6 Good Chess Sets For Beginners
Whether you are playing at home or on the go, plenty of good chess sets are designed to simplify learning with clear designs, weighted pieces, and boards that stand the test of time. Investing in a quality set can make your chess journey smoother and more enjoyable so you can concentrate on improving your skills.
Starting in chess can be exciting, but choosing the right one for beginners can feel overwhelming with so many sets available. Good chess sets go beyond just being a board and pieces; they makes learning more enjoyable and helps players focus on improving their skills. Certain features stand out for beginners: clear designs for easy recognition, durable materials for regular use, and portability for those who like to play on the go. Picking the right set can help players jump straight into the game and focus on mastering strategies.
This guide will help you find the ideal chess set based on your preferences and needs. From budget-friendly options to advanced sets with extras like clocks or portability, we've curated a selection to suit different play styles. Let’s explore some great options to get you started.
What Counts as Good Chess Sets for Beginners?
When choosing a chess set for beginners, several features must be examined. The set has to be functional, durable and easy to use. While experienced players can prioritize aesthetics, beginners benefit from sets that make learning straightforward. Therefore, when purchasing a set for a beginner, you must make sure of the following things:
[product skus="COMBOWGCS-M,COMBO61,COMBOKID7"]Clear and Distinct Pieces
One key factor in a good chess sets for beginners is the clarity of the pieces. The design should make it easy to distinguish between a pawn and a queen or a rook and a bishop. Staunton designs are typically preferred for beginners due to their recognizable shapes. These pieces have been a standard for chess play for decades, making them ideal for playing. Sets with unusual designs can make it harder for beginners to identify the pieces quickly during a game.
Durability of Good Chess Sets
Beginners, especially young learners, can handle chess pieces a little roughly or move their sets to different locations. A good chess set for beginners must withstand regular use and occasional drops. Plastic sets are recommended for their sturdiness and affordability because even though wooden sets are popular for their aesthetic appeal, they might be more fragile, depending on the material quality.
Portability
Many beginners start playing at home and school, parks, or clubs. A portable set can be extremely useful. Magnetic chess sets or folding boards with storage compartments allow players to easily pack the game and prevent pieces from moving during travel.
Affordability
While high-end sets have appeal, beginners only need to spend a little money to get a quality set. Most entry-level, good chess sets are designed to provide a good value at a reasonable price. Vinyl sets, for example, are the most affordable and perfect for those starting. More luxurious sets, like wooden ones, offer a more refined experience but come at a higher cost.
Board Size and Piece Weight of Good Chess Sets
A properly sized board is important for beginner players. The pieces and the board should be proportionate for smooth movement without crowding the space. Standard tournament sizes, with a king’s height of 3.75 inches, are recommended for beginners and intermediate players. Weighted pieces can also make it easier to play, especially for new players who might find lightweight pieces too easily knocked over during the game.
[product skus="VI0009,TRV0032,COMBODRA-EB-B"]Extra Features
Some sets come with additional features that can benefit beginners. For example, some kits include extra queens for pawn promotion or feature clocks for learning timed games. Others may offer tutorial guides or digital tools like chess training software, which can help new players improve their skills.
Good chess sets for beginners combine durable materials with ease of use, affordability, and portability. The more comfortable a player is with the pieces and board, the more they can focus on learning and enjoying the game. By selecting the right set, beginners can concentrate on improving their skills without distractions from poorly designed or fragile pieces.
6 Good Chess Sets for Beginners
Finding the perfect chess set as a beginner can make all the difference in your learning experience. A well-chosen set helps you focus on strategy, piece movement, and gameplay while providing durability and ease of use. Whether you are playing casually at home, in a school chess club, or on the go, a wide variety of chess sets can meet your needs.
Here, we will explore some of the best options for beginners, each with something unique to help new players improve and enjoy the game.
ChessKid Regulation Chess Set and Board Combination Kit
The ChessKid Regulation Set and Board Combination Kit is an excellent choice for beginners, particularly younger players still learning the game at their schools or chess clubs. This kit offers high-quality pieces and a durable board for long-lasting use and frequent handling. It is also affordable and adheres to tournament standards, which makes it a great entry-level set. This is why it stands out:
- Single or Triple Weights regulation plastic chessmen
- It comes with thirty-four pieces, including two extra queens for pawn promotion
- Staunton pattern pieces are designed for serious play and minimal damage
- 20x20 vinyl board with 2.25-inch squares, with algebraic notation, durable and resistant to tears or spills
- Rolls up for easy storage and transport.
Basic Staunton Chess Set
The Basic Staunton Chess Set is an excellent starting point for beginners due to its classic design and durability. The Staunton pattern has been the standard for chess sets worldwide, making it ideal for those new to the game who want to familiarize themselves with the standard tournament pieces. This set combines the traditional look with affordable materials, offering beginners a reliable and recognizable chess experience.
- Traditional Staunton design, easy to distinguish between different types of pieces
- Made from sturdy plastic for durability for regular play
- Available in various sizes to suit different preferences
- Comes with extra queens for pawn promotion
- Ideal for players looking for a durable and affordable set that adheres to the standard chess design
Basic Chess Set Combination with Silicone Chess Board and Single Weighted Regulation Plastic Chess Pieces
The basic Chess Set Combination is designed with durability and portability in mind, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. This set also includes regulation plastic chess pieces, a silicone chess board, and a carrying bag, all combined to create an easy-to-use transportable set perfect for schools, clubs, or personal use. The chess set comes with:
- Single-weighted plastic chess pieces in the traditional Staunton pattern, with two queens for pawn promotion
- 20x20 silicone board with 2.25-inch squares featuring rank and file labels for learning notation
- The board is designed to lie flat every time and can be rolled up for convenient transport
- Made with high-grade plastic and silicone to withstand tough use
Scholastic Chess Club Starter Kit - For 10 Members
The Scholastic Chess Club Starter Kit is perfect for schools or clubs looking to introduce chess to multiple players simultaneously. It comes with everything needed to teach and play chess with up to 10 members, making it ideal for group settings where beginners can learn together. This kit emphasizes functionality and durability, ensuring it can withstand frequent use by students or club members.
- Includes regulation chess pieces, with extra queens for pawn promotion.
- It comes with durable, roll-up vinyl boards that are easy to store and transport.
- Includes bags for storing both the pieces and the boards, making it easy to carry between club meetings or tournaments.
- Designed for ten members, offering an affordable way for schools and clubs to teach chess to multiple students at once.
- Built to handle heavy use, ideal for educational settings.
Magnus Carlsen Signature Series Chess Set, Bag, and Board Combination
The Magnus Carlsen Signature Series Chess Set is a standout option for beginners who want a high-quality, tournament-ready set with a touch of prestige. This exclusive combination is branded with the signature of Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world champion, making it a unique and appealing choice for chess enthusiasts. Here is why beginners will love it:
- The set includes the Euro Series Chess Pieces, with a 3.75" King, weighted for stability during play. The pieces are made from woodwork, designed to look like wood but are much more durable and travel-friendly.
- The mousepad-style tournament board features 2.25" squares and Carlsen's signature printed on it. It is lightweight and portable and always lies flat, even after being rolled up for storage.
- Comes with a deluxe nylon bag embroidered with Carlsen's signature. The bag is designed to carry the board, pieces, clock, and other accessories, making it perfect for travel.
- Includes a Magnus Carlsen branded ink pen with a stylus, adding an extra layer of personalization.
World’s Greatest Chess Set - Thin Mousepad Chessboard
This set is the perfect choice for beginners who want a high-quality, durable chess set that is also easy to transport. This modern, tournament-style set had a wrinkle-free mousepad chessboard, weighted Staunton-style pieces and a matching quiver bag. This makes it perfect for anyone who wants to play indoors or outdoors while learning the game. The silicone board also rolls up without creasing and lies flat every time. Here is what it offers beginners:
- Easy-to-handle pieces with felt and weighted bases.
- Single, triple or quadruple weighting for stability during play.
- 20"x20" mousepad-style board features 2.25" squares, rounded corners, and algebraic notation on all sides.
- Marked with algebraic notation to help beginners learn the game.