Choosing a chess set is rarely as simple as picking the prettiest board. My first set came from my grandfather; later I moved to proper tournament Staunton pieces (first in a small bag, then in folding cases). Today I collect and craft chessboards, buy sets new and vintage (from China to Africa), and coach students who often ask what to choose. The right question isn’t “Which set is the best?” but “Best for whom — and for what purpose?”
Updated:
One-Minute Recommendations
- Tournament & serious training: Staunton No. 5–6 — king 3.75″–4.0″, squares 2.0″–2.5″.
- Home & family learning: No. 4–5 (king 3.5″–3.75″) — comfortable, fits smaller tables.
- Hobby / décor / travel: choose what you love; motivation beats rules here.
- Format: one-piece for stability; folding case for storage; roll-up for portability.
- Material: wood (classic), plastic (tough for schools), metal/resin (decorative).
Shop our recommended collections:
Sizes — King, Squares & Board Dimensions
Pick size by king height and square size. Golden rule: the king’s base should cover about 73–78% of a square (the “four pawns fit on one square” check is a good proxy).
| King height | Recommended square | Staunton No. | Best for | Board size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.25″ (≈ 82–85 mm) | 1.75″–2.0″ (≈ 45–50 mm) | No. 4 | Travel, small desks, teaching | ~38–42 cm |
| 3.5″ (≈ 89–92 mm) | 2.0″–2.125″ (≈ 50–54 mm) | No. 4–5 | Home setups with limited space | ~42–45 cm |
| 3.75″ (≈ 95 mm) | 2.125″–2.36″ (≈ 54–60 mm) | No. 5 | Serious training; tournament feel | ~45–50 cm |
| 4.0″ (≈ 100–102 mm) | 2.375″–2.5″ (≈ 60–64 mm) | No. 6 | Tournament tables; large display | ~50–55 cm |
*Staunton “No.” labels are not perfectly standardized — always check king height, square size and overall board dimension.
Notations (algebraic coordinates)
Edge notations help children and beginners record games. Many pros prefer a clean board. I like coordinates; some titled friends don’t — it’s taste. For kids and learning: recommended.
FIDE Snapshot (Standards)
For tournament accuracy, FIDE recommends: Staunton-style, non-shiny pieces; king height around 9.5 cm (±10%) with base diameter 40–50% of its height; board square size 5–6 cm; surfaces with neutral/matte finish; and the simple check that four pawns fit on one square. See: FIDE: Standards of Chess Equipment and FIDE: Laws of Chess (2023).
Pieces — Materials, Weighting & Styles
Common materials
- Wood: tournament standard; weighted and felted.
- Plastic: inexpensive, light, nearly unbreakable — perfect for schools and clubs.
- Metal / resin: heavy and striking; better for décor than fast play.
Why weighting matters
Quality sets have a weighted base under felt (lower center of gravity), so moves feel smooth and stable — no wobble. Marketing labels like single/double/triple-weighted vary by maker; focus on total set weight and balance. Many tournament sets come as 34 pieces (two extra queens) — handy for promotions.
Tournament vs. decorative
For training and competition, choose Staunton No. 5–6. Ornate or themed sets are beautiful, but not ideal for serious practice.
Fun fact: unusual folding
Most folding boards split between ranks 4 and 5. Some rare cases fold vertically — between files “d” and “e”. A quirky surprise the first time you see it!
Boards — Solid Wood vs Veneer
Photos can hide how a board will age. Two variables decide longevity: structure and finish.
Solid wood
- Serviceable for decades — you can re-oil, refinish and repair.
- Heavier and pricier; warm, “living” grain.
Veneer
- Real wood surface over a stable core; lighter and cheaper.
- Downside: deep chips or bubbles are hard to fix; treat like premium furniture.
Other surfaces
- Composite / printed / metal — consistent and rugged; ideal for schools and public play.
Formats — One-piece, Folding Case, Roll-up
One-piece board
- The most stable and tournament-like.
- Perfect if the set stays out on a console or chess table top.
Folding box / case
- Highly practical: board plus a snug compartment for pieces.
- Check hinges and clasps; pieces shouldn’t rattle.
Roll-up mat
- Ultra-light and quick to deploy — unbeatable for schools and travel.
| Material | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Cheapest, durable, easy to wipe | Can curl / hold memory | Flatten by gentle warmth + weight |
| Silicone | Doesn’t crease; washable; springs flat | Can feel tacky / attracts dust | Good for rough outdoor use |
| Mousepad (neoprene) | Lies dead-flat; great piece glide | Thicker to pack; heavier | Best “feel”, less compact |
Public & Outdoor Play
In parks and city squares, the winning combo is plastic pieces + roll-up vinyl/silicone board: light, tough and cheap — perfect for blitz and community games.
Chess Tables — Indoors & Outdoors
A chess table integrates the board into the furniture. Indoors it creates a permanent, elegant corner; outdoors (parks) tables are usually weatherproof concrete or metal.
Reference sizes used in tournaments (helpful if you commission furniture): approx. L 110 cm (±15%) × W 85 cm (±15%) × H 74 cm.
Electronic & Smart Boards
DGT e-boards (USB/Bluetooth) can connect multiple tables for live broadcasting, store games, and sync OTB ↔ online — ideal for clubs, events and streams.
Clocks & Time Controls
- Increment (Fischer): time is added after every move (international standard).
- Delay: a short delay before the clock starts counting down (common in the US).
Choose clocks that support both modes, have non-glare displays and silent buttons. Add a clock to any serious setup: browse chess clocks.
Care & Maintenance
- Solid wood: dust softly; re-oil or wax occasionally; avoid direct sun and heaters.
- Veneer: treat like premium furniture; protect edges from knocks; deep damage is hard to fix.
- Plastic/metal/resin: wipe with a damp cloth; avoid harsh solvents.
- Roll-ups: vinyl — flatten with gentle warmth + weight; silicone — wash; mousepad — air dry.
Pick by Purpose
- Tournament / pro training: Staunton 5–6, squares 2.0″–2.5″, weighted pieces, reliable clock.
- Home & family: Staunton 4–5; folding case for quick storage or a fixed chess table corner.
- Schools / coaches: plastic pieces + roll-up or composite boards — stackable and durable.
- Travel / compact desk: 3.25–3.5″ king; roll-up or small folding case.
- Diversion / décor: choose what inspires you — aesthetics motivate play.
Price Tiers & Value
- Entry: plastic + roll-up/composite board — ultra-portable, stress-free.
- Mid: weighted wooden pieces + veneered or solid-edge board — best feel vs. price.
- Premium: solid-wood board with artisan finish + weighted wooden pieces — heirloom potential.
- Bespoke: custom dimensions, exotic woods, engraving — tailored to your interior.
Ready to choose?
Sources & Further reading
- FIDE – Standards of Chess Equipment
- FIDE – Laws of Chess (2023)
- US Chess – Official Rules of Chess (7th ed.)
- Chess.com – Chess Board Dimensions
APA: ChessboArt. (2025). How to choose the perfect chess set. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from https://chessboart.com/blogs/guides/how-to-choose-the-perfect-chess-set
MLA: “How to Choose the Perfect Chess Set.” ChessboArt, 2025, https://chessboart.com/blogs/guides/how-to-choose-the-perfect-chess-set.