There are many chess sets, and at first glance they look alike. The differences show up when you have to set one up on a table, carry it to practice or play a long game. Here is what is worth paying attention to.
1. What you need the chess set for
- For home and as a gift. A wooden folding chess set with a padded interior works well: the board becomes a box for the pieces.
- For travel and children. Choose magnetic sets. The pieces stay on the board, so you can play a game on a train or in a car.
- For a club, school and tournaments. You will need tournament Staunton pieces and a flat tournament board.
2. Board and piece size
What matters most is that the pieces match the board. Pieces that are too small look lost, and pieces that are too large get in each other's way. A simple rule: the side of a square is roughly one eighth of the board width, and a piece should fit freely on its square.
| Set | King height | Typical board |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic travel sets | 50–60 mm | 24–28 cm |
| Staunton No. 3 | 58 mm | 28 cm |
| Staunton No. 4 | 75–85 mm | 40–41 cm |
| Staunton No. 5 | 90 mm | 48 cm |
| Staunton No. 6 and No. 7 | 95 mm | 52–54 cm |
| Ambassador | 110 mm | 54 cm |
For tournaments, pieces of size No. 5, 6 or 7 are most often chosen. If you mostly play at home, the most convenient size is a 40–48 cm board.
3. Staunton pieces
Staunton is the classic piece design used in chess tournaments. The pieces are easy to recognise, and the wide base keeps them stable. If you plan to play at a club or take part in competitions, choose Staunton. They can also be bought separately, see the chess pieces category.
4. Folding or flat board
- A folding board closes and protects the pieces, so it is convenient for home and travel.
- A flat tournament board is thinner and is used by clubs and tournaments. You can pick one from the chess boards.
5. Caring for wood
Clean wooden chess sets with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Keep them away from heaters and direct sunlight so the wood does not dry out or change colour.
6. Chess as a gift
When giving a chess set as a gift, choose according to the recipient's experience. A small magnetic set or a medium-sized folding set suits a beginner or a child, while a player who already goes to a club will appreciate a tournament set. You will find all the sets in the chess category, and it is worth adding a chess clock to a chess set.