How to Choose the Perfect Chess Set

Apr 07, 2025

A Guide for Players, Collectors, and Gift Buyers

Buying a chess set used to be simple — or so it seemed. You walked into a shop, picked out a board that looked good, and that was that. But as anyone who’s spent even five minutes on a specialist website like Official Staunton will know, there’s a world of difference between a basic set and a truly great one.

Whether you’re a serious player, a first-time buyer, or someone searching for the perfect gift, choosing the right chess set can feel overwhelming. But with a little guidance and the right questions, finding that perfect match becomes a real joy.

In today’s blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to consider — from wood types and king height to board finishes and budget. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and let’s explore what makes the ideal chess set for you.

What Kind of Chess Player Are You?

Before diving into materials and measurements, it’s worth asking: who is this set for? Your answer will shape your choice.

♟ The Casual Player

If you enjoy the game but don’t play regularly, you might want something beautiful but not overly expensive. Think: classic acacia pieces on a walnut veneer board — affordable, attractive, and functional.

🧠 The Enthusiast

You play a few times a week and appreciate the history and feel of the game. For you, a core-weighted Staunton set, perhaps with ebonised boxwood on a 19-inch inlaid board, would elevate your playing experience.

🎁 The Gift Giver

Whether for a birthday, retirement, or Christmas, you want something that says “thoughtful and timeless.” Look for sets that come with a mahogany box, a 3-year warranty, and classic design — like our British Series Chess Set.

🧱 The Collector

For you, it’s all about historical value, craftsmanship, and authenticity. A Jaques 1850 London Replica or a King Charles Series Ebony Set is more than a game — it’s a conversation piece.

Choosing the Right Chess Pieces

Let’s start with what many consider the stars of the show: the pieces.

Staunton Design: Still the Gold Standard

First introduced in 1849, the Staunton pattern has become the official design for tournaments across the globe. The instantly recognisable form — with its noble knight, commanding king, and clean symmetry — is favoured for both clarity and elegance.

At Official Staunton, we focus almost exclusively on Staunton because we believe in tradition, function, and beauty. Our pieces are:

Hand-carved by skilled artisans
Internally weighted for balance
Felted to protect your board

Size Matters: Understanding King Height

One of the most important specs is the height of the king, which affects both the feel and visual balance of your set.

3" King – Ideal for compact boards (15–16"). Great for casual play or smaller tables.
3.25"–3.5" King – A versatile size, often seen in home tournaments.
4" King – The official tournament size, best paired with a 20"–22" board.

Material Guide

Here are the most popular wood types for chess pieces:

Boxwood: Traditional and light-coloured. Smooth and durable.
Ebonised Boxwood: Dyed black to resemble ebony, at a more affordable price.
Acacia: Rich mid-brown tones with striking grain.
Ebony: Jet black, highly dense, luxurious.
Padauk: Exotic reddish wood, eye-catching and unique.

Looking for something decorative? Explore our Artistic Parker Chess Pieces — a Staunton design with a twist.

Picking the Right Chess Board

Now, let’s talk about where the magic happens — the board.

Material & Finish

Our boards are made in Europe using real wood veneers — typically walnut, maple, mahogany, or wenge. They’re crafted for visual appeal and long-lasting quality.

Walnut & Maple: Traditional look with a warm tone. Pairs beautifully with acacia or ebonised pieces.
Mahogany & Maple: Reddish tones and elegance.
Wenge: A dark, rich alternative for bold contrast.

All boards come with smooth surfaces and clean inlays. Most are matte or satin finished, but if you love a high-gloss shine, we do offer select Italian lacquered boards.

Board Size vs King Height

A good rule of thumb: the square size of the board should be roughly 1.3–1.5x the base diameter of the king.

For a 4" king, choose a board with 2.0–2.25" squares (20" board).
For a 3" king, choose 1.75" squares (15.75" board).

This balance ensures your pieces don’t look crowded or too small for the playing surface.

Storage & Presentation: The Finishing Touch

A luxury set deserves a safe, elegant home. We offer a variety of mahogany boxes, including:

Slide-lid boxes lined with felt
Hinged boxes with compartments
Luxury display cases for collectors

Presentation matters — especially if the set is a gift. A board, box, and weighted set presented together feels complete, impressive, and truly special.

Sets That Work Together

At Official Staunton, we curate complete chess sets that pair the ideal board, pieces, and box. Here are a few customer favourites:

🧡 The Queen’s Gambit Set

Features our 3.25" Fierce Knight Acacia pieces, a 16" mahogany board, and a chess box. Inspired by the hit Netflix series.

🖤 Black Winchester Staunton Set & Box

A 4" king, deep black finish, 19" mahogany board, and a matching Sapele box — perfect for modern interiors.

💼 The Leningrad Set

Classic, elegant, and affordable. 34 weighted chessmen in acacia or boxwood, with a 3.75" king. An enduring best-seller.

Buying Chess Sets Online: What to Know

If you're buying your first serious set online, here’s what sets Official Staunton apart:

✅ Trusted Heritage

We’ve been designing and supplying chess sets for over 20 years — with a reputation built on accuracy, craftsmanship, and service.

✅ Quality You Can Feel

All sets are individually quality-checked, and we offer a 3-year warranty as standard.

✅ Fast UK Delivery

We ship promptly across the UK — with tracked options available.

✅ Expert Advice

Not sure what to choose? We’re always happy to guide you via email or phone. This is our passion, and we love helping people find the right fit.

Final Thought: Find the Set That Speaks to You

Choosing a chess set isn’t just about specs and styles. It’s about finding a combination of beauty, balance, and playability that speaks to you personally. Whether you're in it for competition, display, collecting, or giving, a great chess set enhances the whole experience.

With dozens of options in size, wood type, and design — and our expert support to guide you — your perfect chess set is just a few moves away.

Ready to find yours?
👉 Shop Our Best Chess Sets Now

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