With all of the progress that board games have made over the last few decades, it is easy to sometimes lose sight of the classics. These are the games that may not be as aesthetically pleasing or have as much depth as modern games, but still paved the way for what we have today. More importantly, they are often more accessible, as they can be found in most households and the rules are more universally known. These classics can still have large followings, so why not make them in a way that they appear as timeless as they are?
Maztermind is a Vietnamese brand that develops and produces board games. While Maztermind provides new and modern tabletop experiences, one might find that the main appeal is the handcrafted classics. Tabletop enthusiasts can find games like Chess and Dominoes in Maztermind’s catalog, each with gorgeous, handcrafted boards and pieces. Today, we will be taking a look at a part of Maztermind’s signature collection.
The Premium Chessboard can be considered their flagship item. Chess is, after all, one of the most popular games in the world and is more popular today than ever. How does Maztermind’s timeless take on the ancient game compare to its other artisan works?
Craftsmanship
Upon opening the simple and elegant box, players will be greeted by a gorgeous chess board and pieces. The board itself is crafted with walnut wood, much like the Two-In-One chess set. The surface of the board has a layer of PU leather, making it ideal for a quiet and scuff-free playing surface. The pieces themselves are made from resin concrete with pure copper pedestals below.
The concrete and brass juxtaposed with the wood and leather give the premium chess board quite an elegant look. It’s well-crafted and appears to be built to last. The board is handmade and while it is obviously not a unique, one-of-a-kind item, it certainly feels like it could be. Putting this set on a shelf or corner table makes for a gorgeous centerpiece. Board games aren’t typically home decorations, but this one sure is.
The board and each piece appear to be well crafted, and unlike the leather dominoes set, we aren’t as concerned about how long they will last. The pieces look elegant, especially the pieces with a copper accent on top like the king or bishop. When one considers that this is a chess set that costs almost $300, it’s only rational to want to guarantee that it will hold up for decades. It doesn’t appear that this will be a problem. It’s gorgeous and sturdy.
For those who want a more personal touch, Maztermind offers engraving in the form of a bronze tag mounted to the side of the board.
Practicality
While this will inevitably be used as just a decoration or conversation piece, chess is still a game. Because of that, it’s worth it to take a look at how good the Chess set is for actually playing at the table.
The board folds in on itself and tucks the pieces inside, making it its own travel case if desired. Of course, this leaves the gorgeous board prone to scratches and scuffs, so it might be best to transport it in the main box that it’s shipped in. It’s not a very large board, and the folding mechanic ensures that it’s compact.
The pieces aren’t particularly heavy though they have more weight to them than the tokens from the two-in-one set. They have a little weight thanks to the combination of concrete and metal, so there is just enough there to make moving pieces satisfying. The colors look great and every piece is easy to identify.
Conclusion
This set is fantastic for chess enthusiasts who just want to show off a little. It looks great in any home, whether that’s on a shelf or on the table. This board is clearly targeting chess aficionados, and the price point of course reinforces that.
