Posted on

Everything You Need to Know about Travel Cribbage Boards

Cribbage is a modified form of a card game played using pegs and a board to keep score. It was first played in the 17th Century as a derivative of the game called Noddy. Cribbage has been played for centuries and is an integral part of American culture. However, despite its longtime existence, Cribbage doesn’t have many devoted followers. Those who do follow the game will do anything to stay hooked to the game; this is where the Travel Cribbage Boards come in. Available in a wide variety – 2-inch metal pegs to standard size pegs – you can get Travel Cribbage Boards from Straight Up Chess customized according to your needs as well.

Standard Travel Cribbage Boards comprise of a 2-track cribbage board with swivel compartments, a deck of cards, four metal pegs (2 silver and two gold), a history and instruction manual and a swivel top that opens to reveal the storage compartment holding the pegs and cards. In order to play on Travel Cribbage Boards, you need practice, devotion and skills, which involves scoring points for the runs of sequential cards based on triples, pairs, quadruples, combinations of 15 and flushes. Part of what makes the Cribbage game so unique is the board that is used to play it. Most Travel Cribbage Boards comprise a neatly created track with 121 peg holes, which are used to score points. In simpler words, with every point that players score, they move their pegs in the corresponding number of holes until one player reaches the last hole and wins the game.

Ideally, a game of Travel Cribbage Boards can be played between 2 to 6 people; this can either be two- or three two-person teams or two to three individuals. Moreover, while the gameplay and scoring techniques remain the same regardless of what type of board you are playing on, know that Travel Cribbage Boards vary greatly in design and style. The most common type of Travel Cribbage Boards features a solid yet foldable design rectangular board with two to three tracks that wind around the board, curving twice, a storage compartment and pegs. While some Travel Cribbage Boards might have the same colored tracks, you can also opt for boards having tracks corresponding to the color of the pegs – this makes it easier to keep track of your score. At Straight Up Chess, you can find Travel Cribbage Boards available in a wide variety of styles. So, whether you want a board with a wooden base or a plastic one, a classic design or a creative one, Travel Cribbage Boards from Straight Up Chess have got you covered.

Posted on

Chessboards | How to Find the Perfect Chess Set

Thanks to “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix, chess is all the rage these days. So if you are new to buying chessboards, get ready to be amazed! Ranging from tiny travel-sized versions to large patio-size beds to chess sets made precisely for decorative purposes to the ones designed for a friendly tournament, today chessboards are available in all kinds of shapes and sizes. However, living in a world that’s more about minimalism and simplicity, professional chess players are now looking for chessboards that come with convenience to carry. Although the smaller square-shaped chessboards are less expensive, are they worth your investment? Read on to find out!

Pocket-sized chessboards or those that are the size of your palm can actually be more of a hurdle in your game than fun as you expect them to be. Due to the small size, it will be challenging to move the delicate pieces around, and with every step towards the end of the game, the chess pieces will be getting closer to each other, increasing the chances of knocking them over as the battle starts to heat up. Size is one of the most important factors to consider when buying chessboards. Why waste your hard-earned money on something that is challenging to use when Straight Up Chess gives you the option to invest in chessboards that are modernized yet more satisfying to your player instincts. Not only do they have chessboards in all sizes, but the best part is that they give you the freedom to “Build Your Own Board.” Technically, the chessboards are costly compared to the pieces of a chess set. Therefore, in case you are on a budget, Straight Up Chess gives you the opportunity to buy a chessboard of your choice (a more expensive one) and pair it with less expensive chess pieces.

If you are new to buying chessboards and have no idea what works for you, here is a formula to make your decision-making process easier as it can help you assess the relationship of chess pieces to the board: start by measuring the base of the chessboard using 78% of the width of the squares across. For instance, if your King’s base measures 1.5 inches, then the squares on the chessboards should be 2 inches (divide the size of the King’s Base by 0.78 = 1.92 inches squares, rounded off to 2 inches). However, if the aforementioned formula is too confusing, simply measure the King’s base and add on a good 0.5 inches to get the perfect measurements for your chessboards. Once you know your ideal size, invest in chessboards representing your personal style: classic or a theme-based chess set. Looking for chessboards that are fun to use and add an excellent decorative element to your living room? Visit us at Straight Up Chess right away!

Posted on

Fun with Friends – Man Cave Games

Having your own place is great for people that love to have gatherings and parties at their place. There are so many people that suffered the last two years because their social cup has been running on empty the entire time. There is a huge need for everyone to keep each other safe and keep their social circles and engagements small and short, but for a lot of extroverts out there, this is very hard. When people stayed away and stayed apart, they were helping to keep everyone safe. However, that does not mean they didn’t get lonely or sad. Not being able to hug your friends, check up on your elderly parents, or catch up with a friend without having to worry about germs and contamination, definitely took a toll on everyone’s mental health, especially for these very social extroverts. There are so many people that have had to seek therapy and professional guidance in order to figure out how they are feeling and why they are feeling depressed. It truly has been a hard time to navigate through. For some places, things are starting to go back to normal and get better slowly, but surely. When people are able to finally come together or invite people over safely, it is likely to be one great big party. People that you used to see regularly are now people you haven’t seen in almost two years. If you weren’t able to travel before, you are definitely feeling the need and pressure to do so as soon as possible. If you are able to host people in your home, then getting man cave games are great for bringing people together.

You don’t need a man cave in order to enjoy some of these games that are thought of as many because they are typically found in dive bars or drinking halls. For example, anyone can play darts, and anyone can play bocce ball. You don’t need to be manly to play and drink a beer at the same time. Plus, these games are typically great for warming people up and getting people talking.

Man cave games don’t have to be in a man cave or only played with men in order to be enjoyed and get a party started.

Posted on

Stay Classy with Wooden Chess Pieces

There are so many games out there are people love to play. For example, people love playing monopoly. This is such a popular game, and has been for almost a hundred years. Some people have played it so much that they were able to master real estate and be able to be rich off of the rules they learned from the game. Another really popular game is twister. This game requires no complicated rules or any special features. Instead, it is pretty straight forward what body part you need to touch which colored circle. Another really popular game throughout the ages is poker. Poker has been used for fun, and for high stakes. Poker is like a great equalizer when it comes to people of all genders, religions, and backgrounds. Poker can help people win money or test their bluffing skills. Poker is so much more than a card game. You can even say it is a very American game. The more risk you put into it, the more you can gamble, or a lot you can lose. Either way, Poker is an extremely popular game no matter how old you are or how novice. One thing is for certain though, there is another game that has stood the test of time and has maintained popularity no matter what, and that is chess. Chess is a great way of showing off how smart you are even if you didn’t graduate from the best schools or had the most exclusive training. Chess is a great way to command and gain respect no matter who you are, how you grew up, or little you have. There are so many different chess sets that come in different styles and materials. For example, some chess sets are made of glass, others marble, and even different types of metal. But one thing is for certain is that going classic is always the way to go. Getting wooden chess pieces is a great way to have a classy chess set without getting too tacky.

Some chess sets have a sense of humor. For example, you can be that there is a chess set about almost anything, any movie, TV show, or book series no matter how silly or fantastical. If anything, the sillier the chess set, the more conversation it evokes. However, some people want their chess set to almost be like another piece of art in their home.

Wooden chess pieces are a great way to great a grown up and elevated conversation with your guests.

Posted on

Classic Fun with a Chess Board

There are certain things that people have around their homes that they stage to make it look like they are classy and sophisticated. For example, some people like to have lots of books lining their bookshelves so it looks like they are very knowledgeable and well read. Whether they have actually read their books or not is another discussion. Other people like to have very interesting pieces of art decorating their walls. Maybe they are made by reputable artists and are insured for hundreds of dollars? Or maybe they are a self-proclaimed artist themselves and love to show off their artistic skills? And other people like to have games out and about, ready for a game or two with the next opponent willing to take them on. Some of these games include darts, which requires good hand-eye coordination and a lot of distance and not too many obstacles in between. Other people like to have shelves filled with new and unique board games that have lists of rules and special pieces. And other people like to have a chess board out in the middle of a table just in case people want to have a go at a game, or at least look like they are smart and classy.

Chess has a reputation for being a game that only smart people can play and master. There are so many rules that comes with chess, but a lot of people, once they get the hang of the rules, are able to wield them to their advantage and win games very easily. Some people are able to go down a row of opponents and be able to play them all at the same time and quickly demolish them. Chess is a game that give them the ability to win and win swiftly. Chess is also a game that can get you respect and confidence. Even if you didn’t graduate school or you don’t have a super high paying job, if you can play chess, you immediately get people’s respect.

A chess board is a great way for people to not only play and have fun, but connect with all those that came before us and played by the same rules as well. It is a game that ages gracefully.

Posted on

Pick Out Unique 3-Inch Chess Pieces for Your Straight Up Chess Board

When it comes to picking out the perfect décor for your home or office, the choices that you have can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between shopping online and shopping in person, you might feel like you are surrounded by a never-ending selection that doesn’t quite fit the vision that you have in mind. When you are shopping for a space that you know you are going to be showing to other people, whether it is your living room or your office space, it can even further complicate the decisions you have to make. If you are looking to make the process easier for yourself, it is a good idea to consider combining form and function into décor that really makes a statement. A straight up chess board is a fantastically attractive wall décor option that your guests can both admire and use, making it perfect for game rooms, living rooms, offices and beyond. Straight up chess boards allow you to have an ongoing game that is out of the way while also being attractive and fun to look at. If you know that you want to invest in a straight up chess board but haven’t yet decided on the details, make sure you consider our standard boards and 3-inch chess pieces!

An average size straight up chess board is thirty-four by twenty-two inches, making it a perfect centerpiece for many walls. We encourage you to start by considering what color board is going to look best in your space, whether that’s black cherry, red maple, maple nut, cherry bean or any of the other fabulous styles available. The right color is going to complement the rest of the furniture in the room, adding that unique element that you have been missing.

The 3-inch chess pieces that fit your new chess board come in a huge range of styles that you can choose to perfectly complement your board. You can look through wood and metal pieces to decide on the material that is most appropriate for your board and your décor theme. Once you have decided on the best material, you can look through all kinds of theme options to find the best style for your dream board, whether that’s modern, German knight, Trojan, Isle of Lewis or any of the other exquisitely artistic options out there. Remember that this new chess board is an important part of your new décor and enjoy shopping for the perfect board and pieces to fit your style.

Posted on

unique chess sets

Chess is a game of passion and concentration. Even the slightest mistake can cause you to lose the entire game. Chess has a huge fan following, and people are always looking for creative ways to enjoy this classic board game. That is why some people have fully furnished chess floors with life-size chess pieces. However, there is no limit to creativity, and there are always ways to improve the gaming experience. Straight-up chess boards provide a unique way of enjoying chess as chess pieces move horizontally in an upward direction rather than moving on a flat surface. Playing on these boards revitalizes the senses of the players, and the game becomes more interesting. There are several reasons to buy a unique chess set like this, and we are here to share them with you.

Unique chess sets redesign the chess experience for players as they have to eyeball each move differently. Moreover, these chess boards can be hung on a wall for decoration as well. Another popular reason for buying unique chess sets is because players want to show their passion for the game. For instance, if you have a casual chessboard, your playing experience remains the same. However, when your chessboard is placed vertically, you will experience challenges in deciphering your opponent’s strategy and planning your moves as well. This position adds a unique character to your game and makes things more interesting. Finally, reinventing the way you play chess can change your perception of this game. It makes things difficult, and even the simplest of moves can seem complicated to counter. When players are tired of playing on a flat surface board, they often look for unique chess sets to satisfy their need for a challenge. Perhaps, unique chess boards have become increasingly popular due to this reason.

The pleasure of enjoying your favorite game in a new way can drag the most veteran player back on the board. That is why professional players often seek unique chess sets because they want to keep improving their game. Moreover, unique chess sets are also purchased by collectors because of their distinct appeal and seemingly endless character. On the flip side, unique chess sets are also used for decoration purposes, and people hand them on the wall of their gaming room. So the next time you are decorating your gaming room, don’t leave its walls empty.

Posted on

A Brief Guide on Office Wall Decor

Blank walls in offices are not an attractive feature. While painting them in different funky colors can make a major difference in your employees’ mood and make them feel more energized throughout their day, that’s not enough of an effort. To make your office space stand out such that it inspires everyone while keeping their spirits high and running, you have to make some conscious choices. If you’re looking for some creative ideas on what you should use as your office wall decor, we have you covered. In this blog post, you’ll learn some unique ideas that you can easily pull off, no matter how big or small wall space you’ve got in your office.

First of all, you should invest in some cool office wall art that displays inspirational quotes. You can purchase several different sizes and mismatched frame artworks to exhibit a unique wall filled with your employees’ favorite quotes. On the contrary, you can pick out one large inspiration art or metal hanging that fills up your entire wall nicely. You can even attach some ledges on the wall where you can encourage your workers to put their favorite artworks, signs, and inspirational photo frames. Or another option is to completely dedicate a particular wall and make the most of it by using it as a creative memo board. While it might not be as aesthetically pleasing as other office wall decor ideas, it’ll be fun, functional, and practical.

Speaking of creative ideas, this next one is our personal favorite for several reasons. If you haven’t looked up vertical chess boards before now, it might be the best time to do so. These “straight-up chess” can add an element of class to your office wall in the best of ways while keeping it fun for your employees. As you pass by it, you can make your move and mark it with the “last move” marker while you go your way. When the next opponent stops by, they can make the next move, and the game continues. It’s an entertaining piece of functional art that everyone would appreciate having in the office space. Lastly, a unique office wall decor idea could be asking your employees to gather several photos representing their official events and fun times together. You can pile them in the shape of your company logo and paste them onto the wall to create a fun focal point!

Posted on

Classic Fun with a Cribbage Board

A lot of people like to have games as both a conversation starter and a decorative touch on their coffee table. For example, a beautiful chess set is a great thing to have displayed in full glory in the middle of your coffee table, but absolutely available for a game to be played or for people to learn the rules. Other people also like checkers because it is an easy game and the pieces are easy to stack and put together. Another great game to have displayed is cribbage. Cribbage is not as popular as chess or checkers, but it is still a old and classic game that still finds relevance in small circles. If anything, Cribbage is the newest classic game to get popular. Furthermore, a cribbage board is very different from an ordinary chess and checkers board and can have intricate designs with the holes or have carved images on the covers. Having a cribbage board on your coffee table is going to be what sets you apart from other homes, but also give you that touch of class that can elevate your style.

Even if you did not grow up playing cribbage, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take a look and see if you can pick up the rules. Not all classic games are as convoluted and complicated as chess. For most games, they have very repetitive steps and are meant to be played while relaxing and taking it easy. Furthermore, classic games give people of all ages the ability the play. Older folks may have grown up playing games like cribbage, and younger people are finding that classic games are making a comeback, especially at dive bars and breweries. It is the best way to impress your friends!

For those that want to add a touch of classic and vintage style to their homes, adding a cribbage game is the best way to not look so generic and have something that is a littler different, but still familiar. When you have something fun, but classic on your coffee table, you can create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere even if your guests don’t know how to play.

Posted on

Create the Perfect Playing Experience with Metal Chess Pieces

When you love playing chess, you know that the style of chess board that you play on can make a big difference in your overall experience. Many of us start out on an inexpensive board, maybe even a folding board that we can take with us on trips and that packs down and is easy to store, as we learn to play. As your skills improve and as the years pass, though, it feels good to invest in a board and pieces that really make you feel good when you play. By carefully picking out a set that you love, you are going to improve your overall experience. Whether you choose a flat board or a straight up chess board, you can enjoy showing off your style to your friends and loved ones as you play. Many of us start by choosing a chess board that we love first and then picking out the pieces that we feel go best with that board, but you may find a set of chess pieces that you adore first. A quality board is going to go well with metal and wood chess pieces. Here, we’ll talk about sets of metal chess pieces that you can invest in to create a board you love to play with.

Whether you choose metal or any other material for your chess pieces, it is important to consider the pieces’ dimensions first and foremost before you make your purchase. Larger pieces are going to look more impressive on a board that spends a lot of time set out for play, like in a game room or family room with plenty of space. However, smaller pieces can often be easier to pack away if you need to put your board away. On a straight up chess board, you will also need to pay close attention to the height of your squares to make sure that your new pieces are going to fit.

But in addition to size, the material and style of your metal chess pieces also make a big impact on the overall attractiveness of the board. Enjoy shopping for classic chess pieces or make things interesting with a Camelot set, complete with King Arthur, actual castles for your rooks and knights on horseback. For a more modern aesthetic, stylized modern pieces are going to look fantastic. Take your time choosing between aluminum, stainless steel, brass and more, in shiny and in brushed finishes. Get online to shop for chess pieces that you love to play with!