If you’re thinking of buying your first chess set, you’ve come to the right place! Chess is an incredible game and can bring hours of fun and challenge. With that, the sphere of chess is a big world of intricately designed board and pieces, and getting the perfect set for your first game can be an overwhelming experience. That’s why it’s important to make sure you take into account all the different factors, so that you can be sure you’ll be getting a set that fits your needs and lifestyle.

One of the most important things to consider when buying your first chess set is the type of pieces you want. There are two main classifications of pieces: the elegant, bevelled Staunton design, which is classic and recognizable, and the royal pieces, which have both the king and queen crowned. Another factor to consider is the material of the pieces. Often, the pieces are made of wood, but plastic and metal are options too. Plastic pieces are more affordable and lighter to carry, while metal pieces are luxurious and have more weight to them.

Furthermore, when buying your chess set, you’ll also want to think about the board it comes with. A great chess board should be made of high-quality material, to ensure longevity. Tournaments typically use wooden boards, as they’re durable, but there are also magnetic boards for travel, as well as cloth and silicone boards for display.

Finally, you’ll want to decide what kind of chess set you’d like to buy. While the traditional wooden sets are the most popular, there are also themed sets featuring superheroes, or sets with a range of features such as drawers, clocks, and carrying cases.

All of these factors combine to make the chess set you choose truly yours. Whether you decide to get a basic set for casual play or a sophisticated set for tournament-level play, even the most basic of sets can be a meaningful part of your chess experience. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to make an informed decision on the best set for your needs!

It’s fact that chess is a great hobby to get into, both for the sheer challenge and enjoyment of it, and also for the mental benefits it brings. Not to mention the social aspect – chess has been beloved by generations as a way to bring people together. With that in mind, it’s easy to imagine why someone would want to start playing the game. However, before you can reap the rewards of playing chess, you’ll first need to choose and acquire a set.

Here, we’ll be exploring this process in detail, to help make sure that your buying experience is as informed and stress-free as possible. Start by doing research As with any purchase, it pays to take the time to do your research. There are plenty of online resources available to help you out, including websites and blogs all about the game itself. Utilize these to learn more about what types of sets and pieces are available, as well as their relative pros and cons. While doing this, also make sure to understand the game’s rules related to each piece and their possible moves.

Chess sets are plenty varied and range from inexpensive to expensive, so take your budget into account and decide what type of set you’ll need. Most sets come with at least two sizes of pieces, for larger and smaller hands. You may also want to consider whether you want tournament-style pieces or more ornamental ones. Also, it’s important to decide whether you want a traditional or magnetic set. Consider materials When you know what types of sets and pieces you’re interested in, you’ll also need to decide what material to buy. Most modern sets are plastic, wood, or metal. Plastic sets are often inexpensive and therefore a suitable choice for beginners. Wooden sets, on the other hand, maybe more expensive, but may also last longer and can be personalized. Metal sets are usually more expensive still, but they are incredibly durable.

Check the chess board The board is an important part of your chess set, so don’t skimp on it. The size and design of the board usually depend on the pieces you’ve chosen, but be sure to read the reviews for the boards, and make sure that the squares are all the same size. You’ll also want to double-check that the board folds and unfolds properly, or that it has removable pieces.

Purchase from a known store When you’ve done your research and feel ready to choose a set, make sure to purchase from a reputable store with a good return policy and customer service. You may want to order online but always buy from an established store with a good reputation. Be sure to read the customer reviews and feedback before purchasing. It’s also important to understand the store’s return policy, in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase. Don’t forget to ask if they offer a warranty, and what their shipping process is. In addition, check to see if they offer a service where they will set up the board for you.

In conclusion, Getting your first chess set can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to do your research first. This way, you’ll be able to make an educated decision on the set that’s best for you. Keep in mind the materials and size of the pieces, as well as the board design, and make sure to purchase from a reliable store that offers a return policy and customer service. Good luck, and enjoy your new set!

The Pawn

Although the pawn is the smallest of all the chessmen, sets in which the pawns exceed the other chessmen's pawns are rare. The pawns in every Staunton chess set are the smallest, and reflect their power in the actual game. A Staunton pawn is a classic example of a set where a round ball rests on a pedestal. Manufacturers of chess sets will strive to create pawns that have perfect round balls. A flattened top or a spherical top won't look great. The best pawns have the largest balls.

The Rook

The rook is portrayed as a castle-turret. Because of its importance in the game, it is not uncommon to see slightly larger rooks in a set. However, they should still be one up on the pawns. Even though they are a simple round castle, rooks can show incredible detail in their angles and turning. Perfectly made rooks are extremely satisfying.

The Bishop

A bishop is often seen wearing a hat. In real life, Bishops do wear hats so why not in chess. Without the slot in the hat, the bishop would be a very basic piece. You can choose from a simple cut for cheap sets or a beautiful bevelled design for luxury sets. This is a discussion about Staunton bishops.

The Knight

The knights, despite their importance in chess play, are undoubtedly the most important pieces in a set of chess pieces. Because of their knights, many people have purchased whole chess sets. Even the most obscure and ornate chess sets often depict a horse's head. But the Staunton chessmen were able to get it right. There have been thousands of variations on the original Knight design. This piece is often considered to be the most creative and complex in carving. It's not uncommon to see knights sporting flowing hair, smiles and teeth, pupils in their eyes, and very specific facial expressions on extremely expensive luxury chess sets. This amazing artistic carving can be replicated four times to create a set of knights that look identical.

The Queen

The queen is the tallest piece and has a graceful appearance. She is usually crowned in most chess sets. This is the Staunton design. It exemplifies this. The piece retains a feminine feel while still displaying authority. You will find the most luxurious luxury sets of chessmen with four queens.

The King

The king is last but not least. The king is the tallest of all chessmen, and undoubtedly the most magnificent. Collectors and enthusiasts often consider the king the most beautiful piece of the chess pieces. The iconic profile of a king is as famous as a coca-cola bottle. It has graceful curves and a unique shape. A finial , a cross-shaped piece that decorates the top of the king's head, is used. This piece, which is traditionally in the form of a cross, is usually carved apart from the rest of a piece. Luxury sets may have intricate carvings and polished finishes.

Chess is a timeless game that has been around since 150CE and in some form, since the 7th century. The game is a classic beloved by many and can therefore be found in a variety of styles and prices. To the beginner and experienced player alike, the quality and selection of the chess set can make a world of difference in their chess playing experience. When selecting a chess set, the buyer has many front-of-mind factors to consider such as price, pieces, board, and looks. But to truly find the best chess sets, the buyer should also consider quality and playability.

Chess sets vary in price from as low as five dollars to hundreds of dollars. However, it is important for the buyer to keep in mind that simply buying a cheaper set does not necessarily mean buying a better set. The higher cost of some sets is not just due to a fancy design, the quality of the board and pieces is of greater importance. Though most Wooden sets are similar in appearance, the higher price tag often describes the quality of the wood and craftsmanship. The wood should not be brittle, should have smooth edges, and be splinter-free. Quality Staunton chess pieces have a design aesthetic with straight sides and a quality of wood that can withstand many games and years of play.

In addition to quality, the buyer should also look for sets that offer good playability. When choosing a chess set, it is important that the pieces have a wide base so that it does not topple over easily. Furthermore, the pieces should fit within the chess board squares, allowing for a player to pick up pieces quickly and easily. Some sets come with their own bags making it easy to store and transport the set. The weight of the pieces should be considered, too. Quality sets often have weighted pieces to ensure the movement of the pieces on the board are natural.

Finally, style is important to consider when buying a chess set. Though the key components of a chess set should be quality and playability, looks should also factor into the decision. The buyer should find a set that will suit their needs and that also speaks to their aesthetic. There are myriad sets that are decorative, feature classic glass and marble pieces, or more classic wooden Staunton sets. The design of the set should also be considered, as it adds to the overall ambiance of the game.


To the beginner or experienced player alike, the best quality chess sets are those that combine quality, playability, and style. Quality materials and craftsmanship should be priority in finding the best chess set. The weight, design, and base of the pieces should all factor into the decision. Lastly, aesthetic should be considered with the wider selection of styles that are now widely available on the market. Whether the buyer is seeking a classic wooden set or something more ornate, there is a chess set that will suit their needs.