Chess is an intellectual game of strategy that is often accessorized with luxurious, elegant accessories. Though rated lowest in order of importance, the marble chess set is among these accessories. It oozes sophistication as it creates charm with its grandiose and intricate design. In addition to having several benefits, a marble chess board has its cons too.
Take a look at the pros and cons that marble chess board has to offer.
Pros
Aesthetic Appeal: It is this appearance of a marble chess board that most people fall for. Its appeal is associated with luxury and sophistication. The natural veining and different colors of marble show, in the board, something unique and conspicuous. From classic black-and-white to vibrant mixtures, any marble chess set is a function for play and acts as a statement piece.
Durability: Marble is a material with an incredibly high strength index. Wood, for instance, as used in the making of chess sets, would either warp or be worn out over time. The marble chess set carries within itself the attribute of longevity. With due care, it will bear years of even the heaviest use without ever showing any real wear and tear. In this respect, it's an excellent choice for both display and active play.
Unique Variations: This is another reason why no two sets can be exactly equal, as this is determined by the natural variations found in the marble from which it is crafted. This adds value as a collectible. Whether one loves a classic look or a contemporary design, several types of marble and many colors fall under a varied range.
Weight and Stability: A marble chess set is heavier compared to wooden or plastic sets. This weight gives the set stability, hence the board does not shift around when games are in session. Additionally, the weight of the playing pieces is a factor that deters them from being easily knocked over and significantly improves the overall experience.
Cons
Cost: For the most part, a marble chess board tends to be relatively more expensive than chess sets made out of wood, plastic, or other materials. Cost is a major element for most buyers. The relatively higher cost can mainly be attributed to the contrast in the quality of material, quality of workmanship, and the intricate nature of designing a marble chess set. This cost may or may not be justifiable for someone on a strict budget.
Maintenance: Marble requires much maintenance compared to other materials. It can stain and react to acidic products. The use of proper marble cleaning is a must to ensure it stays in the best condition. Besides, marble is easily scratched or chipped, and it will require professional restoration if not standing properly.
Weight: While weight can mean sturdiness for a marble chess set, it can also work to the set's disadvantage. One of these setbacks from its heft is that it would be less transportable and hard to move. Hence, marble chess sets are whimsical in case one likes to play chess in different places or use a more mobile setup.
Temperature Sensitivity: Marble tends to have temperature sensitivity. This means that with very high or cold temperatures, the material may expand or shrink a little, causing slight problems in the long run. This is, again, inapplicable to important issues indoors, but it could be substantial if you live in an area with vast temperature changes. It can be quite strong on its account, but just like any other natural stone, marble also possesses the tendency to crack under certain conditions. This could be from accidental knocks or extremely heavy impact which may bring damage that can be rather expensive to repair. This just means that one has to put extra caution into handling it well, either during transporting this product or in storage.
The Bottom Line
A marble chess set is among the expensive investments that manifest in clear benefits: both in style and durability. Indeed, the particular classy look in variations different from others makes marble chess sets very appealing to collectors and enthusiasts. On the other side, potential buyers must weigh these benefits against drawbacks such as higher costs, maintenance requirements, and weight. So, to explore either side of the story, get your hands on the best marble chess set from Battling Blades.