Super-Sized Chess, Anyone?
Written by Euphrasia Carroll
The game of chess is often called an intellectual sport. It’s played throughout the world by people of all ages, and while it’s a simple game to learn, it’s difficult to master. The game of chess is believed to have originated in India in the 6th century, and from there it made its way around the world.
Some fans of the game of chess have taken it to extremes -- in terms of size, anyway. Chess sets have been created that not only celebrate the joy of playing the game, but explore the ways it can be played with full-body participation. Want to add a little physical activity and fresh air to your classic game of wits? See how super-sized chess sets add these elements to the game of chess. Not to mention an attention-grabbing, original twist to your backyard landscape.
Giant Chess makes utilitarian and decorative chess pieces in giant sizes. Their chess pieces are sculpted of teak, and are suitable for indoor or outdoor play. One super-sized chess set adds living, functional sculpture to a Martha’s Vineyard lawn with chess pieces that are as large as children.
Giant chess pieces can also be used as striking sculptural interest, as shown in this Italian setting. The marble board reflects the beauty of the black and white chess pieces, adding drama to the already dramatic setting of arching stone ceilings and worn marble floors.
Hardy Jones has been working on a life-size chess set for years. He’s an artist specializing in iron work, and his enormous chess pieces are creative and unique, incorporating motifs such as the fleur de lis and the Irish cross.
Mega Chess will custom-make giant chess sets. If you want a theme of ancient royalty, no problem. Jungle apes? Futuristic shapes? Anything goes -- and these folks also say they know the least expensive ways to get the most expensive looking designs.
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