While there are a ton of options on the market, Director of Business Development at Chess at Three, Adam Trodd shares his advice to help you find the best set for your needs. “Start by considering your personal goals for your chess playing experience,” he says. He suggests to prioritize comfort, set a budget, and select a set that visually appeals to you. With this in mind, we researched the best chess sets and deemed the CB2 Marble Chess Set (view at CB2) best overall for its sophisticated design and quality pieces. If you’d like to try your hand at the game, here are the best chess game sets for all skill levels and needs. It’s not traditional by any means—the board is heavy, making it more of a permanent decor piece than a game you can assemble and disassemble on a whim. Thus, this is not the best board for taking on the go. Still, while the pieces are a bit abstract, experts will have no problem practicing their skills on this board. Plus, the pieces are not your typical Staunton-style—they are modern interpretations. Though a beginner might have some initial trouble identifying pieces, it should become natural in no time. The price and high-quality makes this set privy to experts. Beginners may want to practice a bit more before investing in this statement piece. Price at time of publish: $100 Despite its low price point, this set delivers on both looks and quality. The components are wood—no plastic here—and the pieces are sturdy and large enough for even little hands to grasp. The board itself measures 15.75 x 15.75 inches and folds for easy storage. Price at time of publish: $34 What you sacrifice with this particular setup is refinement. The board and pieces are cardboard and plastic, respectively. It’s a price many learners, particularly those with children, are willing to pay since it makes learning a breeze. Price at time of publish: $20 Price at time of publish: $77 Officially licensed by Warner Brothers, the game looks just like it does in the movies. Though hard molded plastic, each 2- to 4-inch game piece is expertly and intricately designed for the most realistic look. If there’s any downside, it’s the size of the large, intricate pieces that tend to crowd the board a bit. The pieces shouldn’t bother novice and recreational players, but it is a consideration for anyone engaged in more serious play. Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $70 Price at time of publish: $17 Price at time of publish: $55 Price at time of publish: $98 for size small The chessboard and pieces are acrylic, lending the set a retro vibe accentuated by its oversized construction. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can choose between an electric orange and yellow or smoke and a clear color scheme. Each of the 32 pieces is screen printed with their character silhouette (Kings have a cheeky mustache, while queens have a clearly defined pout). Price at time of publish: $625 Price at time of publish: $135
Material
Chess sets come in a variety of materials from wood to plastic to acrylic. Whichever material you opt for can affect the weight and the look of your chess set. If purchasing to display as a decor piece, opt for a more fashionable set made of acrylic or metal. These materials will also provide less upkeep than a wooden set. Plastic is a durable and more affordable choice, but it doesn’t rank as high in design.
Storage and Portability
As with other toys and board games, considering storage space is important when purchasing. Luckily, many options on this list come with convenient storage options like compact boxes or included drawers for pieces. Some sets fold completely in half, perfect for playing on the go. “Preferences for board & piece material, size, weight, and design often vary from competitor to competitor. Context is key,” Trodd says. His personal preferences differ depending on if he is at home or on the go. “I personally enjoy the benefits of a felt travel chess board with triple weighted pieces. I am always on the go and frequently enjoy playing chess outdoors. The board is easily transported, and the weighted pieces help keep in the pieces on the board if it is windy. For in-home use, I prefer boards that are smooth, wooden, and aesthetically pleasing,” he continues.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance home writer. She has written and edited hundreds of gift guides and articles about consumer products for various publications over the course of the last 10 years. Though not an avid player anymore, she learned to play chess at a very young age. To make this list, she considered each set’s price, a player’s experience level, and design. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, lifestyle writer at The Spruce. Expert advice was provided by the Director of Business Development at Chess at Three in New York City Adam Trodd.
