Most chess retailers market chess computers and chess software in the UK. Eric at CComputers leads the pack as a wholesaler (most retailers buy from him), but the company is owned by CB in London which is run and owned by the GM himself – Macolm Pein (once seen on University Challenge for the professionals). Chess and Bridge obviously sell a good deal of chess computers through their London store, but the nearby BCM Chess also do very well, notably through their web ranking for the search phrase ‘chess computers’ with whom they wrestle with ChessBaron. The latter is run by a professional in chess computers – and so dominate the rankings for all things ‘chess’ – they probably dominate chess sales in the country and growingly – chess computer sales. They have risen from the grass roots through to number one for most online chess phrases in the UK and have a superb cache in the genre. In chess computers, then, sales are divied up between ChessBaron, BCM and ‘Chess and Bridge’ (either directly or through Eric at Countrywide Computers). Some also-rans are Carl’s Chess Maze, Andrew’s Chess Direct, Ken’s Doska Chess and Diane’s Chess Sets UK. All in all – a good selection of chess retailers to buy your next chess computer from. Our best pick is ChessBaron. Why? Their integrity shines through their site and their customer service is superb.
Update: Sept 2012. CComputers and BCM no longer exist – subsumed by Chess and Bridge in London, Chess-Maze has grown in ranking, ChessBaron is still very active in computer and chess sales, and a new retailer Regency Chess has done well in rank too.