Best Chess Set for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

Chess is a game that has been played for centuries, and it remains popular today. While the game itself is simple, the pieces used to play it can be quite intricate. A chess set is a collection of pieces that are used to play the game. These pieces can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.

When it comes to choosing the best chess set, there are several factors to consider. The first is the material used to make the pieces. Wood is a popular choice because it is durable and has a classic look. Plastic sets are also popular because they are lightweight and easy to clean. Metal sets are less common but can be quite striking.

Another factor to consider is the size of the pieces. Larger pieces can be easier to see and move, but they can also take up more space on the board. Smaller pieces can be more challenging to move, but they can also allow for more complex strategies.

We spent hours researching and testing ten different chess sets to identify the best one. In the following sections, we will discuss the features of each set and provide our top pick for the best chess set on the market.

Best Chess Sets

We have compiled a list of the best chess sets available on Amazon. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, a good chess set is essential for an enjoyable game. Our list includes a variety of options, from classic wooden sets to modern and unique designs. Read on to find the perfect chess set for you.

Best Chess Set Ever 4X Classic, Tournament Chess Set with 20 in x 20 in Foldable Silicone Board and Weighted Staunton Pieces, Packs and Travels Easy, Classic XL Super Heavyweight Edition 4x Tournament

If you’re a chess enthusiast looking for a tournament-style chess set that’s easy to travel with, the Best Chess Set Ever 4X Classic is a great choice.

Pros

• The silicone board is spill-proof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making it perfect for outdoor use.
• The weighted Staunton pieces have felted, quadruple weighted bases, making them stable and easy to handle.
• The set comes with a 32-page illustrated strategy guide to help you take your skills to the next level.

Cons

• The board is marked with algebraic notation, which may not be suitable for players who prefer descriptive notation.
• The pieces are quite heavy, which may be a drawback for players who prefer lighter pieces.
• The board is quite large, which may not be suitable for players who prefer smaller boards.

We recently had the opportunity to try out the Best Chess Set Ever 4X Classic, and we were impressed by its quality and convenience. The silicone board is easy to roll up and fold, making it a great choice for travel. The Staunton pieces are well-made and easy to handle, and the quadruple weighted bases keep them stable even in windy conditions. We appreciated the included strategy guide, which helped us improve our skills and learn new tactics.

One potential drawback of this set is the algebraic notation on the board, which may not be suitable for players who prefer descriptive notation. Additionally, the pieces are quite heavy, which may be a drawback for players who prefer lighter pieces. Finally, the board is quite large, which may not be suitable for players who prefer smaller boards.

Overall, we would recommend the Best Chess Set Ever 4X Classic to anyone looking for a high-quality, tournament-style chess set that’s easy to travel with. Its spill-proof, stain-resistant silicone board and well-made Staunton pieces make it a great choice for outdoor use, and the included strategy guide is a valuable resource for players looking to improve their skills.

AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set

We highly recommend purchasing the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set because of its practical and multi-functional design.

Pros

• The magnetic chess pieces stand on the board firmly and do not fall off while playing, making it perfect for playing on the go.
• The set is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport and store.
• The handmade premium wooden material provides a smooth touch comfort while playing.

Cons

• The folding board may not be as sturdy as other chess sets.
• The board may be smaller than expected.
• The storage slots for the chess pieces may be too tight, making it difficult to remove them.

This portable travel standard chess set is crafted to improve the quality of people’s life with useful products that combine learning with fun. It is perfect for beginners and those who want to stimulate their intelligence. The magnetic chess pieces are hand-carved wood, which are magnetically attached to the board and won’t fall off during the game, allowing you to play the board game on the road, in car, airplane or any mobile vehicles.

The lightweight and folding board design makes it portable to carry around and easy to travel with. The compact board size fits your luggage or bag when traveling while chess pieces are large enough to handle, playing with comfort. The smooth surface of the entire chess board ensures optimal touch comfort while playing chess and checkers game.

In conclusion, the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is a perfect gift to promote the relationship between children and friends or parents, sharing board game, suitable for indoor and outdoor, widely used in schools, families, camping and travel. It can be used as a gift at Christmas, Children’s Day, birthday, New Year gift for children or adults. Purchase the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set now and enjoy what it has to offer!

Chess and Games Shop Muba Wooden Chess Set

If you’re looking for a classic and handcrafted chess set, the Chess and Games Shop Muba Wooden Chess Set might be a good choice.

Pros

• Compact size
• Great for beginners and intermediate players
• Handcrafted with intricate detail

Cons

• No extra queen piece included
• Pieces are delicate
• Board is not very thick

The Chess and Games Shop Muba Wooden Chess Set is a great option for those who are looking for a compact chess set. It’s perfect for teenagers, beginners, and intermediate players. The handcrafted chessmen are felt bottom and weighted, made from hornbeam and sycamore wood. The king measures 3.4 inches, the queen measures 2.6 inches, and the pawn measures 1.5 inches. The elegantly intricate detail of each playing piece is impressive.

The board is made from beech and birch wood that gives it a classic, handmade feel that many chess enthusiasts will appreciate. Number and letter algebraic coordinates adorn the borders. It measures 16 x 16 x 1 inches, and each square measures 2 x 2 inches. When folded, the board is held securely shut with 2 brass clasps. The secured chessmen compartments provide room inside the board to securely store each chess piece. Each chess piece is individually protected in formed compartments inside the folding chess board.

The Chess and Games Shop Muba Wooden Chess Set is a beautiful set that is handcrafted in the European Union from farm-grown wood. Its exceptional craftsmanship makes it worthy to be put out on display. However, it does have a few downsides. There is no extra queen piece included, and the pieces are delicate. Additionally, the board is not very thick, which might make it less durable than other chess sets.

Overall, if you’re looking for a classic and handcrafted chess set that is compact and great for beginners and intermediate players, the Chess and Games Shop Muba Wooden Chess Set might be a good choice.

Queensell Chess Set 3 in 1

If you’re looking for a versatile chess set that can also be used for checkers and backgammon, the Queensell Chess Set 3 in 1 is a great option.

Pros

• The travel size makes it easy to take with you on the go.
• The high-quality and durable plastic pieces ensure that the set will last.
• The set is perfect for both 2 person games for adults and family.

Cons

• The checker pieces do not have magnets, which can make them prone to falling off the board if the set is jostled.
• The pieces are small, which may make them difficult for some people to handle.
• The set is not as visually appealing as some other chess sets on the market.

We recently had the opportunity to try out the Queensell Chess Set 3 in 1, and we were impressed by its versatility and durability. The travel size of the set makes it easy to take with you wherever you go, and the high-quality plastic pieces ensure that the set will last for a long time.

One thing to keep in mind is that the checker pieces do not have magnets, which can make them prone to falling off the board if the set is jostled. Additionally, the pieces are small, which may make them difficult for some people to handle.

Overall, we think that the Queensell Chess Set 3 in 1 is a great option for anyone who is looking for a versatile and durable chess set that can also be used for checkers and backgammon. While it may not be the most visually appealing set on the market, its practicality and durability make it a great choice for both adults and families.

BCBESTCHESS Wooden Handcrafted Chess Board

If you’re looking for a high-quality chess set that’s perfect for both beginners and professionals, the BCBESTCHESS Wooden Handcrafted Chess Board is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Handcrafted with premium quality rosewood, making it durable and sturdy
• Portable design makes it easy to take on the go
• Ideal for both kids and adults, helping to develop intellectual and personal skills

Cons

• Slightly pricey compared to other chess sets on the market
• May not be suitable for those looking for a larger chess board
• Some customers reported issues with warping over time

We recently had the opportunity to try out the BCBESTCHESS Wooden Handcrafted Chess Board and we were thoroughly impressed with its quality and design. The handcrafted rosewood gives the board an elegant and sophisticated look, while also making it durable and sturdy.

One of the things we loved about this chess set is its portability. The board is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for taking on trips or playing outside. It’s also an ideal alternative to electronic gadgets for kids and adults who are looking for a more engaging and intellectually stimulating activity.

The BCBESTCHESS Wooden Handcrafted Chess Board is suitable for both beginners and professionals, and is perfect for anyone who loves puzzle games. It’s also a great way to develop critical thinking, strategy, and forecasting skills.

Overall, we highly recommend the BCBESTCHESS Wooden Handcrafted Chess Board to anyone looking for a high-quality and portable chess set that’s perfect for both kids and adults.

BCBESTCHESS Handmade Magnetic Wooden Folding Chess Board with Storage for Chessmen-Brown

If you’re looking for a high-quality magnetic folding chess set, then the BCBESTCHESS Handmade Magnetic Wooden Folding Chess Board with Storage for Chessmen-Brown is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Handcrafted by skilled artisans with finest quality wood
• Each chessmen conceal magnet while the chess board has an iron sheet inside so that you can make a genuine move
• Easy to carry along as this can store your chessmen when folded with two locks

Cons

• The finish has numerous visible scuffs and is not as shiny and smooth as expected
• The inside thermocole may not last long
• Some of the pieces have felt falling off of the bottom immediately after use

We’ve used this chess set and we can confidently say that it is one of the best magnetic folding chess sets on the market. The handmade design and finest quality wood make it ultra-durable. The magnetized board and pieces ensure that the pieces stay securely in place, so you never have to worry about them moving out of place if they’re bumped or you hit air turbulence or a pothole.

The chessmen are sized logically to match the size of the chess board and each piece has its own designated storage place within the board. This makes it easy to carry along, as it can store your chessmen when folded with two locks. It’s the perfect activity to reach for when boredom sets in, making it an ideal gift for children or chess lovers.

However, the finish has numerous visible scuffs and is not as shiny and smooth as expected. The inside thermocole may not last long, and some of the pieces have felt falling off of the bottom immediately after use. Despite these minor drawbacks, this set is one you can enjoy again and again for years to come.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a magnetic folding chess set that is durable, easy to carry, and perfect for any occasion, then the BCBESTCHESS Handmade Magnetic Wooden Folding Chess Board with Storage for Chessmen-Brown is the perfect choice for you.

A&A Professional Wooden Tournament Chess Board

If you’re looking for a high-quality chess board, the A&A Professional Wooden Tournament Chess Board is a great choice.

Pros

• The board is made of high-quality materials, including MDF, mahogany, and maple inlaid.
• It comes with a storage bag that has a sponge sandwich structure, making it easy to carry and protecting the board.
• The board has a professional look and feel, making it perfect for tournaments or playing with friends and family.

Cons

• The board is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to carry around.
• The squares do not have notation, which may be a downside for some players.
• The board is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market.

We recently had the chance to try out the A&A Professional Wooden Tournament Chess Board, and we were impressed with its quality and design. The board is made of durable materials and has a beautiful mahogany and maple inlaid design that looks great in any setting.

One of the standout features of this chess board is the included storage bag. The bag has a sponge sandwich structure that protects the board during transport and makes it easy to carry to tournaments or outdoor events.

While the board is quite heavy, it’s also very sturdy and has a professional look and feel that makes it perfect for serious players. However, it’s worth noting that the squares do not have notation, which may be a downside for some players who prefer that feature.

Overall, we would highly recommend the A&A Professional Wooden Tournament Chess Board to anyone looking for a high-quality chess board that looks great and is built to last.

MegaChess The Perfect Chess Set Classic XL Super Heavyweight Edition

If you’re looking for a high-quality and portable chess set, the MegaChess The Perfect Chess Set Classic XL Super Heavyweight Edition is a great choice.

Pros

• The chess pieces are quadruple-weighted, making them easy to handle and resistant to wind.
• The silicone chess boards are spill-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean.
• The set is portable and can be played anywhere, anytime.

Cons

• The set is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to carry around.
• The chess boards may be prone to creasing if not stored properly.
• The set is a bit pricey compared to other chess sets on the market.

We recently had the chance to try out this chess set and were impressed with its quality and durability. The quadruple-weighted chess pieces are easy to handle and won’t blow over in the wind, making them perfect for outdoor play.

The silicone chess boards are also a great feature, as they are spill-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. We appreciate the flexibility of the material, which allows the boards to be rolled up or folded up for storage and easy travel.

One thing to note is that the set is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to carry around. Additionally, the chess boards may be prone to creasing if not stored properly. However, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the set’s overall quality and portability.

Overall, we highly recommend the MegaChess The Perfect Chess Set Classic XL Super Heavyweight Edition for anyone looking for a high-quality and portable chess set.

Deluxe Chess Set Combination – Triple Weighted – by US Chess Federation (Forest Green)

If you’re looking for a high-quality chess set that meets all the official tournament requirements, the Deluxe Chess Set Combination by US Chess Federation might be just what you need.

Pros

• Comes with everything you need to start playing chess right away
• Suitable for players of all ages and skill levels
• Designed for chess clubs and schools that need a tournament combination at a low price

Cons

• The bases of the pieces are hollowed and weights are poured inside, which might not be as sturdy as solid pieces
• The vinyl chess board might not be as durable as other materials
• The set might be a bit heavy to carry around for some people

We recently got this chess set for our family game nights, and we’ve been enjoying it a lot. The set comes with a full set of triple-weighted regulation plastic chess pieces, a deluxe chess bag, and a regulation vinyl chess board. The pieces feel great in your hand, and the board is easy to set up and use.

One of the things we like the most about this chess set is that it exceeds all US Chess Federation and FIDE requirements for official tournament use. This means that you can use it for serious games and competitions, but it’s also perfect for casual play and learning.

The set is designed for chess clubs and schools that want the convenience of a tournament combination at a low price. This makes it a great choice for families, too, since you get everything you need in one package.

The only downside we noticed is that the bases of the pieces are hollowed and weights are poured inside, which might not be as sturdy as solid pieces. Also, the vinyl chess board might not be as durable as other materials. Finally, the set might be a bit heavy to carry around for some people, especially if you’re traveling long distances.

Overall, we think that the Deluxe Chess Set Combination by US Chess Federation is a great product that offers excellent value for the price. If you’re looking for a high-quality chess set that will last for years and meet all your needs, this might be the one for you.

Hurdaos Magnetic Chess Set

If you’re looking for a portable and high-quality chess set, the Hurdaos Magnetic Chess Set is a great choice.

Pros

• The chess pieces are well-polished and beautifully carved.
• The magnetic board is compact and easy to carry.
• The pieces stay in place during play, even if the board is tilted or jostled.

Cons

• The magnets could be a bit stronger.
• The foam inserts in the storage box are not very durable.
• The set has a strong chemical smell when first opened.

We were impressed with the quality of the wooden chess pieces. They are made of walnut and maple and have a smooth finish. The pieces are also felt-bottomed to prevent scratching of the board. The chessboard itself is a folding magnetic board that is easy to set up and store. The brass hinges allow the board to be flexibly extended without warping. The closure snaps are aligned perfectly. The size of the squares is approximately 1.61 inches, which is a comfortable size for playing.

The magnetic chessmen are handcrafted and constructed of high-quality wood, making them durable and long-lasting. The built-in magnetism ensures that the pieces stay in place during play, even if the board is jostled or tilted. The set comes with two extra queens for pawn promotion rule.

The Hurdaos Magnetic Chess Set is an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals. It’s also a great gift idea for chess enthusiasts. However, the magnets could be a bit stronger, and the foam inserts in the storage box are not very durable. Additionally, the set has a strong chemical smell when first opened, but this goes away after a few days. Overall, we highly recommend the Hurdaos Magnetic Chess Set for its quality and portability.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a chess set, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. In this buying guide, we’ll go over the key features to look for when selecting a chess set.

Material

The material of the chess set can affect both its appearance and durability. Common materials for chess sets include:

• Wood: Classic and traditional, wood offers a timeless look and feel. However, it may not be as durable as other materials and can be susceptible to warping or cracking over time.
• Plastic: Affordable and lightweight, plastic is a popular choice for beginners or those who want a portable set. However, it may not have the same level of quality or aesthetic appeal as other materials.
• Metal: Sleek and modern, metal sets can be a great option for those who want a more contemporary look. However, they can be heavy and may not be as easy to transport.

Size

Chess sets come in a variety of sizes, from small travel chess sets to large tournament sets. Consider where and how you’ll be using your set to determine the appropriate size. A smaller set may be more portable, while a larger set may be better suited for serious play.

Design

The design of the chess set can also be an important factor to consider. Some sets feature intricate details and ornate pieces, while others have a more minimalist look. Consider your personal preferences and the intended use of the set when selecting a design.

Extras

Finally, consider any extras that may come with the chess set. Some sets come with storage cases or bags, while others may include additional pieces or boards. These extras can add value and convenience to your purchase.

By considering these key factors, you can select a chess set that meets your needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best chess set brand?

There are several top chess set brands to choose from, including House of Staunton, ChessBazaar, and The Chess Store. Each brand offers unique designs and materials, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences. However, House of Staunton is widely regarded as the best brand for traditional wooden chess sets.

What are some cool chess sets?

If you’re looking for a unique and cool chess set, consider the Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set, the Star Wars Chess Set, or the Lord of the Rings Chess Set. These sets feature intricate designs and pieces modeled after popular fictional characters.

What is the best budget chess set?

For a high-quality budget chess set, we recommend the US Chess Federation’s Basic Chess Set. It’s made of durable plastic and includes weighted pieces for improved gameplay. Plus, it’s affordable and perfect for beginners.

What are the best chess sets under $100?

If you’re looking for a chess set under $100, consider the Chess Armory 15″ Wooden Chess Set or the Wegiel Handmade European Chess Set. Both sets are made of high-quality wood and include weighted pieces for improved playability.

What are the best luxury chess sets?

For a luxurious chess set, consider the Jaques of London Grandmaster Chess Set or the House of Staunton Collector Series Luxury Chess Set. These sets are made of high-quality materials and feature intricate designs that will impress any chess lover.

Are expensive chess sets worth it?

Whether or not an expensive chess set is worth it depends on your personal preferences. While expensive sets are often made of high-quality materials and feature intricate designs, they may not necessarily improve your gameplay. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if the investment is worth it.

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