Recently, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak posted something rather unexpected—but delightful—on his social media feed:
“Very pleased to see the government continuing the £1million investment in chess that we launched when I was Prime Minister.
Chess isn’t just a great game. It also builds the kind of skills young people need to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive world.”
You know something’s up when a centuries-old board game gets seven-figure backing from the government. In a digital world flooded with apps, influencers, and short attention spans, chess is quietly claiming its rightful place—not just on the board, but in classrooms, communities, and now the national budget. It seems the UK is making a move.
Why all this Love for Chess?
It turns out that Chess isn’t just fun — it’s formative. Research consistently links chess with improved memory, patience, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and even empathy (try playing against your own child and not feeling conflicted when they beat you). Educators have long praised chess for helping students of all backgrounds sharpen focus and develop long-term thinking—something in short supply these days.
Even better, chess is wonderfully democratic. No screens required. No expensive gear. Just 32 pieces and a board—and you’ve got the tools to train a young tactician or soothe a weary mind. Chess is enjoying a global renaissance. Online platforms like Chess.com and Lichess.org have millions of active users. Twitch streamers now teach openings live to thousands. Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit turned a fictional orphan into a worldwide inspiration—and caused a chess resurgence
MPs, Ministers, and Mate in Three
It’s not just school children getting involved. A number of MPs play chess, and some very well. And while there’s no confirmed footage of Rishi Sunak castling queenside, his enthusiasm is genuine. He once described chess as “deeply valuable” in helping young people think ahead and make confident decisions.
Your Move: What This Means for You
If you’re a parent, teacher, or even a grown-up looking to dust off the cobwebs in your brain—it’s the perfect time to get involved. The surge in interest means chess is more accessible and more respected than ever. And as always, the board matters.
Let’s Talk Sets
Whether you’re buying for a budding prodigy, a school initiative, or just want a beautiful set that looks good in the living room and better during a rematch—we’ve got you covered.
At ChessBaron, we’re passionate about giving chess the platform it deserves. From robust travel sets for on-the-go minds to luxurious marble and wooden boards that might just outlive you (and your opponents), our collection reflects the timeless charm and growing relevance of this brilliant game.
Because if the government’s investing in the next generation of thinkers…
…your coffee table probably should too.
20-June-2025
This just in… Isle of Lewis King Clock The most iconic chess set in the world is the famous Isle of Lewis. We’ve manufactured something a little different – the main historic KING chess piece not just marking history, but counting it. Well, kinda. Imagine this heritage chess piece – exactly the one displayed in the British Museum – sitting on your desk or mantle showing the time as well as looking rather splendid as a historic marker, right from the Scottish Island of Lewis into your home via laser scans from the British Museum.
The piece stands 4″ high and it’s base is 2″ at it’s widest.
17-June-2025
Just in – this model called The Tuscany – we can barely believe how stunning this set really is, and it’s not really done justice by the photo images. OK, here it is….
The difference is in the white side, besides the majesty of the whole design. The King is 4.5″ high, so it’s a large set and needs a large chess board – and once set up we just saw an awesome game of chess pieces waiting to be used. Maybe. Or just gawped at. It’s guaranteed to brings gasps of appreciation from all your visitors. Double Queens of course! Triple Weighted too.
17-Jun-2025
This amazing leather chess mat with strap caps and chess pieces rolls up, all leather (back and front) and is virtually indestructible (We’re sure someone will try to prove that wrong!). The colours are quite striking we feel. The current ones have our ChessBaron logo on, but the next batch won’t so that we can resell these to other chess retailers, because leather is a game-changer with chess products. OK here’s some images…
The difference is in the white side, besides the majesty of the whole design. The King is 4.5″ high, so it’s a large set and needs a large chess board – and once set up we just saw an awesome game of chess pieces waiting to be used. Maybe. Or just gawped at. It’s guaranteed to brings gasps of appreciation from all your visitors. Double Queens of course! Triple Weighted too.
