Have you seen Netflix’s The Queen's Gambit? Chessboard searches are up 273% after the release of the popular show! Here are the best sets to buy now.
During lockdown, we have seen all sorts of trends. From banana bread baking to Tik Tok dances. As we are spending more time at home, playing board games and learning new skills has become part of the new norm.
So whether you are an avid chess player already or looking to try something new, we have selected some of the best chess sets to suit every budget and varying from hand-carved wooden chess sets to travel chess sets for you to choose from.
What makes a good chess set?
The board
The chessboard is perhaps the most important element when looking to buy a chessboard. Maybe you are looking for something portable or perhaps a board that works as both a game and a décor piece? No matter what your purpose is, the uniquely checked square pattern board is iconic. It can be made out of many materials such as wood, plastic, stone or even glass.
The pieces
This element of the chessboard is the most customisable. You can buy themed sets like a Harry Potter wizard chess set to pieces that resemble buildings of London! The pieces of chess are what makes the game unique as they all have a different purpose and position. Most of them are modelled to be the same traditional Staunton chess set pattern.
The box
Whilst this isn’t absolutely necessary but perhaps you will need a box or bag to transport your board to tournaments or other places. Or else just to store it when it is not being played.
Here are some of the best chess boards on the market. We explain what the sets include, the material of the board and pieces, whether it is a folding chessboard and more!
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
Best chess sets under £20
The best portable chess set for travelling: The Peradix Chess Board Set Game
This set is easy to carry and portable, with the chessboard opening size measuring, 25x25x2cm, making it suitable for travel and outings. It is made ABS wood plastic for higher moisture resistance and durability. It contains magnetic plastic pieces: Built-in magnets, parts can be attached to the board for a better feel and to ensure the pieces do not fall off. It also has a folding board function so that you can use as a storage box for the chess pieces.
Best chess set for beginners: Portable Wooden Chess Set
This chessboard set is 30 x 30cm and a good board for children. The chessboard is foldable and can be used as a storage box for the pieces, making it easy to store and carry. It has a polished and a comfortable feel, made of solid wood, it is strong and not easy to be damaged by impact.
Best chess sets under £50
Te best overall chess set : Gibot 3 in 1 Chess Board Set
This board is magnetic and is multi-purpose so you can play Chess, Checkers or Backgammon. It's perfect for kids and adult and is foldable ideal for travel. It comes with iconic black and white pieces. Dimensions for this set is: 31.5x31.5cm (fully expanded) and 31.5x15.7x3.8cm (folded). The set includes: 1 set of Chess, 1 set of Checkers, 1 set of Backgammon, 1 gameboard, 3 bags to keep the pieces secure and 1 instruction book.
The best chess set for professionals and tournaments: IDOPUZ️ Professional Chess Tournament set
A complete set of 34 pieces with extra queens, this has an all-felt base. It's 100% silicone standard chessboard, with dimensions of 20 inches x 2.25-inch squares, (standard tournament size). Chess pieces, drawstring bag, professional chess pen and chess scorebook are all included.
The best chess set for kids: The Harry Potter chess set
A chessboard for all the Harry Potter fans out there! This set includes chessboard and pieces modelled from the Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone film. It also includes 32 detailed, plastic chess pieces, with board dimensions of 27 x 27 x 10cm.
The best chess sets under £100
The best luxury chess set: Marble chess set
This one is perfect for home du00e9cor as well as for the game. Made from marble from the Himalayan mountains, its polished finish makes it an attractive and decorative gift idea, too. It comes with a beautiful blue velvet box and is standard chessboard size.
See this video below for a tutorial on chess for beginners: