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Why is the rook short?

#1

Literally the title, the rook is supposed to be tall, but even a queen is taller than it.
Where is the logic there? I mean, the pawns are almost as tall as a rook, which again, it doesn't make sense.

Literally the title, the rook is supposed to be tall, but even a queen is taller than it. Where is the logic there? I mean, the pawns are almost as tall as a rook, which again, it doesn't make sense.
#2
<Comment deleted by user>
#3

@stixystix0212 said in #1:

even a queen is taller than it
Why "even a queen"? In a typical piece set, the queen is second tallest, very close to king.

@stixystix0212 said in #1: > even a queen is taller than it Why "even a queen"? In a typical piece set, the queen is second tallest, very close to king.
#4

A rook is not a tower, but a chariot.

A rook is not a tower, but a chariot.
#5

The rook is a metaphor, and representing something other than just a static castle. If it was really a castle it would not be able to move. So it's short to be easy to move. It's a metaphor for strength, solidity, and unyielding directional power. If it was a tall castle than their would not be an Alekhine's Gun. The original form was a chariot which is not tall. The rook is the chess king's fortress.

The rook is a metaphor, and representing something other than just a static castle. If it was really a castle it would not be able to move. So it's short to be easy to move. It's a metaphor for strength, solidity, and unyielding directional power. If it was a tall castle than their would not be an Alekhine's Gun. The original form was a chariot which is not tall. The rook is the chess king's fortress.
#6

I think it's an aesthetic decision in the Staunton pattern piece set. The central pieces (King and Queen) are the tallest and then the height of the pieces decreases towards the edges of the board.

I think it's an aesthetic decision in the Staunton pattern piece set. The central pieces (King and Queen) are the tallest and then the height of the pieces decreases towards the edges of the board.
#7

And they shouldn't be allowed to move at all, I guess?

And they shouldn't be allowed to move at all, I guess?
#8

Have you ever considered the proportions of a rook in relation to a chessboard square? While it's commonly assumed that the height of a rook should correspond to the size of a square, the official rule for piece-to-board proportion actually references the king's base, not the rook's. However, many casual players use the rook's height as a practical guide for determining if a set is appropriately sized for their board.

When pieces are easily knocked over, it can disrupt the game. The more a piece needs to be moved, the more stable you'd want it to be. The king and queen are particularly important in this regard; they should stand out and have a good base to prevent toppling.

Ultimately, chess set design is a matter of aesthetics and functionality. With modern chess pieces often designed using computers, some players are re-evaluating traditional standards. It's reasonable to consider how logic and practicality might influence design standards, rather than simply adhering to conventions set by organisations. It's worth asking why certain standards became established and why they haven't evolved significantly over time.

Have you ever considered the proportions of a rook in relation to a chessboard square? While it's commonly assumed that the height of a rook should correspond to the size of a square, the official rule for piece-to-board proportion actually references the king's base, not the rook's. However, many casual players use the rook's height as a practical guide for determining if a set is appropriately sized for their board. When pieces are easily knocked over, it can disrupt the game. The more a piece needs to be moved, the more stable you'd want it to be. The king and queen are particularly important in this regard; they should stand out and have a good base to prevent toppling. Ultimately, chess set design is a matter of aesthetics and functionality. With modern chess pieces often designed using computers, some players are re-evaluating traditional standards. It's reasonable to consider how logic and practicality might influence design standards, rather than simply adhering to conventions set by organisations. It's worth asking why certain standards became established and why they haven't evolved significantly over time.
#10

You wonder about the Rook?

Have you ever looked at the piece next to it? Does it look like a Knight to you?

You wonder about the Rook? Have you ever looked at the piece next to it? Does it look like a Knight to you?

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