The Chess Collective

Introduction: In the enthralling realm where chess and philately converge, the fascinating pursuit of collecting chess-themed stamps stands as a testament to the enduring allure of both passions. Recently, in the August edition of the Chess Collector Hangout, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chess Grand Master Jon Edwards, a distinguished chess player (particularly, he is the 2023 World Correspondence Chess Champion) and an ardent collector.  I was astonished to learn about his extraordinary passion for philately and chess-related memorabilia. Jon's dedication to his collection is truly remarkable, as he possesses an impressive assemblage of over 250 binders filled with an array of captivating chess stamps and other mail-related artifacts. While discussing his collection, Jon graciously shared insights into one of his prized compilations, aptly titled "Our 60 Memorable Gems." It became evident that Jon's expansive collection represents not only a remarkable assembl...

  Recently, I had the privilege of connecting with Fabiano Ferreira, a distinguished chess collector from southern Brazil, to embark on a captivating journey through his extraordinary collection. Despite his demanding profession as an Oncologist, Fabiano generously allocated his precious time to provide insights into his cherished chess sets and unravel the fascinating stories behind them. Throughout our virtual encounter, he unveiled a series of intriguing chess sets, each holding its own unique significance. I have included the PGNs (Portable Game Notation) at the end, allowing you to delve into the games played on these remarkable chess sets that Fabiano so graciously shared with me. A Glimpse into the Past: Fabiano's collection boasted an array of original chess sets from significant events in chess history. Our virtual encounter opened the doors to the renowned Hastings 1885 chess congress, a historic tournament that witnessed the rivalry between eminent players of the era. As...

Chess is a game that has been enjoyed for centuries, and it's not uncommon to find older chessboards that have seen their fair share of wear and tear. If you're in possession of such a board and are looking to revive its beauty, you may be wondering which type of wax is best suited for the job. As a man of science, I embarked on a proper experimental setup to determine the ideal wax for an old wooden chessboard. In this blog, I will share my findings and provide insights into the performance of different waxes. Experimental Setup: To conduct a controlled experiment, I divided the chessboard into four quadrants using painter's tape. One quadrant was left untouched as a control, while I applied different waxes to the other three quadrants. The waxes I chose for this experiment were natural wax, beeswax, car wax (Turtle brand), and a synthetic wax, Renaissance wax, commonly used in British museums for artifact preservation. Each wax is composed of unique materials that contrib...

Title: Unveiling the Mysteries of Luxor: Nicodemus' Extraordinary Chess Adventure Introduction: Step into the mesmerizing tale of Nicodemus, a resident of Luxor, Egypt, a city renowned for its ancient treasures and rich history. Follow his journey as he stumbles upon a hidden antique shop in the bustling markets, where a peculiar chess set adorned with intricate hieroglyphics captures his imagination. Join Nicodemus on an enchanting adventure that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, immersing him in the enigmatic realm of the ancient city of Thebes. --- Intriguing Discovery in Luxor's Markets: Experience the vibrant ambiance of Luxor's bustling markets as Nicodemus stumbles upon a hidden gem—an intimate antique shop tucked away in a quiet corner. Amidst the dimly lit store, a gleam catches Nicodemus' eye, revealing a peculiar chess set adorned with intricate hieroglyphics. The masterfully carved pieces depict pharaohs, gods, and mythical creatures from Egyptian...

Introduction: For the June episode of the Chess Collector Hangout, a video podcast by the Chess Collective, I engaged in a fascinating conversation with National Master John Miller, an esteemed chess collector and player. With over 50 years of experience and an extensive knowledge of the chess world, John is a true gem in the community. From his remarkable achievements as a player to his passion for collecting antique chess sets, this conversation offers profound insights into the intriguing realm of chess collectors and players. Calvert Chess Set from The Jon Crumiller Collection  (Courtesy of J. Crumiller) Unveiling John Miller's Chess Journey: Meet John Miller, fondly known as the "Forest Gump of Chess," who has dedicated his life to the game for more than half a century. John's journey began with a victory in the Delaware state championship in 1976, leading him to attain the title of National Master in 2001. His list of accomplishments is impressive, having playe...