Best Chess Sets Under $100 for Beginners and Casual Players

While chess sets can be made from various materials such as wood, plastic, or metal, finding a high-quality set that is also affordable can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various chess sets under $100 to identify the best options for you.

When looking for a chess set under $100, the critical thing to pay attention to is the quality of the pieces and the board. You want to find a set that is durable, well-made, and easy to use. Additionally, the size of the board and pieces is also important, as you want to find a set that is comfortable to play with.

After researching and testing various chess sets under $100, we have identified the top picks that offer excellent value for the price. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these sets are sure to enhance your chess-playing experience. If you are looking for chess set you can play on the go, check out our list of best travel chess set.

Best Chess Sets Under $100

We’ve scoured Amazon to bring you the best chess sets under $100. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, a good chess set is essential for an enjoyable game. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best chess sets that won’t break the bank. From classic wooden sets to modern designs, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best chess sets under $100.

Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever

We highly recommend the Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever for chess enthusiasts on a budget who want a durable and stylish set that can be used indoors or outdoors.

Pros

• The modern style chess pieces are large and easy to handle, with a weighted, felted base that makes them perfect for indoor or outdoor play.
• The set includes 34 pieces, with 2 extra queens for pawn replacement, making it a complete set suitable for beginners and advanced players.
• The king is 4″ tall, which is the perfect size for comfortable play.

Cons

• The pieces are made of plastic, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other materials.
• The set does not come with a board, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
• The pieces may not be as heavily weighted as some players prefer.

We were impressed with the Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever’s modern and stylish design, which makes it stand out from other budget chess sets. The large and easy-to-handle pieces are perfect for players of all skill levels, and the set includes 2 extra queens for pawn replacement, which is a nice touch. We also appreciated the set’s portability, as it can be used both indoors and outdoors.

One downside of the set is that the pieces are made of plastic, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other materials. Additionally, some players may prefer heavier pieces, as the Chess Geeks set may not be as heavily weighted as other sets on the market. Finally, the set does not come with a board, which may be an inconvenience for some players.

Overall, we believe that the Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever is a great choice for chess enthusiasts on a budget who want a durable and stylish set that can be used indoors or outdoors.

Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever

If you’re looking for a high-quality chess set that’s easy to transport and perfect for outdoor use, the Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever is a great option.

Pros

• The silicone board is spill-proof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for outdoor use.
• The pieces are single weighted and feature felted bases, so they’re easy to handle and won’t blow over in the wind.
• The set comes with a 32-page illustrated strategy guide to help you improve your game.

Cons

• The silicone board may not lay completely flat, which can be frustrating during gameplay.
• The pieces are not triple weighted, which may be a drawback for more serious players.
• The board is marked with algebraic notation, which may be confusing for beginners.

We recently had the chance to try out this chess set, and we were impressed with its overall quality. The silicone board is a great feature, as it’s durable and easy to clean. We also appreciated the single weighted pieces, which made it easy to move the pieces around the board without worrying about them tipping over.

One potential downside of the set is that the silicone board may not lay completely flat, which can be frustrating during gameplay. However, we found that this wasn’t a major issue for us, and it didn’t affect our overall enjoyment of the set.

Another potential drawback is that the pieces are not triple weighted, which may be a drawback for more serious players. However, we found that the single weighted pieces were still easy to handle and provided a good balance between weight and maneuverability.

Overall, we think the Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality chess set that’s easy to transport and perfect for outdoor use. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this set is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

STERLING Games 16″ Solid Wooden Chess Set Travel Folding Board with Brass Locks and Felted Interior Storage with Piece Holders

If you are looking for a portable and durable chess set, the STERLING Games 16″ Solid Wooden Chess Set Travel Folding Board with Brass Locks and Felted Interior Storage with Piece Holders is a great option.

Pros

• The board is made of premium quality solid wood with a veneer finish and a felt-lined interior.
• The chess pieces are stored with elastic holders to prevent them from moving and scratching during transportation.
• The wooden chess board is very portable and comes with a wooden handle.

Cons

• The elastic holders used to store the pieces may not be the best option for traveling.
• The clips extend beyond the edge of the board when set up.
• The board may not be suitable for advanced players.

We recently purchased this chess set and we were impressed by its quality. The board is made of solid wood with a veneer finish and the interior is lined with felt to protect the pieces during storage. The chess pieces are stored with elastic holders to prevent them from moving and scratching during transportation, which is a great feature for a travel set. The wooden chess board is very portable and comes with a wooden handle, making it easy to carry around.

However, the elastic holders used to store the pieces may not be the best option for traveling as they may not hold the pieces securely in place. Additionally, the clips that hold the board closed extend beyond the edge of the board when set up, which may be a bit distracting. Lastly, the board may not be suitable for advanced players due to the small size of the squares.

Overall, the STERLING Games 16″ Solid Wooden Chess Set Travel Folding Board with Brass Locks and Felted Interior Storage with Piece Holders is a great option for beginners and intermediate players who are looking for a portable and durable chess set.

LuckyWish Travel Chess Set

We highly recommend the LuckyWish Travel Chess Set for anyone looking to purchase a magnetic chess set under $100.

Pros

• The chess pieces are made of durable HIPS plastic material and have a comfortable hand-feel.
• The magnetic bottom of the chess pieces is moderate, making them easy to move and adsorbed well on the chessboard. The flannelette on the bottom of the pieces could prevent the chessboard from scratching during games.
• The chess set is portable and easy to carry, with an interior storage compartment for the pieces.

Cons

• The chessboard is small, with dimensions of 12.5″ x 0.8″ x 12.5″ when playing and 12.5″ x 1.5″ x 6.25″ when folded.
• The set is not ideal for advanced chess players who prefer larger chessboards and pieces.
• The folding mechanism of the chessboard could be more secure.

We were impressed with the quality of the LuckyWish Travel Chess Set. The pieces are well-made and have a good weight to them, making them easy to move around the board. The magnetic bottom of the pieces is just right, not too strong or too weak, and the flannelette on the bottom prevents any scratching on the board. The interior storage compartment is a nice touch, making it easy to keep track of all the pieces.

The only downside to this set is the size of the board. It’s a bit small for advanced players who prefer larger boards and pieces. Additionally, the folding mechanism of the board could be more secure, but we didn’t experience any issues during our testing.

Overall, we think the LuckyWish Travel Chess Set is a great option for beginners or casual players who want a portable and affordable magnetic chess set.

AMEROUS Magnetic Chess Board Set

If you’re looking for a magnetic chess board set that’s compact, portable, and easy to store, the AMEROUS Magnetic Chess Board Set is a great choice. With its strong magnetism, solid wood construction, and scratch-free surface, this chess board set is perfect for beginners, chess enthusiasts, advanced players, and professionals.

Pros

• The magnetic design ensures no lost pieces while playing in windy weather, making it ideal for travelling and outside use.
• The tournament wooden chess board is compact, foldable and easy to store, super convenient to carry around, and perfect for a variety of occasions including school, journey, home, company, airplane, or picnic.
• The travel chess set comes with 2 extra queens included in the chess board as free accessories at your disposal.

Cons

• The magnetism is a little off, so all the chess pieces don’t stick exactly onto the squares, but it’s close enough.
• The quality of build was disappointing. For example when the delta were glued onto the pieces, no one cared enough to keep them in the middle so they stick out on the sides.
• The chess pieces are exquisitely handcrafted and smoothly processed by skilled artisans to lower the sound while moving, but they are not weighted.

We recently purchased the AMEROUS Magnetic Chess Board Set and were impressed with its practical and multi-functional design. The magnetic chess pieces were easy to move around the board and didn’t make any noise. The board itself was well-constructed and had a scratch-free surface.

One thing to note is that the magnetism is not perfect, so the chess pieces don’t always stick exactly onto the squares. However, it’s close enough that it didn’t affect our gameplay. Additionally, while the chess pieces are exquisitely handcrafted and smoothly processed, they are not weighted.

Overall, we would recommend the AMEROUS Magnetic Chess Board Set for anyone looking for a portable and convenient chess board set that’s perfect for travelling or outside use.

AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set

If you’re looking for a chess set that’s both portable and high quality, the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is a great option.

Pros

• The magnetic chess pieces are securely attached to the board, so you can play on the go without worrying about losing pieces.
• The folding board design makes it easy to carry the set with you wherever you go.
• The handmade wooden material provides a smooth surface for comfortable gameplay.

Cons

• The set doesn’t come with a storage bag, so you’ll need to find a way to keep the pieces together when you’re not using them.
• Some users have reported that the magnets could be stronger, so the pieces occasionally fall off during play.
• The board is only 15 inches, so it may not be ideal for players who prefer a larger playing surface.

We were impressed with the quality of this chess set. The handmade wooden material feels great to the touch, and the magnetic pieces make it easy to play on the go. We appreciated the extra queens included in the set, which is a nice touch for players who like to promote their pawns.

The folding board design makes it easy to transport the set, but we do wish it came with a storage bag to keep the pieces together when you’re not using them. We also noticed that the magnets could be stronger, as some pieces occasionally fell off during play.

Overall, the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is a great choice for players who want a portable, high-quality chess set that’s perfect for travel.

Chess Geeks Tournament Chess Set

We highly recommend the Chess Geeks Tournament Chess Set for those looking for a high-quality chess set under $100.

Pros

• The silicone board is spill-proof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making it perfect for outdoor use and travel.
• The quadruple weighted Staunton pieces are large and easy to handle, with 4″ kings and 2.2″ pawns, and won’t blow over in the wind.
• The set comes with a 32-page illustrated strategy guide to help players of all levels improve their skills.

Cons

• The board feels awkward due to the silicone material, but it is durable and functional.
• The pieces are heavy, which may not be suitable for those who prefer lighter pieces.
• The board is marked with algebraic notation, which may not be ideal for those who prefer descriptive notation.

We were impressed with the quality and functionality of this chess set. The board is easy to roll up and fold, making it perfect for travel and outdoor use. The included velvet drawstring bags keep the pieces organized, and the sleek, compact box fits in a backpack. The quadruple weighted Staunton pieces are large and easy to handle, and the extra queens are a nice touch. The 32-page illustrated strategy guide is a helpful resource for players of all levels. Overall, the Chess Geeks Tournament Chess Set is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality chess set under $100.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a chess set, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some features to look for when shopping for a chess set under $100:

Material

The material of the chess set will affect its durability, weight, and overall appearance. Common materials include wood, plastic, and metal. Wooden sets are often the most visually appealing, but they can be more expensive and require more maintenance. Plastic sets are lightweight and durable, making them a good choice for travel or outdoor use. Metal sets are sturdy and long-lasting, but they can be heavy and more expensive.

Size

Consider where you will be using the chess set and how much space you have available. A larger set may be more impressive, but if you have limited space, a smaller set may be more practical. Additionally, if you plan on traveling with your chess set, a smaller size may be more convenient.

Design

The design of the chess set can vary greatly, from traditional to modern. Consider your personal style and the intended use of the set when choosing a design. Some sets may come with unique features, such as weighted pieces or a folding board, which can enhance the playing experience.

Price

While a higher price does not always guarantee higher quality, it is important to set a budget and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Look for sets that offer a balance between quality and affordability.

By considering these factors, you can find a chess set that meets your needs and provides an enjoyable playing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good chess sets under $100 for adults?

There are many good chess sets available under $100 that are suitable for adults. Some of the popular options include the Chess Armory 15″ Wooden Chess Set, the Wegiel Handmade European Professional Tournament Chess Set, and the Amerous 15″ x 15″ Magnetic Wooden Chess Set. These sets are made of high-quality materials and come with standard-sized pieces.

What is the best budget chess set available?

If you are looking for a budget chess set, the Best Value Tournament Chess Set is a great option. It is made of durable plastic and comes with a vinyl board and standard-sized pieces. The set is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for travel or casual play.

Where can I find the best chess sets under $100 on Amazon?

Amazon is a great place to find a wide variety of chess sets under $100. You can find popular brands like Chess Armory, Wegiel, and Amerous, as well as lesser-known brands that offer great value for money. To find the best chess sets, simply search for “chess sets under $100” on Amazon and browse the results.

What are some of the best chess sets under $50?

If you are on a tight budget, there are still many good chess sets available for under $50. Some of the popular options include the Classic Game Collection Metal Chess Set, the US Chess Federation’s Basic Chess Set, and the Chess Set for Kids and Beginners by GrowUpSmart. These sets are made of durable materials and come with standard-sized pieces.

Which is the best chess set to buy on Amazon?

The best chess set to buy on Amazon depends on your personal preferences and budget. Some of the popular options include the Chess Armory 15″ Wooden Chess Set, the Wegiel Handmade European Professional Tournament Chess Set, and the Amerous 15″ x 15″ Magnetic Wooden Chess Set. These sets are made of high-quality materials and come with standard-sized pieces.

Where can I find the best chess sets under $100 in the USA?

There are many places to find the best chess sets under $100 in the USA. You can check online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, as well as specialty chess stores in your area. Some popular online chess stores include Chess House, Wholesale Chess, and The Chess Store.

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