We all know that exercise is essential for a fit body, but what about the mind? It turns out that brain training or mental exercise are important for maintaining a fit mind.
There are a lot of ways we can give our brains a good workout including puzzles, learning new skills, reading, practicing a challenging hobby, and playing certain games. Yes games! That is if the games involve strategy, planning or practicing other key skills. From time to time, I review products and share tips to help keep our minds fit.
As it turns out, Chess is a classic game that provides an excellent workout. Yellow Mountain Imports submitted their Tournament No. 3 Staunton Chess Set – 13.6″ for review. I have returned to playing chess after a long break since receiving this set.
First, I will admit I am not an avid chess player. I do like other strategy games, and always like the idea of chess. There is just something so elegant and classic about a nice chess set. I have just returned to playing after receiving this set and am loving the challenge. My brain is receiving a workout!
My Impressions of This Yellow Mountain Imports Chess Set (The Good and the Bad):
This set from Yellow Mountain Imports features hand-made hornbeam wood pieces that were crafted in Poland. The pieces are fairly small as shown in the first illustration (larger than a travel set, but it is definitely portable). The King stands 2.68″ tall.
Each piece has a green felt bottom. Green felt gives a classic game room feel and it protects the board. The pieces are simple and classic looking. They are not overly fancy, but nice. They feel very light weight, but that can be expected for their size.
The board measures 13.94″W x 1.06″H x 13.7″D. It is inlaid with mahogany and sycamore wood. I am impressed with the inlaid surface as I can run my hand over it without feeling a groove. I have mixed feelings about the board, but I do like the way it looks.
The board doubles as a case. This is great for those of us who have limited storage space (me!). However, I have a few issues with it. I cannot set this board down directly on any of my wood tables because you simply open the “case” and turn it upside down. That means the case enclosures are on each end and extend down enough they would scratch any surface they sit on. You do need to use mats or a tablecloth to use this set.
My other issue is my set arrived slightly damaged. On one end there was a small cut and splinter in the wood like it had been hit with something sharp. The set was in a box when it arrived, so this ding makes me question how long the set would last using the case/board hybrid. Also the board features a marked grid of numbers (1 – 8) and Letters (A – H). The letters and numbers seem to be painted on and my F on one side was partially rubbed off on arrival as was the number 5 on one side.
Those are all small issues, but I can’t help but think if it arrives this way, how long will it last? Because of this, I am afraid that I feel the $42 suggested retail price is too high for this board. If it were a less expensive board it would be easy to give it a higher rating.
About This Yellow Mountain Imports Chess Set:
According to Yellow Mountain Imports:
“This Tournament chess set is crafted for professional play. This is the smallest one from our range Sunrise Tournament sets. It includes unloaded No. 3 chess pieces made from hornbeam wood. The lovely folding chess board has been inlaid with mahogany and sycamore wood. It includes an insert trays for storage of chess pieces inside.
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King: 2.68″ (6.8cm). Queen: 2.4″ (6.1cm). Pawn: 1.38″ (3.5cm). Board measures 13.94″W x 1.06″H x 13.7″D (35.4cm x 2.7cm x 34.8cm). Squares measures 1.5″ x 1.5″ (3.8cm x 3.8cm).
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Board is made from beech, birch, mahogany and sycamore. Felt bottom chessmen are made from hornbeam.
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Hand crafted in Poland.”
(Source for above text, Yellow Mountain Imports Publicity Materials)
Where To Purchase This Yellow Mountain Chess Set:
This Yellow Mountain Tournament Chess Set is available on Amazon, click here for the Amazon product listing for this set.
Yes, you are true that along with physical exercise, mental exercise is also must. For this, playing chess, puzzles, learning new skills are the right ways.