10Best.Guide

Chess Set

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Chess board and pieces are weighty and of good quality.
  • Beautifully handcrafted pieces that look expensive.
  • Great value for the money.
  • Excellent customer service.
  • Nice design that looks great in person.
Cons
  • Some pieces arrived broken.
  • The border could be thinner and squares larger.
Bottom Line
This chess set is a great value for the money, with weighty and good quality pieces that are beautifully handcrafted. The customer service is excellent, although some pieces may arrive broken. The design is nice and looks great in person, but the border could be thinner and squares larger. Overall, a beautiful set with marble pieces that is worth considering.
Pros
  • Pieces are heavy and feel substantial
  • Comes with a convenient traveling bag
  • Separate storage for black and white pieces
  • Board is nice and big
  • Pen slots for recording moves
Cons
  • Board may have manufacturing defects
  • Vinyl board needs to be flattened before the pieces will stand up
Bottom Line
This is a decent set for the money, with heavy and substantial pieces and a convenient traveling bag. However, there may be some manufacturing defects and the bag material and zippers are not the best quality.
Pros
  • Well finished and looks great.
  • Convenient storage for pieces.
  • Great for beginners.
  • Individual nesting spots for each piece.
  • Solid board that slides smoothly.
Cons
  • Missing checkers pieces.
  • Uneven cuts on hand-carved pieces.
Bottom Line
This chess set is a good choice for beginners and looks great with its convenient storage for pieces. However, it has some flaws in the hand-carved pieces and the game board is cheaply made. Additionally, some pieces may be missing or damaged during shipping, and there are no options to purchase extra or replacement pieces.
Pros
  • Nice weight of pieces
  • Smooth bags for piece storage
  • Beautiful and classy looking board
  • Good quality chess set
  • Convenient storage space
Cons
  • Felt pads on pieces and board are misaligned
  • Pieces fall over easily
Bottom Line
This chess set is a good quality option with a beautiful board and convenient storage space, but it has some issues with craftsmanship and stability.
Pros
  • Pieces fit well and feel good when grasped.
  • Board is wide and easy to see.
  • Pieces are quality.
  • Board looks handmade full of detail.
  • Chess pieces are larger than expected.
Cons
  • Chess board was damaged in shipping.
  • Black pieces are clunky looking.
Bottom Line
This chess set has good quality pieces and a wide board, but some pieces are poorly crafted and the board is made of cheap wood. The set is worth the price, but be aware of potential shipping damage.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Chess Set: Types, Features, Prices, Tips, and FAQs

Overview

Chess is a timeless game that has been played for centuries. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, having the right chess set can make all the difference. With so many different types of sets available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect chess set for your needs.

Types

1. Staunton Chess Set: The most popular type of chess set, Staunton sets are recognized by their standard design, with each piece having a specific shape and size. They are available in a range of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and glass.

2. Magnetic Chess Set: These sets feature magnetic pieces that stick to the board, making them ideal for travel or playing on the go.

3. Travel Chess Set: Similar to magnetic sets, travel sets are designed to be compact and easy to transport. They often come in a carrying case or pouch.

4. Wooden Chess Set: Wooden sets are classic and elegant, and come in a variety of wood types, from maple to rosewood. They can be quite expensive, but are often considered collector's items.

5. Marble Chess Set: Marble sets are heavy and durable, and are often used for display purposes. They can be quite expensive, but are also considered collector's items.

6. Glass Chess Set: Glass sets are modern and stylish, and can be quite affordable. They are often made from tempered glass for durability.

7. Plastic Chess Set: Plastic sets are affordable and durable, and are often used for casual play or by beginners.

8. Metal Chess Set: Metal sets are sturdy and often quite heavy, and can be made from materials like brass, bronze, or pewter. They are often used for display purposes.

Key Considerations

1. Skill level: Consider your skill level when choosing a chess set. Beginners may want a simpler set, while experienced players may prefer a more intricate one.

2. Material: Chess sets can be made from a variety of materials, each with their own pros and cons. Consider factors like durability, weight, and aesthetics when choosing a material.

3. Size: Consider the size of the board and pieces, and whether they are appropriate for your playing space.

4. Budget: Chess sets can range in price from under $10 to several hundred dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping to help narrow down your options.

Features

1. Board size: Chess boards come in a range of sizes, from small travel sets to large tournament boards.

2. Piece size: Consider the size of the pieces, and whether they are appropriate for your playing space and skill level.

3. Piece weight: The weight of the pieces can affect the feel of the game. Heavier pieces may be more stable, while lighter pieces may be easier to move.

4. Storage: Some chess sets come with storage compartments for the pieces, while others require a separate storage solution.

Prices

1. Under $20: Plastic and small travel sets are available in this price range.

2. $20 - $50: Wooden and glass sets, as well as some metal sets, are available in this price range.

3. $50 - $100: High-quality wooden and metal sets, as well as some marble sets, are available in this price range.

4. Over $100: Luxury wooden and metal sets, as well as some marble sets, are available in this price range.

Tips

1. Consider the aesthetics of the set, and whether it fits your personal style.

2. Look for sets that come with instructions or tutorials for beginners.

3. Consider buying a set with a carrying case or storage solution.

4. Check the reviews before making a purchase to ensure the quality of the set.

FAQs

Q: What is a Staunton chess set?

A: A Staunton chess set is a standardized set of chess pieces, designed by Nathaniel Cook and endorsed by Howard Staunton in the 19th century.

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

A: The best material for a chess set depends on your personal preferences and needs. Wooden sets are classic and elegant, while plastic sets are affordable and durable.

Q: How do I clean my chess set?

A: To clean your chess set, use a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals.

Q: Can I play chess online with my physical chess set?

A: Yes, there are many online resources that allow you to play chess with a physical set, such as Chess.com or Lichess.org.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right chess set can enhance your playing experience and add to the overall enjoyment of the game. By considering factors like skill level, material, size, and budget, you can find the perfect set for your needs. Whether you prefer a classic wooden set or a modern glass set, there is a chess set out there for everyone.

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
  • Magnetic board keeps pieces in place
  • Pieces fit inside board for storage
  • Includes extra queen pieces
  • Good quality for the price
Cons
  • Some pieces are uneven or crooked
  • Glue on bottom of pieces has dried out
Bottom Line
This chess set is a good value for the price, with a magnetic board and storage for pieces. However, some pieces may be uneven or fragile, and the board can warp over time.
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.
Pros
  • Magnetic feature prevents pieces from sliding around.
  • Good quality for the price.
  • Convenient storage for pieces.
  • Craftsmanship and quality of pieces are excellent.
  • Cutaway neck of knight pieces looks better than typical chunky look.
Cons
  • Missing pieces in some sets.
  • Prices not placed in correct polar position.
Bottom Line
This chess set is a great value for the price, with strong magnets and good quality craftsmanship. However, some sets may have missing pieces or issues with the placement of prices.
Pros
  • Nice pieces
  • Good for beginners
  • Portable and convenient
  • Built-in storage for pieces
  • Extra queen for each color
Cons
  • Foam storage is annoying
  • Knights have wood filler
Bottom Line
This chess/checkers set is a good option for beginners and families looking for a portable and convenient set. The pieces are nice and the set is well-made, but there are some minor flaws with the board and storage.
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