If you head into most town centers looking for buy a chess clock you will hopefully have some good walking boots and plentiful provisions. Essentially they have become specialist items and the only place to buy them now is chess specialists, which usually limits your shopping experience to the Internet. There are some key brands in the chess clock market, mostly European companies who have an interest in chess strategy and advanced tournament play.

DGT have emerged as the leaders in the digital chess clock arena whereas the German company Garde still represent some of the best analogue clocks (as well as digital) available. Of course there are plenty of generic clocks on the market, many will be hastily branded accordingly for the retailer selling them. Then there are the many Chinese cheap  chess clocks that are great for bulk school purchases, just don’t expect them to last as long as their European counterparts.

A good quality chess clock shouldn’t be expensive, expect to be able to buy something good for well under £80, remember that these things are not produced in mass quantities like cheap sunglasses and razor blades, so don’t expect anything too cheap!

A new movement is taking the chess world by storm in the USA. The Hip Hop Chess Federation is using chess to promote unity, strategy and non violence among young people in America. The Federation combines chess with music and martial arts to encourage young people to develop skills and attributes that will help them to avoid crime.

The process of playing chess develops peoples sense of strategy, decision making and realizing the consequences of their actions. It develops patience and skill and is a universal game that can be played accross cultures, language barriers and different social groups. Irrespective of ones race, gender or background, playing chess can unite people and develop an understanding of other peoples needs.

The Hip Hop Chess Federation was Founded by award wining lecturer and author Adisa Banjoko and Leo “Blast” Libiran.

“Despite the school system’s best efforts and intentions, and the efforts of overworked parents, the past generations have suffered from lack of suitable education and essential resources required for a successful life,” states co-founder Adisa Banjoko

It is hoped that the young people of America will benefit socially from the good work done by the federation. By creating a culture where a chess set takes the place of drugs or weapons on the streets of America a more prosperous future will lie ahead. The federation has received huge support from various well known artists. By aligning itself with iconic institutions of youth culture it makes itself accessible to young people who may have previously associated chess with the privileged & wealthy.