Whether you're a newbie or a pro, a quality chess set can make a lasting impression on your opponent and set the atmosphere of the game. Chess sets come in a wide variety of styles, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. After all, chess is an "entire world of just 64 squares."
Whether you want to enter tournaments or bring something to family game night, there's a chess set for everyone. We've found 10 chess sets that reviewers love. Our top choice is the Tournament Chess Set from WE Games since it's simple, tournament-ready, and suitable for players of all skill levels. For more of our top picks, please continue reading. Also, don't forget to check out our buying guide for tips on how to select the right chess set for you.
Quick List - Top Chess Sets
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The right chess set can help you make the impression on your opponent that you desire. Before you buy a chess set, here are a few tips on finding the best one for you.
For most people, a quality wooden chess set will withstand daily or weekly games. However, competitive chess players, especially high-speed “blitz” players, will need chess sets that can take rough treatment. Chess sets for blitz players are usually made of wood or plastic. Some chess sets may also be magnetic for extra security.
If you need a portable chess set, a vinyl roll-up board is the best. Silicone or mousepad roll-up boards are also portable, but they won't work for tournaments. Foldable boards may distract the game with their crease, but they often have built-in storage compartments that keep the pieces organized and secure.
If you want a chess set for children or beginners, look for products that include extra-detailed instructions that will teach you how to play. These chess sets will often be labeled with terms such as "family," "kids," or "learning."
Some chess sets are not meant to be played competitively or played at all. Decorative chess sets are often used as centerpieces, gifts for chess lovers, or heirlooms to be passed through generations. There are also themed chess sets that can add extra fun but are not good for serious games.
If you plan to play in competitive tournaments, you may need a chess set that follows the specifications of the United States Chess Federation (USCF). Competitive chess players may stare at the same board for hours, so it’s good to get colors that don’t contrast too harshly and strain your eyes.
Unless specified otherwise, tournament chess sets must be in the Staunton style and have algebraic notation. Staunton style is the most common standardized style for competitive chess since its pieces are easily discernable. For more details on USCF specifications, please visit this link.
For blitz players, it’s essential that the pieces are all properly weighted. The weight prevents pieces from falling in unstable or windy settings.
Maybe you want to play chess but also want the option to play other games. Certain chess sets come with a variety of classic board games, like Checkers and Backgammon.
However, these multi-game chess sets are likely to lack quality and often don't meet the specifications for tournaments. They are best for people who want to play casually or families that want a versatile set.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | WE Games Tournament Chess Set | ![]() | A Portable Chess Set for Tournaments | |
2 | Pawnson Creations Wooden Chess Set | ![]() | A Foldable Chess Set for All Skill Levels | |
3 | Hey! Play! Magnetized Wood Chess Set | ![]() | A Polished Chess Set With Two Drawers | |
4 | WE Games Mini Magnetic Pocket Chess Set | ![]() | A Mini Chess Set That Fits in Your Pocket | |
5 | Winning Fingers Chess Set for Kids and Adults | ![]() | A Chess Set That Thoroughly Teaches How to Play | |
6 | The Noble Collection Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set | ![]() | A Themed Chess Set from an Iconic Film Series | |
7 | DGT New Revolutionary Chess Computer | ![]() | An Intelligent Chess Set for Solo Players | |
8 | 3 Man Chess 3 Man Chess | ![]() | A Circular Chess Set for Three Players | |
9 | John N. Hansen Chess 4 | ![]() | A Chaotic Chess Set for Four Players | |
10 | John N. Hansen Strato Chess | ![]() | A Unique Chess Set With Three Levels |
This chess set was made for competitive players. It meets all of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) requirements and includes equalizer dice to level the playing field between players of different skill levels. It's made of vinyl and can easily roll up, making it great for taking on the go. Plus, you can wipe it clean.
Although this chess set was made for tournaments, some blitz players complain that the pieces are not completely filled and are lighter than expected. Otherwise, most reviewers find that this chess set is great for competitive players of all skill levels. They also appreciate that it's easy to store when rolled up.
This wooden chess set is solid and foldable, making it convenient for moving around. It has an inner storage compartment made of felt with elastic stripes for extra security. It has two extra queen pieces and comes with an eBook that will teach you how to play.
Some reviewers complain that the pieces are not properly weighted, and the board does not always lay flat due to its crease. However, most reviewers like that this chess set is quite large and has easily discernable pieces. They especially like the extra queens.
This wooden chess set is medium-sized and non-foldable, but it has two separate fabric-lined drawers for easy piece storage and organization. All the pieces and the board are magnetized, making the pieces less likely to fall. It also comes with some simple instructions on how to play.
A few reviewers complain that the magnets are not very strong, and the drawers occasionally get stuck. Despite that, most reviewers state that this chess set is good for travel. They like that this board is smaller than average and that the magnets keep the pieces in place in moving vehicles.
This trifold magnetic chess set was made for people on-the-go. It includes two extra queens and two blank replacement pieces. It also has a magnetized storage panel that will make it easy to organize each piece and decreases the chances of losing any pieces.
Although the magnet works for most reviewers, some dislike how this chess set does not stay closed when it's folded. Otherwise, most reviewers are satisfied with this product's quality and portability. They like that the pieces are easy to use, and the magnet is strong.
This chess set was made for beginners. It comes with step-by-step instructions and a transparent guide board that will display all possible moves. It also has a spinner that can help choose moves for you until you know how to play on your own.
Some reviewers complain that this chess set feels cheap. Despite that, most reviewers find that this chess set is very educational and amazing for teaching people of all ages how to play chess. They also like that the magnets firmly hold the pieces in place.
This is the officially-licensed Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set. All of its 32 chess pieces are extremely detailed to match the pieces from the famous chess game scene in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It also comes with two drawstring pouches to hold them.
Many reviewers complain that the pieces are hollow, very light in weight, and can easily fall over. They also dislike how thin the board feels. However, they do appreciate that the pieces are unlikely to break. They find that this product makes an amazing gift for Harry Potter fans.
This chess set has built-in artificial intelligence (AI) that will adapt to your skill level. The pieces are weighted, and the entire board is an LED-display with auto-sensing technology. The display screen shows the move history, hints, score, clock, and more. It can also be viewed from any angle.
A few reviewers warn that this chess set is best for intermediate or advanced players, noting that the AI can be too easy or difficult. Regardless, most reviewers like that the AI actually plays differently in every game. They recommend this product for competitive players who want to practice without a human opponent.
This chess set is made for three people to play at once. It has a circular shape without any "dead ends," creating a whole new way to play the game. It comes with 48 pieces and a unique rule sheet.
Some reviewers complain that this chess set feels cheap. A few also find the board overwhelming for their eyes. Otherwise, most reviewers love the concept of three players and a circular board. They say it's satsifyingly complex but still easy to learn for most chess players.
This chess set has almost all the same rules as regular chess, but it requires four players. It has a cross-shaped board that allows for more strategies. The pieces are also decently weighted with felt on the bottoms.
Some reviewers complain that this chess set feels cheap. It does not come with instructions, so players must already know how to play normal chess. Other than that, most reviewers like that having four players allows for alliances and teams. They recommend this variation of chess for parties.
Normal chess sets are played on a two-dimensional field. However, this unique chess set is played on three layers that allow pieces to move horizontally and vertically.
Many reviewers complain that this chess set is easily scratched and feels cheap. They find that the S-shaped structure is unstable. They also state that there are no assembly instructions and that the gameplay instructions are unclear.
Despite the complaints, most reviewers love this unique twist on chess. They recommend this chess set for experienced chess players. They also find that the assembly process is fast and easy.
Other than chess, there's plenty of other games that anyone can enjoy. Check out some of our other favorite tabletop games for more ideas!
No. 1: WE Games|Tournament Chess Set
No. 2: Pawnson Creations|Wooden Chess Set
No. 3: Hey! Play!|Magnetized Wood Chess Set
No. 4: WE Games|Mini Magnetic Pocket Chess Set
No. 5: Winning Fingers|Chess Set for Kids and Adults
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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