10Best.Guide

Chess Board

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Great weight and feel.
  • Exquisite and beautiful.
  • Nice professional box.
  • Extra queen included.
  • Well-made and well-weighted.
Cons
  • No board included.
  • Bases are large and make the board feel cramped.
Bottom Line
This chess set is a great addition to any chess lover's collection. It has a great weight and feel, is well-made and well-weighted, and comes in a nice professional box. However, buyers should be aware that no board is included and the bases are large and slippery.
Pros
  • Beautiful and impressive design
  • Great craftsmanship and attention to detail
  • Large and easy to see pieces
  • Quality made and not manufactured in China
  • Good value for the price
Cons
  • Felt bottoms not well attached
  • Pieces not staying in place
Bottom Line
This chess set is a beautiful and impressive addition to any collection or game room. While there may be some minor issues with craftsmanship and quality control, the overall value for the price is great. Buyers should be aware of the potential for missing or broken pieces upon delivery.
3
WOBBLE CHESS SET
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Unique and modern design
  • Solves the problem of wobbly pieces
  • Well-made and sturdy
  • Beautiful and striking as a showpiece
  • Pieces are difficult to knock over
Cons
  • Some imperfections in the product
  • Pieces wobble too much for serious gameplay
Bottom Line
The Buddy Chess Set is a unique and beautiful piece of artwork that solves the problem of wobbly chess pieces. However, there are some quality control and practical gameplay issues that buyers should be aware of before purchasing.
Pros
  • Beautiful and elegant design
  • Magnetic board helps keep pieces in place
  • Pieces are nicely finished and standard sized
  • Drawers for piece storage
  • Reasonably priced
Cons
  • Missing pieces upon delivery
  • Spelling and grammatical errors on packaging
Bottom Line
The AMEROUS Wooden Chess Set is a reasonably priced, elegant set with magnetic board and drawers for piece storage. However, some customers have reported missing pieces, spelling errors on packaging, and weak magnets. The set is also slightly undersized and smaller than expected.
Pros
  • Magnetic feature keeps pieces in place
  • Good quality board and pieces
  • Easy to store and travel with
  • Comes with a book that explains the rules well
  • Premium feel and quality
Cons
  • Pieces are tightly packed in the case
  • Pieces may not hold well on the board
Bottom Line
This chess set is a great value for the price and has a premium feel and quality. The magnetic feature keeps pieces in place and it is easy to store and travel with. However, there are some minor quality issues with the pieces and latch, and the pieces may not hold well on the board.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Chess Boards: How to Choose the Best One for You

Overview

Chess is a game that has been enjoyed for centuries and is still popular today. A good chess board is essential for playing this game, and there are many different types available on the market. Choosing the right chess board can be a daunting task, but with this buying guide, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Types

1. Wooden Chess Boards: These are the most popular type of chess boards and are available in a variety of different woods such as maple, walnut, and rosewood. They are durable and provide a classic look and feel.

2. Plastic Chess Boards: These are a more affordable option and are ideal for beginners or those who want a portable board. They are lightweight and easy to clean.

3. Glass Chess Boards: These are a modern and stylish option that provides a unique look. They are also easy to clean and maintain.

4. Marble Chess Boards: These are a luxurious option that provides a high-end look and feel. They are also durable and easy to clean.

Key Considerations

1. Size: Consider the size of the board, especially if you plan to play in tournaments. The standard size is 20 inches by 20 inches, but smaller or larger sizes are also available.

2. Material: Consider the material of the board and pieces, as this will affect the durability, style, and price.

3. Storage: Consider how you will store the board when not in use. Some boards come with storage compartments built-in, while others require a separate storage case.

4. Price: Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on a chess board. Prices can range from under $20 to several hundred dollars.

Features

1. Weighted Pieces: Weighted pieces provide a better playing experience and are less likely to tip over during a game.

2. Felted Bottoms: Felted bottoms on the pieces and board protect the surface from scratches and provide a better grip during gameplay.

3. Magnetic Pieces: Magnetic pieces are ideal for playing on the go, as they are less likely to fall off the board during transport.

Prices

Prices for chess boards vary depending on the material, size, and features. Wooden boards can range from $20 to $500, while plastic boards can range from $10 to $50. Glass and marble boards are typically more expensive, ranging from $50 to $300.

Tips

1. Consider the level of experience of the players. Beginners may prefer a cheaper and more lightweight board, while experienced players may want a more durable and high-end board.

2. Consider the style of the board and how it will fit in with your home decor.

3. Read reviews and do research before making a purchase to ensure you are getting a quality board.

FAQs

Q: What is the standard size of a chess board?

A: The standard size of a chess board is 20 inches by 20 inches.

Q: What is the best material for a chess board?

A: The best material for a chess board depends on personal preference and budget. Wooden boards are the most popular, but plastic, glass, and marble boards are also available.

Q: Can I play chess on a glass board?

A: Yes, you can play chess on a glass board. Glass boards are durable and easy to clean, but they may not provide the same feel as a wooden board.

Q: How do I clean my chess board?

A: To clean a chess board, use a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the surface.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • High-quality carving and wood
  • Magnetic pieces stay in place
  • Well-crafted and lightweight case
  • Good for traveling and storage
  • Nice box presentation
Cons
  • Must remove all chess pieces to play checkers
  • Inconsistent strength of magnets
Bottom Line
The AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess and Checkers Set is a well-crafted and affordable option for chess and checkers enthusiasts. The set's magnetic pieces stay in place and can be stored in the board, making it perfect for traveling. However, the set's biggest flaw is that all chess pieces must be removed to play checkers, and the magnets' strength is inconsistent.
Pros
  • Perfect size board and pieces
  • Magnetic pieces eliminate movement
  • Well-made board and pieces
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Good quality for the price
Cons
  • Board warps easily
  • Pieces are lightweight and can be blown off
Bottom Line
The Chess Armory 15-inch wooden chess set is a good quality set for the price with a durable and long-lasting board and magnetic pieces. However, there are some QC issues with the finish and dried out pieces, and the board can warp easily.
Pros
  • Good quality and polished wood.
  • Magnetic pieces that stay on the board.
  • Comes with a storage pouch or sleeve.
  • Affordable and worth the price.
  • Well-made and polished with extra king and queen pieces.
Cons
  • Weak magnetism that causes pieces to shift.
  • Craftsmanship of pieces could be better.
Bottom Line
This chess set is a good choice for those looking for an affordable and packable option with magnetic pieces and a storage pouch. However, the magnetism could be stronger and the craftsmanship of the pieces and board could be improved.
Pros
  • Magnetic feature is great for playing on the go.
  • Good quality for the price.
  • Pieces are detailed and easy to distinguish.
  • Craftsmanship is excellent.
  • Board sits flat and stable.
Cons
  • Missing pieces in some sets.
  • Prices not placed correctly on the board.
Bottom Line
This chess set is a great value for the price and is perfect for casual play or playing on the go. The magnetic feature and shaped, padded storage make it convenient to use and the craftsmanship is excellent. However, some sets may have missing pieces and the quality of the wood may not be the best.
Pros
  • Generously sized board
  • Good value for price
  • Quality wooden pieces
  • Attractive gleaming finish
  • Extra queens included
Cons
  • Poor quality control and construction
  • Board doesn't lay flat
Bottom Line
This chess set offers good value for its price with a generously sized board, quality wooden pieces, and attractive finish. However, poor quality control and construction may result in some boards not laying flat and tight elastic inner holdings. Overall, a good option for beginners or casual players.
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