Alice in Wonderland chess set

Hobbyists and board game collectors might be interested to know about the quirky character-based game piece design that some companies have taken on as specialty projects.

Walt Disney and Lewis Carroll fans would probably also like to know about the custom-made Alice in Wonderland chess set that is available from several of these companies. Ranging in price and quality, there are many sets to choose from, and a variety of designers and artists who craft them. If you or someone you know loves to play chess or loves to collect handmade character models or dolls, this may be the perfect gift. Board game enthusiasts often revert to chess as one of the oldest and most highly-regarded games in history. The strategy and mechanics of the game have never been matched by another original idea, but what is probably most interesting about chess is its simplicity. With only a small set of rules that define the movement of the characters, chess can be surprisingly complex when played by a true master.

However, you do not need to be a master to enjoy the game. Perhaps it is this versatility that has prolonged the notoriety of the game of chess for so many centuries. Now with digital versions making the game easier and easier to play in every corner of the world, physical sets are quickly becoming somewhat unnecessary so it only seems part of a natural progression to find collectible chess sets populating store shelves, game rooms, and showcases all over the globe.

Featuring concepts from both Alice in Wonderland as well as Alice Through the Looking Glass, the character designs are based on characters from both books. Alice, of course, plays the Queen, in reference her becoming the queen in the second book. The King, as you may imagine, plays himself on the chess board. Hatta, the royal messenger, is the bishop and the White Knight stands for the knight piece, obviously.

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum make a surprise appearance as the rooks. The rabbit, known as Haigha in the text, represents all of the pawns. As with most other collectible sets, you can purchase the pieces separately or with a customized board, often featuring a hidden drawer for storing the pieces. Sometimes they are made of wood and hand-painted, while other times are dye cast and much more substantial in weight. Regardless of how they are made, you can be sure that any Alice in Wonderland chess set will be well worth the investment in enjoyment for years to come.