Passionate chess enthusiasts helping Australians discover the perfect chess equipment since 2024
At ChessBoard.com.au, we believe that every chess player deserves equipment that matches their passion for the game. Whether you're teaching your child their first opening moves, preparing for a local club tournament, or seeking a beautiful wooden set to grace your living room, we're here to guide your journey with expert advice and thorough research.
Our mission is simple: to be the most trusted resource for chess equipment in Australia. We achieve this by combining our deep love for the game with rigorous product research, ensuring every recommendation we make is backed by genuine expertise and real-world testing.
We're a small team of chess enthusiasts based across Australia, united by our shared passion for the royal game. Our backgrounds span competitive tournament play, chess coaching, and product design, giving us a unique perspective on what makes a truly excellent chess board.
Between us, we've spent countless hours at chess clubs in Melbourne and Sydney, participated in state championships, and introduced dozens of children to the joys of chess through local school programs. This hands-on experience shapes everything we do—from the products we recommend to the guides we write.
We understand the frustration of purchasing a cheap chess set only to have the pieces chip after a few games, or investing in an electronic board that doesn't quite deliver on its promises. That's why we're committed to honest, detailed assessments that help you avoid common pitfalls and find equipment that will serve you for years to come.
Unlike generic product aggregators, we bring genuine chess knowledge to every review. When we evaluate a tournament chess set, we consider factors like whether the knight's silhouette follows Staunton standards, whether the pieces have the proper weight distribution for satisfying play, and whether the board's square size meets FIDE regulations.
We understand the difference between a budget-friendly set suitable for casual play and a properly weighted, felted set appropriate for serious study. We know that children need larger, more durable pieces, while collectors appreciate subtle differences in wood grain and finishing techniques. This specialised knowledge allows us to match you with equipment that truly fits your needs.
Our review process involves extensive research, comparison shopping across Australian retailers, and consultation with chess players of varying skill levels. We're always updating our recommendations as new products enter the market and as we receive feedback from our community.
Independence: Our recommendations are based solely on product quality and value. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, this never influences which products we recommend. We frequently suggest products that don't offer affiliate programs when they represent the best value.
Expertise: Every piece of content we create is informed by genuine chess knowledge. We use proper terminology, understand the nuances of different playing styles, and can speak authentically about what makes equipment suitable for specific purposes.
Community: We're part of the Australian chess community, not just observers. We attend tournaments, support local clubs, and engage with players at all levels. This connection keeps us grounded and ensures our advice remains practical and relevant.
Transparency: We're upfront about how we operate, including our use of affiliate links. You'll always know exactly what you're getting with our recommendations, and we clearly disclose any relationships that might affect our coverage.
We're proud to support the growing chess community in Australia. The game has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, fueled by popular media, online platforms, and a renewed appreciation for strategic thinking. We see ourselves as part of this movement, helping newcomers find quality equipment that enhances rather than hinders their enjoyment of chess.
If you have questions about chess equipment, feedback on our reviews, or simply want to share your chess journey, we'd love to hear from you. Chess is ultimately a social game, and we value the connections we've made with players across Australia.
We promise to always put your interests first, provide honest recommendations based on real expertise, and help you find chess equipment that brings joy to your game. Thank you for trusting ChessBoard.com.au as your guide to the wonderful world of chess.
Founder & Senior Reviewer
Content Director
Technical Reviewer