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Chess has been around for about 1,500 years, making it the OG of board games. Naturally, in that amount of time, chess sets have evolved quite a bit in design and function.
Today, there are a number of popular chess sets that range in both playing style and decor style. Some sets’ primary function — much like a standing antique globe or all six volumes of The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire — is to lend a sense of gravitas to one’s study or den. Others are more practical for every day use, whether for a family game night, or a bragging rights contest amongst friends.
Chess sets across the board (excuse the pun) will include the same basic elements necessary to play (I.e. the board itself and all pieces) but chess sets vary in terms of construction and quality. Decorative chess sets may be handcrafted from materials like alabaster and marble, but most practical sets are made of wood or sometimes plastic, which can withstand a beating.
Regulation sets for competition have strict size requirements for pieces in relation to the squares, but for home use, size is mostly a matter of taste. There are, however, a few things we think are especially useful to keep in mind when shopping for a chess set.
What Are the Best Chess Sets?
The best chess sets will deliver on both quality of its playing board and its game pieces.
Quality: First things first, look at the construction of the board itself. At a minimum, you’ll want a board that lays flat and even, and feels sturdy enough to last a long time.
Weight:Chess pieces should feel weighty and solid so they stay firmly in place on the board. For this reason, many wooden pieces include weights at the bottom. Sets made specifically for travel are often magnetized to keep pieces in place.
Storage:If you’re not using your chess set as a display, we look for sets that are easy to store and travel with. Many sets fold inward to create a storage space for pieces. We like these storage spaces to be lined with felt and include either straps or fitted depressions to securely contain pieces.
Queens:Not an essential, but a bonus, many sets include two extra Queen pieces for when you crown a pawn.
