user2307: It seems that most of the chessboards being offered for sale in the House of Staunton or Regency Chess - except for cheap vinyl tournament chess boards - do not have alphanumeric coordinates marked on the four sides.
Has this style fallen out of favor or are the markings considered to interfere with a minimalist look or even distract during play? I have possibly over 500 games under my belt but still being able to rely on markings is handy especially when taking notes or studying.

user2300: They are still selling boards with coordinates and still using them in official competitions.
With experience you will see that you will no longer need numbers and letters to help you throughout the game (just think battleship).

2307: <p>It seems that most of the chessboards being offered for sale in the <a href="http://www.houseofstaunton.com/chess-boards/wooden-chess-boards-1.html" rel="nofollow">House of Staunton</a> or <a href="http://www.regencychess.co.uk/chess-boards-c-2.html" rel="nofollow">Regency Chess</a> - except for cheap vinyl tournament chess boards - do not have alphanumeric coordinates marked on the four sides.</p>

<p>Has this style fallen out of favor or are the markings considered to interfere with a minimalist look or even distract during play? I have possibly over 500 games under my belt but still being able to rely on markings is handy especially when taking notes or studying.</p>
 2300: <p>They are still selling boards with coordinates and still using them in official competitions.</p>

<p>With experience you will see that you will no longer need numbers and letters to help you throughout the game (just think battleship).</p>
