Chess, Checkers & Backgammon

Customer Reviews

Great for kids, but true enthusiasts should consider alternatives Review by Murray

Quality
Price
Value

Chess, Checkers and Backgammon are games that should require little to no introduction. All three games are age old classics and are a great addition to any household without a doubt. Rather, what should be considered here is the actual product itself, which I'll talk about near the end of the review.

Chess is a purely strategical abstract game and is the game of kings. It is a great game to teach to anyone to improve critical thinking and analysis. Checkers is similar to Chess, but the strategy element is significantly lower. Still, there is great problem solving and planning elements involved in both games. Notably, Checkers as a game, as "solved" in the last year, meaning that every possible game has been played and it has been shown that only the first player can win at the game. Backgammon is a game that requires both luck and skill, involving strategy but also risk management. Rules and in-depth analysis of these games and their virtues can be found all over the internet.

I would recommend this particular set only for children because the component quality isn't up to par. This is actually a good thing since you won't mind it too much if the set gets destroyed or ruined in any way. The set is very cheap and easily replaced. The board is thin cardboard that will eventually tear after a couple of years of solid use. The pieces are plastic, with the chess pieces being thin and hollow, making them easy to break if stepped or sat on.

As mentioned before, for children, this is great and they can be introduced to some classic games. For avid gamers, I would recommend investing in some tournament sets or anything else of slightly higher quality. (Posted on 12/9/08)