Pressman Chess

Introduction

Chess is one of the most popular strategy board games in the world. Playing chess provides countless benefits such as improving focus, memory, problem-solving skills, and sportsmanship. With its timeless design and strategic gameplay, it’s no wonder chess has been enjoyed for centuries by people of all ages.

If you’re looking to buy a new chess set, Pressman Chess is one of the leading manufacturers of chess sets and accessories. With a wide variety of design options and price points, Pressman offers high quality chess sets perfect for everyone from beginners to more advanced players.

This buying guide will provide a comprehensive overview of Pressman Chess sets covering topics such as:

• What is Pressman Chess?
• Where to buy Pressman Chess sets
• Costs of Pressman Chess sets
• Materials used in Pressman Chess pieces
• Size options for Pressman Chess boards
• Themed and custom Pressman sets
• Pressman Chess set reviews
• Pressman’s quality and reputation
• Pressman Chess comparison to competitors
• And much more!

Let’s dive into the world of Pressman Chess sets and explore why they make a great choice for your next chess set purchase.

What is Pressman Chess?

Pressman Chess is a leading brand of chess sets and accessories founded in 1922. Based in Long Island City, New York, Pressman has been producing quality chess products for over 95 years. They offer a huge selection of chess set designs across a wide range of prices.

Pressman’s chess pieces are known for their detailed designs and sturdy construction. Many of their sets come packaged in a slick box with built-in drawers to conveniently store all the pieces. In addition to complete chess sets, Pressman also sells individual replacement chess pieces, chess boards, timers, and other chess accessories.

Some of their most popular chess sets include the American Classic Chess Set, the Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set, and Marvel Avengers Chess Set. With licenses for popular franchises and classic chess pieces, it’s easy to find a Pressman chess set tailored to anyone’s interests.

No matter your skill level or budget, Pressman offers chess sets suitable for beginners, kids, clubs, schools, and tournament play. Their wide distribution across major retailers demonstrates their reputation as an established chess brand.

Where to Buy Pressman Chess Sets

The benefit of Pressman being a large established brand is that their products are readily available at many major retailers. Here are some of the best places to buy Pressman chess sets:

• Amazon – The largest selection of Pressman chess sets available for convenient shipping. Sets range from $15 up to $80.
• Walmart – Budget-friendly Pressman sets available in-store and online starting around $15.
• Target – Carry affordable beginner Pressman sets generally priced between $15-$25.
• Barnes & Noble – Large bookstores stock mid-range Pressman sets from $25-$50.
• Official Website – The full Pressman catalog is available at Pressman.com with specialty sets up to $500.
• Game Stores – Local game shops may carry a selection of Pressman chess pieces, boards, and accessories.
• School Fundraisers – Pressman chess sets are popular products for school chess clubs and band fundraisers.

While Pressman sets are readily available online and in-store, shopping at specialty game stores can provide helpful recommendations from knowledgeable staff.

How Much Does Pressman Chess Cost?

One of the great benefits of Pressman Chess sets is that they offer products at nearly every price point. Here is an overview of typical Pressman chess set costs:

• $15-$25 – Introductory plastic chess sets perfect for beginners and children.
• $25-$50 – Mid-range sets with more detailed designs and sturdy construction. Great for casual players.
• $50-$100 – Large deluxe chess sets with extra quality and functionality. Perfect for clubs and classrooms.
• $100-$500 – High end collectors sets with premium materials and craftsmanship. Ideal for chess enthusiasts.
• $15-$30 – Individual chess piece replacement sets for lost or damaged pieces.
• $20-$50 – Chess boards in a variety of materials like vinyl, wood, and marble.
• $10-$40 – Chess accessories like timers, stands, and carrying bags.

With such a wide spectrum of price points, Pressman has an ideal chess set for every type of player and budget.

Pressman Chess Set Materials

One factor that influences the cost and quality of a Pressman Chess set is the materials used for the chess pieces and board. Here are some of the most common materials found in Pressman chess sets:

• Plastic – Durable and affordable plastic pieces are ideal for introductory sets and younger players. These come in small travel sizes up to large floor sets.
• Wood – Mid-range wood pieces provide a classic tactile feel and pleasing aesthetic. Available in varieties like maple, rosewood, ebony, and more.
• Marble & Stone – For premium display-quality sets, Pressman offers expensive but elegant marble, onyx, and stone pieces.
• Glass – Pressman uses molded glass for some high-end collector’s chess sets to create transparent and glittering pieces.
• Metal – Some novelty sets feature chess pieces cast from metal for substantial weight and magnetism.
• Resin – This lightweight durable plastic is used for many of Pressman’s licensed theme chess pieces.

For boards, common materials include vinyl, cardboard, wood, marble, and glass. Take material type into account when assessing the long-term durability and practicality of a Pressman Chess set.

Does Pressman Chess Include a Board?

Most complete Pressman chess sets will come boxed with all 32 chess pieces and a game board included. However, it’s important to verify that a board is included with the set you intend to purchase and not just loose chess pieces.

Some product listings for replacement chess pieces may be listed under the “Pressman Chess” name even if they don’t include the board. If you require a chess board, look for set titles containing the words “with board” or “complete chess set”.

Pressman also sells a wide variety of boards separately if you want to customize your set or replace an old board. They offer vinyl roll-up boards, cardboard boards, wooden boards, and even marble and glass boards ranging from about $20-$200 depending on size and materials.

If gifting a Pressman Chess set or giving one to a child, ensure the set you choose includes the board so they can enjoy a complete ready-to-play chess set!

Are Pressman Chess Sets Portable?

One of the benefits of many Pressman Chess sets is that they offer portable chess boards and pieces so you can play anywhere. Here are some of their popular portable chess set options:

• Vinyl Roll-Up Boards – These lightweight vinyl mats roll up for easy transport and storage. Pairs nicely with plastic or magnetic chess pieces.
• Cardboard Storyboards – Affordable portable chessboard perfect for playing in small spaces. Folds into quarters.
• Travel Sets – Compact sets with small boards and micro-sized chess pieces able to fit into pockets. Great for playing on-the-go.
• Magnetic Sets – Pressman offers magnetic chess sets which securely attach pieces to metal boards for portable play.
• Snap & Lock Cases – Some larger Pressman sets include a plastic case with snapping dividers to safely carry all the pieces.
• Carry Bags – Optional add-on bags allow you to safely carry even full-size wood or marble chess boards.

No matter your lifestyle or needs, Pressman has compact, portable chess sets that make it convenient to enjoy a game of chess anywhere, anytime. The variety of portable options are great for travel, outdoor play, and transporting sets between locations.

Does Pressman Make Magnetic Chess Sets?

Yes, Pressman manufactures and sells magnetic chess sets which offer a convenient portable experience. The chess pieces contain small magnets inside their bases allowing them to adhere to magnetic chess boards.

This creates a seamless playing experience when on-the-go as the pieces won’t slide around or fall off the boards. The embedded magnets also create a satisfying snap as pieces attach to the board.

Pressman magnetic chess boards are available in a variety of sizes from compact 9 inch boards up to full 18 inch tournament sized boards. The embedded magnets are discretely hidden inside so boards maintain a classic stylish look.

They offer magnetic chess pieces made of plastic as well as more detailed resin pieces. Prices range from $25 for small intro magnetic sets up to $80 for deluxe full-size magnetic chess boards paired with detailed resin pieces.

For portable satisfying magnetic chess, Pressman makes an excellent affordable option to consider over more expensive hand-crafted magnetic sets. The optional carry bags allow you to safely transport magnetic chess boards anywhere.

What Chess Board Sizes Does Pressman Offer?

Pressman manufactures chess boards in a variety of sizes to suit different settings and needs:

• Compact 9-10 inch – Best for small travel sets and children’s sets. Low prices around $10.
• Standard 15-17 inch – The most common size for home and classroom use. Offer great portability.
• Full 18-20 inch – Tournament regulation size boards. Best for clubs and serious play. Large but transportable.
• Oversized 25+ inch – Big statement boards displaying large dramatic chess pieces. Best as fixed display sets.
• Square Foot Boards – Giant 4 foot square vinyl mats for playing oversized chess on the floor. Fun for education.
• Roll-Up Vinyl Mats – Available in lengths up to 72 inches! Roll up for easy storage and transport.

The smaller 9-15 inch boards offer great portability and capabilities for travel play or small spaces. Tournament players will appreciate the full-size 18-20 inch regulation boards. For giant classroom demonstrations, the oversized floor boards let kids become the chess pieces!

With sizes for every need, Pressman builds both portable boards and full-feature tournament boards to suit any chess player’s lifestyle and interests.

Pressman Chess Set Reviews

With Pressman being a long-standing reputable chess brand, their products are generally very well reviewed across retailers and websites. Here is an overview of positive reviewer feedback for Pressman chess:

• Durable, high-quality pieces withstand years of regular gameplay
• Boards lay flat and are well constructed from quality materials
• Vibrant fun designs appeal to kids and adults alike
• Packaging keeps all pieces neatly organized for easy storage
• Clear numbering/lettering helps identify pieces for new players
• Magnetic sets provide a seamless portable experience
• Licensed sets offer gorgeous renditions of iconic characters
• Great value proposition relative to handcrafted luxury sets

The most common criticism of lower-cost Pressman sets is that the pieces may feel lightweight. However, considering their affordable prices, Pressman chess represents fantastic bang-for-your-buck. With care, even their inexpensive intro sets should provide years of enjoyable chess games.

Based on consistently positive reviews, Pressman chess sets are a smart choice that makes for happy gift recipients and satisfied chess players.

Is Pressman Chess Good for Beginners?

Absolutely! Pressman chess sets are perfectly suited for chess beginners. Here’s some reasons why:

• Affordable – Intro sets as low as $15 allow new players to buy on a budget.
• Portable – Compact magnetic and roll-up sets enable learning and practice anywhere.
• Design Variety – Colorful fun chess pieces appeal to kids and adults alike.
• Organization – Custom fitted packaging keeps all chess pieces neatly stored.
• Clear Notation – Letters, numbers, and icons identify pieces clearly for new learners.
• Replaceable Pieces – Lost pawns or rooks can be replaced affordably.
• Extra Resources – Some Pressman sets include tips, tactics, and teaching tools.

From the complete beginner learning how pieces move to casual players looking to improve their chess skills, Pressman boards cater well to the needs of novice chess enthusiasts. The quality and affordability let beginners enjoy chess without big investment until they decide to upgrade to pricier sets.

Is Pressman Chess Suitable for Kids?

Yes! Pressman chess sets are fantastic options for children. Many sets are specifically designed and tailored for kids including:

• Marvel & DC Comics Chess – Superhero characters appeal greatly to children’s interests.
• Harry Potter Wizard Chess Sets – Allow kids to role play battles between wizards, just like the books/movies.
• Star Wars Chess Sets – What kid wouldn’t want to control Darth Vader and Stormtroopers vs Jedi?
• 3D Animal Chess – Whimsical animal pieces in fun poses spark children’s imaginations.
• Giant Floor Chess Sets – Oversized pieces allow small children to become the chess pieces on giant vinyl boards.
• Magnetic Chess – Magnetic pieces easily attach to boards for carefree portable play.

Between the lively character designs and tactical element of capturing pieces, chess offers multiple benefits for children such as improving memory, concentration, planning, and sportsmanship. Pressman chess sets cater well to make chess fun and accessible for kids of all ages.

How Does Pressman Chess Compare to Other Brands?

When shopping for chess sets, some other brands you may come across include Chess Armory, Maple Landmark, and House of Staunton. Here is how Pressman compares:

• More affordable intro sets than premium hand-crafted brands
• Wider selection of design options and licensed themes
• Good middle ground between cheap generic sets and expensive artisan sets
• More focus on mass production rather than handmade craftsmanship
• Not as much customization as small custom studios
• Widely available at major retailers unlike smaller chess brands
• Perfect for beginners; higher level players may prefer luxury materials
• Great quality considering the low prices
• More variety of board materials like glass and metal

Overall, Pressman hits the sweet spot of providing great variety and quality at affordable prices for the average chess player. While not as prestigious as hand-carved luxury sets, Pressman still represents great value and accessibility in enjoyable chess sets.

Does Pressman Offer Themed Chess Sets?

Yes, offering licensed pop culture themes is one of Pressman Chess’ specialties! They partner with brands like Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and more to create chess sets featuring iconic characters.

Some of their most popular themed chess sets include:

• Marvel Avengers Chess – Plastic chess pieces featuring fan-favorite Marvel heroes and villains. A fun twist on classic chess.
• Wizard Chess Sets – Bring the magic of Harry Potter wizard chess to life with intricate resin pieces directly from the books and films.
• Star Wars Chess – Control characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Yoda in the timeless struggle of the light and dark side.
• DC Comics Chess – Become Batman and Superman and battle against infamous supervillains. A great gift for comic book fans.
• Lord of the Rings – Journey through Middle Earth by controlling the members of the Fellowship as well as Orcs and Uruk-hai.

The variety of themes allows you to personalize chess with your favorite characters and universes. Pressman translates pop culture icons into collectible chess pieces with surprising detail. Themed sets create fun chess experiences for kids and adults alike.

Are Pressman Chess Sets Tournament Official?

While Pressman sells mid-range collector chess sets, they are not specifically tailored for high-level tournament play. Their intro plastic sets are better suited for casual play and beginners.

For official tournament chess sets, collectors look for luxurious materials, precise detailing, balanced weighting, and premium craftsmanship. Common materials include olive wood, ebony, rosewood, and heavily weighted resin or stone.

However, Pressman does offer full 18-20 inch vinyl tournament boards meeting regulation size needs. Pairing these Official Tournament Chess Boards with some of Pressman’s nicer chess pieces can create suitable lower-cost tournament sets.

The Harry Potter Wizard Chess sets and some of the heavier weighted Collector Chess sets work well for amateur competitive play. But for top-tier professional chess tournaments, collectors may prefer even finer materials and craftsmanship available through artisan brands.

Can You Buy Replacement Pressman Chess Pieces?

Losing chess pieces can be an inevitable annoyance that keeps you from enjoying a full game. The good news is Pressman sells affordable replacement chess pieces to fill in missing slots from your set.

Standalone replacement chess pieces are available in plastic or more detailed resin construction. A standard 32 piece full replacement set generally costs $15-$30 depending on materials.

The specific naming conventions when shopping for replacements are:

• Chessmen: This refers to just the chess piece figures (no board). Sold in 32 piece full sets.
• Replacement Chess Pieces: Again just the figures, sold by the full set of 32 or sometimes in smaller individual bags for specific pieces like pawns.

Buying a full replacement set can be more cost effective than trying to replace a couple lost pieces. Having backups can also allow you to have multiple sets for group games.

Replacement chess pieces are a great option for refreshing old worn boards and pieces with a fresh set!

What is the History of Pressman Chess?

Tracing its origins to 1922, Pressman Chess has a rich history spanning over 95 years of quality chess production. Here are some key moments in the evolution of this classic chess brand:

• 1922 – Founded as Pressman Toy Corporation by Jack Pressman in New York City. Originally sold games and puzzles.
• 1935 – Expanded into board games like checkers and chess pieces as manufacturing capabilities grew.
• 1950s – Began producing toy cars and trucks in addition to games and puzzles.
• 1960s – Pressman games soared in popularity after success of best-selling board games like Mastermind.
• 1970s – Continued expanding game portfolio with classics like Operation and Battleship.
• 1980s – Leveraged growing licensing deals to sell themed games and toys.
• 1990s – Shifted focus more exclusively back to games, puzzles, and chess products.
• Today – Pressman Toys merged with Goliath Games but continues producing popular chess sets along with other family games.

For nearly a century, Pressman has spread joy creating fun, interactive games for families and especially growing the world of chess. With such steady longevity and adaptation over generations, Pressman secured itself as a permanent fixture in the chess world.

Are Pressman Chess Sets Durable?

Consistent reviewer feedback confirms that Pressman manufactures quality durable chess sets and boards designed to last. Here are some common observations on the durability of Pressman chess:

• Plastic chess pieces are made from tough molded plastics able to withstand regular use and travel. Chips and scratches unlikely from normal play.
• Wood and marble chess pieces stand up very well to wear over many years of use. Dense, high-quality materials.
• Chess boards lay flat and corners/edges are often reinforced or stitched for added durability. Vinyl mats are quite hard to tear.
• Magnetic chess pieces feature strong neodymium magnets securely encased in plastic or resin. Safely holds pieces in place.
• Hinges and clasps on storage boxes are securely attached. Boxes close flat and tightly.
• Parts like bag handles and board stands are strongly sewn and attached using metal grommets and rings to prevent tearing.

While any chess set requires proper care and maintenance for longevity, Pressman sets are designed and tested to provide years of regular chess enjoyment before any need for replacement.

Does Pressman Make Travel Chess Sets?

Recognizing a need for portable chess, Pressman manufactures excellent travel chess sets with compact boards and miniaturized pieces. Here are some recommended portable sets:

• Deluxe Travel Chess Set – Tiny 1.5 inch magnetic chess pieces. Fits in included leather-like carrying pouch.
• Super Compact Travel Set – Tiny 2 inch pieces and 9 inch folding board in small custom box. Great for pockets.
• Mini Magnetic Chess – 4 inch magnetic pieces and 13 inch magnetic fold-up board all pack neatly in a slim box.
• Vinyl Roll-Up Board with Bag – Choose your own pieces then store in the included cinch bag. Takes up little space.
• Official Tournament Chess Combo – Full-size vinyl board and smaller weighted plastic chessmen store in handy tube with shoulder strap.

No matter your budget or board size needs, Pressman makes it easy to pack up chess on-the-go. The included custom storage boxes and bags safely secure all your chess pieces and contain mess. Just unfold your board and enjoy chess anywhere with these compact travel sets!

Recommended Pressman Sets for Schools and Clubs

With all the different chess sets to choose from, which Pressman boards are best for schools starting a chess club or looking for classroom sets? Here are some that stand out:

• Deluxe Wood Chess Set – Full 18″ wood board and quality detailed plastic chessmen at a reasonable price.
• Standard Weighted Chess Set – Vinyl tournament board with solid plastic chess pieces. Great for serious practice.
• Mega Size Magnetic Chess – Oversized 26″ magnetic demo board lets kids become chess pieces! Tabletop board also included.
• Classroom Chess Set – 36 piece giant floor chess mat for class-wide learning games. Includes teacher guide.
• Harry Potter Wizard’s Chess Set – Fun themed set perfect for sparking interest in younger students.
• Official Tournament Chess Set – Regulation size vinyl board and weighted plastic pieces for competitive play.

With their combination of classroom-friendly sizes, detailed pieces, themes, and affordable pricing, Pressman Chess sets are great starter options for school chess clubs or classroom learning games.

Final Thoughts

After nearly a century of steady chess production, Pressman has withstood the test of time delivering quality affordable chess sets to generations of players. With their huge variety of designs and price points, it’s easy to find the perfect set tailored to your playing needs and budget.

Hopefully this complete guide provides helpful insights to consider when shopping for new Pressman Chess sets. Their wide availability, recognizable branding, and consistent quality make Pressman an excellent choice for any chess player’s next set. Checkmate!