According to Thomas Henry Huxley, “The chess-board is the world, the pieces are the phenomena of the universe, the rules of the game are what we call the laws of Nature. The player on the other side is hidden from us.” Board games are indeed a great recreation for family and friends who want to have some entertainment while enjoying the comforts of their home. Of course, aside from playing X Box and Wii. But have you ever thought about the kind, type, and model of board games that affluent people play? Well, this is for you to see.
No.10: Jaques 4.4 inch 1850 Chess Set
This incredible chess set is a Limited Edition of only 250 sets. With a box crafted from jet-black ebony, chess pieces built from premium Boxwood, Jaques 1850 Chess Set’s visual impact is truly striking with sturdiness and grace. It comes in a fine English-made case lined with classy green English Woolen baize, fitted trays and a lock and key. It also bears the John and Christopher Jaques signature and a replica of Howard Staunton’s signature. The cost of this magnificent chess set is $5,549.
No.9: Made in Firenze Chess Table
One look at this chess set and you will utter two words: Elegant and sophisticated. That is what Made in Firenze chess table’s appeal portrays to chess players. It is constructed from the finest ornate Onyx table, stools and chess pieces. For a total elite game experience, players might even want to dress up in old English frocks, dresses or suits to match the aristocratic effect of this chess set. It costs $7, 197.
No.8: Outrage Deluxe
Anyone who purchases this board game will really be outraged! First created in 1992 by Imperial games, it requires players to move about the board, which portrays scenes from the Tower of London. It comes with question game cards, playing dice, and movable pieces. The goal of this game is to attempt and steal the British Crown Jewels. Regarded as the “most expensive board game in the world” since it is made out of REAL jewels, gems and gold! The cost of this “grand theft jewel” game is £7,995 ($12,465).
No.7: Antiquarian Traders Chess Set
Antiquarian Traders company have well established their name in the industry for crafting exceptional and queer antiques for over 30 years to date, specializing in quality pieces from the 19th and 20th century. One of their imperial works is this stunning chess set, with chess table and chess pieces hand sculpted from solid Bronze. And you thought bronze is only for manufacturing machine parts. Antiquarian Traders Chess Set costs $20,000.
No. 6: Baltic Amber Chess Set
Yet another regal chess set, this one is handcrafted from hefty amber gemstone and gold by a Latvian artist. Labeled as the “Christian and Moslems” chess game, the dark cognac colour amber represent the Moslems, while the yellow-white colour amber represent the Christians. Hold your horses, as this is not an actual battle between two established religions of the world! This pseudo-doctrine chess set costs a whopping $25,000.
No. 5: Go Sets
Go is a simple Japanese game with complex strategy, accounted with numerous ties into Japan’s culture and is also known as the country’s national sport. It is quite similar to the Western game of chess. This game is comprised of a line board, bowls, and stones with the colors black and white. A leading dealer of Go set, offers a Go board ONLY, for a whopping price of $19,000, with separate stones that range from $4,500 and up, plus bowls that have a price starting at $1,000. Wondering why it is this expensive? It’s because of the top-notch quality of its grain orientation.
No.4: Silver and Leather Chess Set Courtesy of Zontik Games
The craze for building exquisite and luxurious chess sets is not yet over. This one from Zontik Games, called “The Queen’s Silver Jubilee Chess Set” is delicately restored to its 1977 grandeur and claimed to fit the hands of royalty. With its very elite board housed in two-suede lines, leather book boxes and pieces crafted from solid sterling silver gilt and gold plated with a consistency of 5 microns, this chess set is indeed illustrious with its cost of $62,450.
No.3: The Charles Hollander Royal Diamond Chess Set
Whoever said that chess is a cheap and common game to play must be absolutely mistaken. Or have not seen these high-class chess sets. Charles Hollander Collection, one of the most respected and celebrated companies in the diamond industry has built this entirely handmade chess set by 30 artisans. This posh piece of work is made from 1168.75 grams 14 K white gold and 9900 black and white diamonds. And so the saying goes “A diamond is forever”, you will absolutely cherish and take real good care of this chess set for the rest of your life as it costs $500,000.
No.2: The Charles Hollander Backgammon Set
Yet another accomplishment from Charles Hollander collection is this grandiose backgammon set. Regarded as the most expensive backgammon there is, artist Bernard Maquin has crafted this game set bearing resemblance to the unorthodox traditions of the Middle East. More of a luxurious art work than a simple board game, the inspiration for the making of this design came from coalition of geometric patterns with eastern art and architectural designs. It is constituted of 61082 black, white, and yellow diamonds with a total carat weight of 2071.48. The total cost of this set is said to range from $1.5 million – $2 million.
No.1: The Jewel Royale Chess Set by Boodles
C marks the top spot. Yes, chess it is, once again. The most expensive chess set in the world to date from Boodles company, this delicate and majestic set is undoubtedly royal. Each piece is truly a work of art, as it is handcrafted from gold and platinum, overlaid with emeralds, pearls, diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Chess players who own this set will not only be careful about their game tactics, but also not to break even a single piece as it costs $9.8 million.