The Chess Collective

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...

For collectors, the excitement of acquiring a new item comes not only from possession but also from the research and learning that comes with it. Recently, I had the pleasure of acquiring an original German chess set dating back to the 1950s-1960s, which came with a stunning box and board. The set was produced by a company called Bohemia, and in this blog post, I invite you to join me on my journey of discovery as I explore the exquisite chess set and its origins. Furthermore, I will delve into some intriguing chess games that were played on similar Bohemia sets during the 19th Chess Olympiad in Siegen, Germany. Researching the history of the Bohemia chess factory was difficult because there isn't much information online (I hope this Blog post adds to the available information). However, I was lucky enough to get in touch with Holger Langer, an expert chess collector from Hamburg, Germany, who had communicated directly with the former owner. He provided me with valuable insights a...

Guatemalan Chess set of Brazil (Courtesy of S. Kong) Introduction: In a recent interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Stephen Kong, also known as Chess Praxis, a passionate chess set collector with an impressive collection of over 600 sets from around the world. During our conversation, we delved into his fascination with Latin American chess sets, particularly those from Brazil and Argentina. Stephen shared his insights and showcased some of his favorite sets, taking us on a captivating journey through the history and design of chess in these countries. The Fascinating World of Brazilian Chess Sets: Our interview began by focusing on Brazilian chess sets. Stephen's collection includes a diverse range of sets, from vintage classics to modern tournament sets. One standout piece is the 1970 Brazilian Tournament Set, known for its robust and sturdy design. Another captivating set is the 1979 Rio de Janeiro Interzonal Tournament set, which features a rare storage box and unique...

The House of Staunton Grandmaster Series and the Grandmaster Regal Series. Both sets have a lacquered finish that gives them durability and makes them aesthetically pleasing. However, I must say that I prefer the Grandmaster Regal Series a bit more because the felt on the bottom of the pieces is of higher quality, and it feels more luxurious when moving the pieces around the board. The Grandmaster Series and the Grandmaster Regal Series are both perfect for tournament play. I have used them in many tournaments, and I have been impressed with their durability and performance. The pieces have a good weight to them, and they catch the light beautifully, making for a nice contrast on the chessboard. When it comes to casual play or traveling, I use the House of Staunton Tournament Bag to carry the tournament pieces. The bag is perfect for keeping pens, snacks, tournament books, and even reading glasses. I have dropped the set on the floor, and there wasn't even a scratch. It is not the ...