicate and having fun too. We spend a great deal of our time being in a ‘hurry’ and not sitting down to enjoy quality time. Board games provide a great reason to sit and take that time. Also, a board game is purchased once but played over end over which makes it a very wise investment in times where there is economic hardship.

Instead of watching your kids play electronic hand held games or game systems or be glued to the television a game like Mahjong will pull everyone from their isolation. No more hiding in their bedrooms or family room alone.

Games are a great when you get together with friends. A few snacks and drinks and bring out a game and you are good to go for the rest of the evening. Stimulating conversation and lots of laughter typically happen while playing a board game.

The board game Mahjong is a strategic game that is a Chinese tile game where you can have eighty one combinations that can be acquired during play. If you have ever heard the clatter of small birds like sparrows, you will recognize the noise with the Mahjong tiles.

You and your family or friends can hold your own Mahjong tournament. You can even set your house up with a few decorations as if you are in Japan or China, where the game is said to originate from. Design a menu from the cultures as well and include a delicious dessert before you start to play Mahjong. At the end of the night you can award prizes and if desired keep those in the same theme as well.
To keep the fun going with Mahjong, you may want to purchase the travel size game. If you go on long driving trips with your family, the game is perfect. Whether you are in a hotel, campsite, or cabin you can take the game alone with you.
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Classic Board Games vs. Other Forms of Modern Entertainment

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:57:00 +0000

Ever since we could stand upright, we have sought to entertain ourselves through some form of gaming. These various types of games served as a diversion from our hardships, whether they were war, famine or our day-to-day grind.
Man’s love for games continues in present day. But unlike the ancients, we have choices. Do we play modern-day video games, modern board games, or classic board games? Of all these choices which one offers the most amount of enjoyment?
Well, for some individuals, video games are often the first choice for entertainment. Unlike modern board games or classic board games, video games contain fancy graphics, music and a storyline. It allows the player to interact in a completely different universe in some cases.
And yet, in spite video games being so popular, family board games still prevail. In fact, thanks to video games, board games are getting exposed to a new audience. Consider chess, a classic board game that has dozens of video games associated with it. The same is true for ever popular Sudoku, backgammon and other classic board games.
More modern board games such as Clue and Monopoly have also been produced in video game form. And, unlike classic board games, these games tend to reflect more modern ideologies.
Yet, in comparison to the more modern board games, classic board games have not been around for thousands of years.
Believe it or not, there are a few classic board games that have achieved this distinction. Consider the African game Mancala it has been around for over 1,300 years. Chess sets, Mahjong sets and Backgammon board games are a few more examples of classic board games that existed among the ancients.
You don’t need electricity, batteries or a $300 console to play Chess or Mahjong. And with Mancala, you don’t even need a gaming board. Can the same be said for video games or even modern board games? Until that is the case, classic board games will always remain an option for people in need of entertainment.
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Mancala Board Games

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:50:00 +0000

Mancala board games offer a form of entertainment that can be enjoyed by all ages. Whether you’re 6 or 70, Mancala board games will hone your wits for hours on end. Best of all, due to the game’s simplicity, it can be played virtually with almost anything. Some people even make their own version of Mancala if they can’t find the ‘official’ Mancala board using stones and bowls.
So, how does Mancala work? Basically, Mancala board games consist of a gaming board with fourteen cups. Twelve of the cups are featured in the middle of the board. They are somewhat smaller in size than the cups at the end. These larger cups are on located at the end of the board, with one on the right side and the other on the left side.
Anyway, Mancala board games begin with an equal number of game pieces in each of the 12 smaller cups. During gameplay, players must ‘sow’ their seeds by picking a cup and spreading the seeds in a counter-clockwise motion. This process starts off from whatever side one is playing from, though depending on how gameplay goes, one may find themselves sowing seeds into their opponent’s cup.
But the fun doesn’t end there. If the player reaches the larger cup on their side of the Mancala game board, they are allowed to drop in a seed. And, the more seeds they can drop in this section the better, since this helps determine who will win the game.
Mancala ends when a player doesn’t have any more seeds in the smaller cups on their side of the board. It can also end by determining who has more Mancala in the larger cups at the end of the board. Either way, getting up to this point will require strategy and mathematical skill on behalf of both of the players. However, since the game is still very basic, it can be enjoyed by anyone who can count. In fact, some of Mancala’s best players are those who are in elementary school! In conclusion, if you’re looking for a different kind of fun, consider Mancala board games. Not only is the setup extremely easy, but if you lose the seeds, you can always replace them with something else, whether it’s coins, rocks or really anything else that is smaller in size. Design is not important, since Mancala board games rely on counting. No relationships are formed between the game pieces themselves. If there is a variation, it’s usually when it comes to aesthetics or how many seeds are used during gameplay.
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American Mahjong

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:26:00 +0000

American Mahjong was introduced to the U.S.A. during the 1920s and 30s, shortly after the Chinese version. Since then, American Mahjong has been enjoyed by thousands of players. People of all ethnicities enjoy American Mahjong at home, and Mahjong tournaments. Yet, as American Mahjong became popular in the states, players of the Chinese version began to wonder if the game truly deserved the title of “Mahjong.”
The overall play is pretty much the same as traditional Mahjong. Basically, through luck and skill, 4 players compete for the most points by dominating the Mahjong gaming board. To do this, they employ strategy for building sets by discarding tiles and selecting new ones.
American Mahjong differs by the “Charleston.” The Charleston is initiated even before the game even starts. Basically, it permits players to exchange undesirable Mahjong tiles. So, if the Charleston is used correctly, it could put players at an advantage if they know which tiles they should discard or if they know how to strategically work magic with the undesirable selections.
The tiles are also different with American Mahjong sets. Why? The arrangement is changed around a bit, as American Mahjong adds the ‘joker’ tile. These will allow you to replace another tile during the game.
In terms of the design, ironically, American Mahjong uses the same Eastern-inspired graphics as the Chinese version. This is not to say that there aren’t Mahjong versions that veer away from these designs, though they are usually marketed differently.
So, ultimately, when you compare American Mahjong to Chinese Mahjong, the differences are not significant enough to consider American Mahjong a separate game. Some players believe that if you’re going to play a game, it must be completely like the original game. Then there are others who like adding their own spin to the game. Sometimes these ‘spins’ stay unique to their personal style, while other times it becomes so popular it catches on with everyone else. This is what happened to American Mahjong. In conclusion, whether you play American Mahjong or Chinese Mahjong, you are playing a wonderful classic board game that will expand your wit while calming your spirit.

Board Game Go Basic History

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 21:59:00 +0000

It is believed that the Go Game origin could date back to 2300 B.C. One legend of how this board game originated was during the reign of Chinese emperor Yao who had his counsellor develop this to teach his Son the ability to concentrate, balance and some discipline. Apparently the tales indicate that the son; Danzhu, was a bit of a challenge when it came to ‘discipline’. The Chinese refer to this classic board game as weiqi or wei-ch'i.
Historical writings indicated that the game spread to Korea during the 5th century AD. The Korean name for the game was baduk. Further evidence of Go in Japan date back to the 7th century AD. It eventually gained popularity with the imperial court in Japan. In 1603 the Japanese assigned a Buddhist Monk; who held the honor of being considered the best player at the time, the title of Godokoro (Minister of GO). Schools were developed for teaching, practicing and competing with individuals placing great importance on being ‘ranked’ based on wins.
The game was slow to spread to the Western world. Influenced by two gentlemen named Edward Lasker; who learned the game while in German in the early 1900’s, and Arthur Smith who learned Go while travelling in the far east, they formed the New York Go Club in 1905. During World War II and with the rather unfavorable feelings toward the Japanese in the West during that time the game ceased to be popular but did re-emerged late in the 19th century.
Using black and white stones on a 19 x 19 (originally the game was on a 17 x 17 board) game board the two players alternately place stones in an effort to conquer territory. It’s a game that makes you think, based on strategy and concentration it is truly challenging the mind. It is a game that has been around now for nearly 4000 years and is currently played all over the world.

Cribbage

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:49:00 +0000

Who would have thought when the game of cribbage was invented about 4 centuries ago, it would gain such popularity and continue to be popular to present day. Throughout the past, cribbage has been a popular game and embraced by the young and old alike.

Need a great gift idea? Whether you are celebrating a birthday or want to give someone something special that they will enjoy for years cribbage is one game that is sure to please any recipient. It can be a family board game that they will continue to enjoy for many years to come.

Cribbage board games are excellent entertainment for families. It is easy to understand, even the children will have as much fun as the adults who have been playing it for decades. When you want a classic board game that everyone will enjoy, bring out the cribbage board and let the games begin!

It is also a good idea to have an extra cribbage sets on hand for a family get together or form a club! If you are like many people, there are times when you wished you had something to do. A day off from school or work, a rainy evening, or simply an impromptu party when friends show up at at your house-- these can all be turned into special little occasions when you bring out the cribbage board.
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Backgammon Board Games

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:12:00 +0000

Almost everyone loves a board game especially a classic board game like backgammon! It should be no surprise that this game has long been one of the most popular board games. It is fun, it is challenging, and it is a blast to play! In fact, the backgammon board game is so widely popular that it is the center of championship games in addition to being a favorite family board game.

There are a variety of styles, so you can have the backgammon board game that is best-suited to your style and personal preferences. Whether you want a tabletop model or the attaché case type, your game can be at-hand in your home or travel with you, so you will be able to play whenever you desire.

Mahogany, walnut, and oak are some of the finest woods you can find, making the board you choose not only strikingly beautiful but also strong and long-lasting. The chips/checkers and dice fit nicely within the case, so even if you take your game on the road you will not have to worry about losing your game pieces. It is the most ideal game to take on vacations or that long road trip.
You may deserve a special gift, and or the people on your holiday gift list. When you decide to treat all of those special people to a board game that will give them many hours of challenging fun and excitement, why not give yourself something nice as well? When you select an extra backgammon board game for your family, you will have a gift of family entertainment that everyone will gain much enjoyment from throughout the years ahead.
Backgammon can become a great new family tradition that everyone is sure to love. Older people and the younger crowd alike will count it amongst their favorites. There is not a better game for a family’s time together.
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Magnetic Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:17:00 +0000

If you take long road trips or frequently go on long vacations a magnetic chess set is the perfect travel companion. When the roadside scenery starts looking the same and back seat passengers are getting bored, a game of chess may be just what is needed.
Since chess can be very challenging and is a strategic family board game, to complete a game may take a lot of time and you may need to take a break from the game. With magnetic chessmen you can put the board aside and not have to worry your chessmen losing their place on the board.

Magnetic chess boards are also excellent travel companions on train and airplanes. You will arrive to your destination in no time after passing the time with a challenging game of chess.

Do you have a pet that may mess up your game pieces? The magnetic chess set is the perfect solution to that problem.

Magnetic chess sets are available in various sizes ranging from five inches to seven inches. There are magnetic chess sets that feature storage for your chessmen after game play. Also, magnetic chess sets are compact and easily stored for travel in a backpack or suitcase.
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Chess Sets That Are Unique

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:05:00 +0000

Is there a chess player in your social circle? Or maybe you want to teach a colleague the game of chess. There are a variety of chess sets that are unique or themed to making the game more interesting.

One example of chess sets that are unique is the Civil War chess sets. A historical combination of opponents battling each other and a great gift idea for Civil War collector. The chessmen featured in these sets are often gorgeously hand painted.

Perhaps you have a friend or loved one that loves to hit the links who would cherish a pewter golf chess set. After a day on the golf course, take your game indoors and relax with a game or two of chess on this unique chess board set.

Our feline and canine friends have always been seen as the dog chasing the cat and somewhat of enemies. Now the dogs and cats can duke it out per se with a dog & cat chess set. Dog and cat lover’s can confront each other and see who the true champion is.

Magnetic chess sets will help you keep your pieces in their place. Play on the road, in a plane or anywhere that you normally wouldn’t be able to carry around a chess set. Magnetic chess sets are very handy to carry along with you.

Chess set that is unique is the Phantom Force Electronic Chess Set. You can strategize against the phantom. The Phantom Force Electronic Chess Set moves its pieces across the board by itself. The Phantom Force Electronic Chess Set will even speak to you, instructing you of a good or bad move. Now that is truly modern technology at work. If you’d rather watch the Phantom you can as he will play alone against it self.
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Staunton Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:38:00 +0000

Set forth by the rules of chess the Staunton Chess Sets are the official pieces to use for competitions. These chessmen are the specific pieces that are to be used for the chess game. In an effort to set the standard so every player understood what each piece meant was a rule that had to be made especially for competitions. The Staunton chessmen were created by Nathaniel Cook. Howard Staunton numbered and signed 500 of the first sets and the chess sets are named exclusively after him.

For players just learning the game, chess pieces consist of the king, queen, bishop, knight, rook, and pawn. The pawn is generally the smallest chess piece and the king the tallest. Staunton chess sets come in a variety of sizes of kings, normally from two inches to four inches.

A popular and often stunning chess set is the Staunton Metal Chess Set. These sets are beautifully detailed chessmen to impress even the choosiest player of this wonderful board game.

Metal and wood Staunton Chess Sets can be very elegant. The wooden chess boards accent the beautiful medal chessmen. Beat your opponent to checkmate on one of these lovely wooden boards.

Metal sets will often be paired with leather pressed board. The leather pressed boards will save you money in comparison to the wood boards.

There are a variety of exquisite chess boards to choose from. The chess boards come in different sizes, colors and styles as do the chess pieces. Chess pieces come in metal as mentioned, lacquered black and red chess pieces, and black and natural boxwood pieces. You can also find chess sets that include a storage area for easier safe keeping of your chess pieces. Make your chess board choice today by matching it up with your room décor. Staunton Chess Sets also make a phenomenal gift for someone very special in your life.
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Isle of Lewis Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:11:00 +0000

Isle of Lewis Chess Set History
In 1831, 93 pieces of what made up 4 individual chess sets were said to be discovered on the western shores of the Isle of Lewis which are part of several Scottish Islands that were then ruled by Norway. What remains a mystery still is ‘how’ they got there. Were they stolen and hidden in the sand or were they simply lost during a ships voyage? The tales have leaned in both directions at time but the reality is we may never know the true story behind their discovery.
What we do know is that this ‘style’ of chess set is quite unique in many respects. The original discovery revealed a ‘red’ stain on some of the pieces which was in indicator that these sets differentiated between the two sides by using white and red pieces. Replicas of this set in current day will even use a reddish stain for the ‘dark’ side in an effort to maintain some of the history of the pieces.
For the collectors and true enthusiasts of the game who can appreciate the history the Isle of Lewis Chess Sets the unusual serious and stoic faces of the figures and the pawns fashioned after etched gravestones do give this style of Chess set a really unique flair.
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Shut the Box Board Game

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:29:00 +0000

Board Game Shut the Box
Shut the Box is a board game played with dice, usually with one or more players, generally played in a group of two to four. Traditionally a counting box is used with tiles numbered 1 to 9 (some versions are available with 12) where each can be discretely covered with a hinged or sliding mechanism.

Game Play
Each player repeatedly throws the dice to cover the numbered tiles of the box, it ends when no tile can be covered on a throw and the players penalty score gets calculated. The goal of this board game is to cover all numbers, that is, "shut the box", which consist of a penalty score of zero.

Shut the Box Rules
A round of play consists of each player taking a turn. At the beginning of a player's turn all tiles are uncovered. Two dice are rolled and the corresponding numbered tile is covered, for example, the dice show a 4 and a 5, for a total of 9, then 1 + 8 or 4 + 5 tiles could be covered. If every numbered tile above 6 is covered you could use one die. Each players turn ends if no tile could be covered on a throw of the dice. A player's score is the sum of the numbers remaining uncovered at the end of his turn. The player with the lowest score wins the game.
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Sudoku

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:27:00 +0000

In 1997 Wayne Gould a retired judge is given credit for developing the Sudoku puzzles, by developing a computer program that could quickly produces puzzles.
He promoted Sudoku to The Times in Britain because he knew they had a reputation of publishing crossword and other puzzles.

The popularity of Sudoku in Britain rose quickly from a very small audience to the front page of newspapers. Realizing the various psychological appeals of easy and difficult puzzles, The Times introduced both side by side on 20 June 2005.

Even Greece owes the publication of their first Sudoku magazine to the influence of the British. It was at the Heathrow airport in 2005 that a Greek computer magazine publisher spotted a British Sudoku magazine and - realizing the potential - purchased the necessary software and quickly launched the first Greek Sudoku magazine, which became an instant sensation.

Meanwhile in the United States, the first to publish a Sudoku puzzle by Wayne Gould was The Conway Daily Sun (New Hampshire), in 2004.

Sudoku software is also very popular on PCs, various websites, and mobile phones. It comes with many distributions of Linux. It has also been released on portable video game handhelds, such as the Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, the Game Boy Advance, several iPod models, and the iPhone.

There are also a board game Sudoku available for the fan of classic board games.

In June 2008 an Australian drugs-related jury trial costing over million dollars was aborted when it was revealed that 5 of the 12 jurors had been playing Sudoku puzzles instead of listening to evidence at the trail! That is some bad fever!
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Chess Tables

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:16:00 +0000

There are many different reasons for buying a chess table. A chess table may give you more special chess display than a regular chess set. Table chess sets are also great for setting up a sort of game corner for both adults and children. Chess is a great game for kids to learn how to play, as it teaches them strategy and works their brains in general. A chess table set up may also be used for a good looking piece of furniture for the home. A chess table can be a great source of entertainment and style for any home. If you love to play chess than this type of table can be very beneficial in playing the game.

There are many chess tables that are constructed entirely of wood. Manufacturers of these style tables have to perform a range of technical processes to make sure these pieces of furniture have no modifications due to humidity or temperature. This extensive process can make chess tables pricey at times. However, you can find these tables at reasonable prices, especially if they are previously used. Veneer inlay is often times used in the structures of these tables to guarantee that there are no expansion problems. Veneer is not a synthetic material, rather it is a pure essence of wood that is thinned out as much as possible. Wooden chess tables with veneer inlay will be much more expensive than the solid wood tables. Stone is also used sometimes in the making of a chess table. You can find these chess tables at various stores and also online stores that sell chess tables and other types of furniture.

Chess tables are made in a way that ensures a high quality standard. You will find that game pieces are included with these tables. Sometimes these tables will include other special game boards. Some other classic board games might include backgammon and checkers that are also fun games to play. A variety of family board games included with your chess table will also ensure that your children will have a great time with it. All the different games that can come along with your chess table can make them a great investment. Chess tables can bring smiles to everyone in your household. They are a fun way to entertain guest and family members.
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Glass Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:23:00 +0000

Glass is a sleek and simple material that is great for any chess set. Glass has been used for constructing chess sets since the ninth century. However, the first glass chess pieces in modern form were first made in nineteenth century Italy. As a matter of fact, in this era, most chess pieces were used more for look than they were for play. So, a person can be assured that a glass chess set gives a feel of elegance to a home. In our modern world, this classic board game comes in many forms and themes and are a popular medium for artists to demonstrate their skill. Many now famous glass companies made decorative chess sets through the twentieth century to establish themselves. You can purchase glass chess sets that are in breathtaking themes such as the New York City skyline. These types of chess sets can be fragile looking and add beauty to their surroundings.

If you are interested in purchasing a glass chess set and have done any browsing through their selections, then you have likely noticed the variety of chess boards that come along with them. There are some glass sets that are only a glass chessmen set with a traditional wood board. However, it seems now that all glass sets are more popular than these traditional sets of both glass and wood. Many glass boards have a mirrored fashion to them, which gives a set an interesting look. Glass chess sets are very popular and add a unique touch to any space.
The glass that is used to construct these chess sets can vary greatly. Some of these sets are made of more fragile and hollow blown glass. Others are made with a more durable solid glass. Frosted glass is also another option. Frosted glass is well liked because it comes in a wide variety of colors such as black, white, blue, and red. Clear glass pieces also work well for a glass chess set and they also make great decoration. Glass chess sets in general make a great addition to the decoration lay out of a home. These sets are also ideal for play, of course, and are a great investment. Anyone buying this type of chess set will enjoy its sleek look for many years. A glass chess set can be a favorite addition to any room of your home.
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Pewter Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:31:00 +0000

Chess sets in general can add a certain air to any room in any household. However, if you are looking to invest in an attractive chess set, pewter is a great choice. Of course, pewter and other metal sets will cost more money than the average chess set, but are well worth it in the long run. Pewter and other metal chess sets may pack more weight, but they also pack a certain kind of look to them that is simply pleasing to the eye. A chess set of pewter can give any room a feel of elegance. Your guests will also be able to enjoy the beauty of your fine pewter chess set. When thinking about purchasing this classic board game you will find out that these types of chess sets are a great choice with their unique look and style.

If you have decided to invest in a pewter chess set, you will come to find that there are many different themes to choose from. There are Civil War pewter chess sets and many others that are very interesting. If you are fond of the Egyptian lay out, you can even find a pewter Egyptian theme chess set. Any of these themed pewter chess sets are amazing on their own level and can offer so much style. These pewter chess sets may be handcrafted, which gives them an extra spectacular quality. Even the pewter chess sets which are not hand crafted are still spectacular in their own manner and made very well. You certainly can not go wrong in choosing pewter when looking for a chess set.

You can be sure that pewter chess sets will age as gracefully as you through the years. These sets are meant to last and meant to withstand the test of time. Of course, it is not usual that a chess set will warrant any serious level of wear and tear. A chess set of this manner will be a bigger investment than a chess set usually would cost. This will end up being the biggest set back to pewter. If pewter is within your budget, however, it makes a wonderful gift for someone you love or for yourself. Pewter chess sets can be treasured and passed down over the years making them special to the people who own them.
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Metal Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:57:00 +0000

Metal chess and pewter chess sets are often sold in the same category these days. However, chess sets of old were made of wood or metal or a mixture of the two in one set. So, it is no surprise that metal chess sets are still popular even in today’s standards. Metal chess sets have a certain quality to them that can hardly be matched with any other chess set. For many people, metal chess sets hold a certain magnificence about them. They are long lasting and great looking. However, these chess sets tend to cost a little more than your average plastic or glass chess set. Most of these chess sets are hand crafted and finely made, so they are apt to cost more money than all the others. They are of good quality and are a very popular for this wonderful family board game.
On the internet you will be able to find many different variations of metal chess sets. There are many different themes and many different looks to be found among metal chess sets. You can find these metal chess sets in sterling silver, brass, copper, and many other metal choices. If you are a person that is interested in antiques, you will find that there are many antique metal chess boards. These antiques are usually worth quite a bit of money and are hard to find. However, there are plenty of different chess sets to choose from that you will like just as well. If you like the antique look to your game, you can order a customized metal chess set. You will also be able to find various themes such as an Egyptian chess sets, golf theme, different war themes, and many other themes done in metal.
If you decide to invest in a metal chess set, you will certainly not be unhappy with it. There are many choices for metal chess sets, all depending on personal preference and what you like. If you are interested in a metal chess set, a good place to start is the internet. It is simple to browse the internet from your home to find something that you will like in a chess set. You will have many choices in chess sets to choose from. This will give you a good opportunity to own your own metal chess set.
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Wooden Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:32:00 +0000

There is certainly no doubt that wood has been the primary material in constructing chess sets for many centuries now. Different kinds of wood can be found in all different sorts of chess sets. Chess sets that are primarily made of another material will also include wood inlay of some sort. The wooden chess pieces are usually made from two different woods in a wood chess set to represent the black and white sides in the game. Usually you will find that the white pieces are made from boxwood. The black pieces are constructed from one of these varieties of wood like ebony or rosewood. These wooden chess sets can range anywhere from intricate to just your basic lay out. Depending on your personal preference, one should have no problem finding an appealing wooden chess set to suite your needs.

If you are interested in in a wooden version of this classic board game, you should know what woods you will be looking at or looking for. Ebony wood is widely used for both its looks and durability. You will find that ebony wood has a generalized blackness to it as well as a nice gleam. Ebony is a dense and hard wood which makes it a hard wood to work with. Ebony is a fine grained wood that will accept most polishes very well. Ebony wood will be one of the more expensive woods to purchase because it is so difficult for craftsmen to work with it. However, if you are looking for quality, look no further.
Rosewood is another wood that was chosen for its deep coloring. It has a coloring to it that is not easily found in other woods. Rosewood has a deep and glowing brown color that is accented by darker brown grains that run through it. Rosewood is a wood that can naturally vary in color. Some rosewood will be a deep rose color all the way to dark browns. There is a rosewood known as bud rosewood that will certainly be more expensive as it is far more rare. However, this bud rosewood has a beauty that is unrivaled. It comes in a wine red sort of color that is interlaced with orange highlights. Both of these types of woods are very beautiful in wooden chess sets. If you are looking for wooden chess sets that show beauty and craftsmanship, look no further.
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Mahjong Fans

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:05:00 +0000

Are you a fan of the board game Mahjong? If so you may consider visiting the official website of the North American Mahjong Federation (NAMF), the newly-formed official membership organization for Mahjong Players and enthusiasts of all ages & levels in the United States, Canada, Mexico.
NAMF was formed by MahjongTime in conjunction with World Mahjong Organization (WMO) and European Mahjong Association (EMA)

Over the coming weeks and months, the NAMF will be organizing various offline and online tournaments, events and forums, to raise the awareness the great game of Mahjong and so if you are a fan get involved!
Keep visiting the site over the coming weeks and months as NAMF will soon be releasing details of their upcoming events. Added features to the site are also on their way!

What is NAMF?
The North American Mahjong Federation (NAMF) is the official membership organization for Mahjong Players and Mahjong supporters of all ages & levels in the United States, Canada, Mexico. NAMF is a member of the World Mahjong Organization, linking its members to Mahjong Players around the world.

Founded in October 2007 by MahjongTime in conjunction with World Mahjong Organization (WMO) and European Mahjong Association (EMA), NAMF plans to coordinate and sanction rated Mahjong Tournaments to both amateurs and professionals.

Why formed?
NAMF has been formed to promote the study and knowledge of Mahjong as well as fostering the development of amateur and professional players and potential players. It encourages the development of local clubs, state, and regional associations to further promote the growth and enjoyment of Mahjong.

What are its plans?
NAMF plans to host a series of official online & live tournaments for both amateur, sports, and professional levels and to establish an official ranking system for North America in association with the WMO.
http://www.thegamesupply.com/

Electronic Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:06:00 +0000

The newest thing for chess enthusiasts all over the world is the electronic chess set. Electronic chess sets can offer the player a certain flexibility and more options than a regular chess set. For instance, a person can either play another person or choose to play the computer. A chess enthusiast no longer needs a live opponent or a computer to play this exciting board game by themselves. If you are playing the computer on one of these electronic chess sets, you can increase or decrease the level of difficulty to your liking. As your skills improve, you can raise the level of difficulty, which is great for working your brain. These electronic chess sets are both fun and convenient for the chess enthusiast or the new chess player.

These new types of chess sets come in a few different basic models. All of these different models have various features, designs, and prices. The two main designs are the table top electronic chess set lay out or the hand held electronic chess lay out. The table top electronic chess sets allow you to play either a human opponent or the computer. This design certainly holds the more classic feel of the two. However, the table top model is much more expensive than the hand held. The hand held version of electronic chess is more like playing it on the computer. Some of these hand held electronic models give the option for human to human play, but most of these models are limited to strictly playing the computer. Of course, the hand held model does have its advantages, especially if you travel a lot. You can play the hand held version anywhere that you can go. For some, having the option of not being restricted to the table is priceless. For those who prefer the traditional feel, but do not always have an opponent, the table top electronic chess set is the way to go. These sets will also allow you to increase or decrease the level of difficulty to fit you.

These electronic chess sets can be found in specialty stores, some department stores, and all over the internet. The internet seems to be the best place to start looking for these chess sets. You can get a good idea of exactly what you want or need from browsing the internet. There are plenty of wholesale sites, auctions, and specialty chess sites to look through.
www.thegamesupply.com

Squidoo For Classic Board Games

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:49:00 +0000

Do you Squidoo? If not you should get your lens out there because everyone is an expert about something..... you can see an example of a Squidoo lens here.

http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/Smartshops

Travel Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Chess is a game that has been popular for many centuries now. Today’s modern world is no exception, people still love this board game all over the world. A travel chess set allows you to enjoy the game of chess anywhere you go. These travel chess sets become more and more impressive with each passing year. You can purchase a travel chess set that is completely electronic, which gives the game even more of an edge. Travel chess sets often come with magnetized pieces so that your game is not affected by any rough traveling conditions. Travel chess sets often come with convenient storing options and are an all around good buy. These chess sets are popular with people of all ages.

There are many travel chess sets that are relatively inexpensive. These travel chess sets can be found in the kid’s game department in most department stores. However, travel chess sets that are bought in a department store will usually be the more simple form of these various sets. For instance, a travel chess set bought in a department store may simply be constructed of plastic with a place for the small pieces to be stored. These sets are normally magnetized, which makes them handy. If you are looking for a more modern travel chess set, you may have to visit a special store or browse the internet for the best results. On the internet you will be sure to find some high tech variations of the travel chess sets. If you are on a budget, these high tech sets may not be what you are looking for. You just have to decide what your budget will allow when shopping for a travel chess set.
Magnetic chess sets are great for family vacations, the chess lover, and especially, the traveling chess lover. These travel chess sets make fantastic gifts and can be found at decent prices, for the most part. Like anything else, you will have to do some browsing to find the best prices and deals. Both adults and children can be interested in playing a good game of chess, even on the road. A travel chess set may better fit your lifestyle than a regular stationary chess set. They are great for packing and taking along with you no matter where you go. Travel chess sets have become quite the popular way to play a good game of chess while traveling.
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Themed Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:33:00 +0000

Some chess sets now days have more modern characters with them such as civil war chess sets. A civil war themed chess set will have one person playing the game as the union and the other as the confederates. You will notice that these chess sets are really detailed to match the theme. They are very impressive with their realistic looks. Every piece has been carved out to look like the real thing with uniforms and even weapons that were used during this period. A civil war chess set has historical chess figures such as Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln. It also has pieces that are of Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. You will love playing with these realistic looking themed chess sets.

You can get chess sets in many other themes that have to do with popular TV shows and all their characters. Just about any TV show or movie that is popular can be bought in a themed chess set. The lord of the rings is another popular chess set that can be purchased. These chess sets are used for play and for display in your home. They are a fun chess set that can be decorative and one of your most treasured items to display in your home. Themed chess sets are very collectible. They are a way of collecting pieces from your favorite shows. The character pieces are detailed very nicely and can add humor to any chess game. You and your family will love these types of chess sets for their originality.

These are just a few of the many themed chess sets that you can purchase. If you like TV shows, movies and history, a themed chess set would interest you even if you do not play chess. They are great for play, decoration and can be very collectible. They allow for a good game of strategy and can make a great gift for anyone. Chess sets can come in wood, glass, marble, magnetic, travel and themed chess sets. Themed chess sets are more interesting than regular chess sets because of all the fun and interesting character pieces that come with the set. They are great for entertaining your family and friends. Themed chess sets can be bought at specialty stores that sell games. You can also find them online for reasonable prices.
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Marble Chess Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Smart Shops) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:20:00 +0000

Marble in general is quite the amazing material. Marble is a material that requires no processing to bring out its natural flair, which is one of the main reasons it has been used so extensively throughout the ages. A piece of marble will normally have three dominant colors that will be highlighted within, along with several variations of those shades veining throughout a particular piece. Marble is a material that was used widely for centuries and is still sought after. Marble has been used to construct everything from buildings to marble chess sets, so, one can be assured, marble is very good quality.

Chess sets that are crafted from marble have always been sought after. The first marble chess set that was crafted by master artisans some time ago was instantly popular it seems. Ever since then, marble has been a well liked material for chess sets. Marble chess boards and chess pieces have a significant beauty to them that no other material can quite compare to. When you look at a marble chess set you are looking at a work of art and beauty. Marble’s mixtures of colors give it that certain appealing quality that is very unique. It seems that a person can not help but admire a marble chess set when they see it. The best thing about marble, however, may be the price. Marble is a cheaper material because of the abundance, but it does not look as though it should be anything but expensive. Marble chess sets are certainly a one of a kind chess set that you can be proud to own.

One should be informed that the care and maintenance of a marble chess board is a little different from other sorts. Marble has to be cleaned with materials that are not acidic to this base material. If you clean your marble with the wrong substance, your marble will then be marked by a stain or discoloration. So, try to avoid cleaning your marble chess sets with conventional soaps and other things that may damage the marble. As a matter of fact, the best thing to clean your marble with is water. Simply washing your marble set with a warm wash cloth should suffice nicely and be the safest thing to use when cleaning your marble. Owning a marble chess set will for sure turn heads when you have company over with all the beauty and elegance that they can offer.
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