Buying guide for best chess sets
Chess sets run the gamut in terms of appearance, from simple and utilitarian to ornate and display-worthy. Some people buy chess sets because they want to play chess; others buy them more for looks than for actual chess play. If you’re in the market for a chess set, there’s likely one to meet your needs.
There are inexpensive plastic chess sets made for kids and other beginners. There are also highly detailed sets that cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Of course, if you’re fond of the game, you could also play it online, eliminating your need for a chess set at all. But there’s something special about feeling the chess pieces in your hand and moving them across the board.
If you’re considering a chess set purchase, it helps to first look at the myriad choices available so you’re sure to get something that suits both your budget and your aesthetic taste.
Top considerations when choosing the best chess set
Standard chess pieces vs. non-traditional pieces
If you’re just learning the game, you may find a chess set with standard chess pieces most helpful. Notably, there are some chess sets with “non-traditional” piece designs that can make it difficult to distinguish, say, a rook from a bishop. But beginners need to be able to focus on the game, which is easier with standard pieces.
Who would want a chess set with non-traditional pieces? Anyone who is looking for something unique and possibly display-worthy. Non-traditional pieces may be simple geometric shapes, or they may be highly detailed to resemble soldiers from past eras in world history.
Color of pieces
Although traditional chess sets contain pieces that are black and white, other colors are available as well. For example, wooden chess pieces may be stained a light or dark shade. There are also chess sets with colors like red, green, or blue and sets with metal pieces of silver, pewter, bronze, and gold.
Chess piece material
Wood is a common chess piece material, especially for sets of average and higher-than-average prices. Inexpensive sets often consist of plastic chess pieces. As for non-traditional sets, you can find those with pieces made of unique materials such as stone, glass, and metal.
Chess piece size
The average chess set has pieces that are approximately 2 to 4 inches tall, making them easy to grab and move. The king, the tallest piece, is typically about 3.75 inches tall in a tournament-quality set. The pawn, which is the shortest piece, is about 2 inches tall.
If you want a chess set for traveling, something smaller is ideal; consider a set with tiny pieces that measure an inch or two in height. And if you want a “novelty” set to be used outdoors, you might consider a set with pieces that stand several feet tall.
Chess piece weight
Some chess pieces have extra weight in the base, which many players appreciate because it feels reassuring in the hand. The weight gives the pieces stability when you place them on the board. It also helps to prevent them from tipping over if you accidentally bump them while moving other pieces.
Some chess pieces have internal LED lights that cause them to glow on the board.
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Important questions to answer before choosing a chess set
What are your plans for playing chess?
Play during travel: If you plan to travel with your chess set, a smaller one with a sturdy carrying case is a good idea. If you plan to play chess in a moving vehicle, you may want the board to support magnetic pieces so they don’t slide around.
Tournament play: If you plan to play chess in local tournaments, you may need to bring your own board to the venue. A set with a sturdy carrying case as well as tournament-appropriate pieces (and gameboard) is desirable. Tournament-size chess boards measure 21 inches on all four sides. The individual squares on the board measure 2.25 inches on all four sides.
What items are included in the set?
At minimum, a chess set should include the 32 game pieces. Each side should have its own color and consist of 16 pieces. Individual pieces in a set include the following:
- Eight pawns per side
- Two rooks per side
- Two knights per side
- Two bishops per side
- One queen per side
- One king per side
Some extra items may also be included:
- Game board
- Carrying case
- One extra queen per side (for promoting a pawn)
What is your experience level?
Your degree of experience with the game may impact the type of set you need. Beginners may wish to seek a set designed for those still learning to play. For example, the manufacturer may print hints around the edge of the chess board, including the following:
- Illustrations identifying each piece
- Descriptions of each piece’s strengths and weaknesses
- The number of spaces each piece can move
- The direction each piece can move
- How to capture pieces
- How to set up the board
- Identification marks for the columns and rows on the board
DID YOU KNOW?
Historically, chess pieces carved from ivory were common. Today, you can find some antique chess sets with ivory pieces. Some of the oldest ivory chess pieces date back more than 1,000 years.
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How much do chess sets cost?
Inexpensive
Low-cost chess sets can be purchased for $5 to $25. The pieces are usually made of plastic, although some wooden chess pieces may fit into this price range. For the lower price, the pieces may be on the smaller side. If a board is included, it will probably be made of inexpensive cardboard. A carrying case is typically not included with a purchase in this price range.
Mid-range
The average price for a chess set here is $25 to $75. These sets may include high-quality plastic pieces or wooden pieces. You may even find some sets with pieces made of non-traditional materials like metal. If a board is included, it will likely be made of wood or plastic. A carrying case of wood or fabric may also be included. In fact, for some purchases in this price range, the wooden carrying case doubles as a chess board when it is opened and laid flat.
Expensive
The most expensive chess sets tend to cost $75 to $300, though there are also some “limited production” sets that cost several thousand dollars. These highly expensive sets may feature chess pieces made with precious metals or gems. High-quality wood, stone, metal, and glass are common high-end chess piece materials. These pieces may sport detailed carving or another unique look that makes them ideal for display.
Wooden boards and stone boards are often found in this price range. If an expensive chess set ships with a carrying case, it will likely be made of high-quality wood.
Want a chess set with a modern twist? Look for “pop culture” chess sets that feature characters from movies or TV shows.
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Tips for finding non-traditional chess sets
Do you want something unique? Look for chess sets with these themes.
- Historical soldiers: Some chess pieces resemble soldiers from historical eras, such as Roman soldiers, Revolutionary War soldiers, Vikings, and soldiers from medieval times.
- TV characters: Sets containing TV character pieces can be a lot of fun. Characters may come from shows like The Simpsons, Rick and Morty, or Scooby-Doo. You can also find chess sets with characters modeled after the characters of Peanuts and Pokémon.
- Movie characters: Some chess sets include pieces designed to look like characters from popular movies. Think of blockbuster hits like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars.
- Artistic characters: Chess pieces might feature Egyptian characters, Halloween characters, or various fantasy characters. These work well for both play and display.
- Sports and gaming characters: Children may enjoy playing a game of chess with Super Mario Bros. characters or The Legend of Zelda characters. Professional athletes also appear in some chess sets.
- Geometric shapes: Oddly shaped chess pieces that only slightly represent their traditional shapes are also available. These geometrically shaped pieces are minimalistic in design.
FAQ
Q. Is a chess board always included with the purchase of a chess set?
A. No. Some chess sets include the board and the pieces, but others only include the pieces.
Q. Are chess boards and sets available in different sizes?
A. Yes. For this reason, it’s important to choose pieces that match the size of your board. The standard guideline is to choose a board that fits four of your pawns in a single square.
Q. What types of wood are available in wooden chess sets?
A. Common options include boxwood, ebony, rosewood, and walnut.
