Ready to buy your first chess set? Even if you are a beginner and still learning how to play chess, you should have a good chess set that is just right on the budget.
For my kids, I bought two types of chess sets, I wanted to buy them magnetic chess set for travel, and another one that is foldable like a silicone chess board. They loved it, and I think the style and design of the chess sets are the best way to encourage them to learn.
In this post, I want to show you some chess set options that are good for your budget, works for beginners, and great for children.
Below are the top 25 recommended chess sets for beginners!
Table of Contents
1. Mini Chess House Club Chess Set
This is a great small club style chess set good for playing at home or on the go. It's the pint-sized of the club-style chess set with a 14″ square size. The pieces are 2 1/2″ tall and identical in class, but the shorter size of the club pieces used in clubs and competitions. Imprinted with the Chess House logo in the vinyl chessboard, it rolls up well when not in use.
Beginners can learn and practice their coordinates with the 1-8 and A-H system.
Specifications:
- Chessboard size: 14″
- Square size: 1.5″
- King height: 2 1/2″
- Pawn: 1 1/4 “
- King base: 1″
- 32 Pieces
Check Product Here: If you want a chess set that fits perfectly on a small table, this is best for you! Check the latest price here!
2. Magnetic Folding Travel Chess and Checker Set – Small
This mini size magnetic travel chess and checker set show a stand on, separate plastic box that meets up to a 9″ by 9″ chessboard with a 1 1/16″ squares and closes compactly to store all the chess and checker pieces for travel or storage. The strong definite magnetic chess pieces are white and black solid plastic and come with felt on the bottom. It's strongly an option to utilize this set as a prize or reward for students or for traveling!
Specifications:
- King height: 2″
- Board size: 9 13/16″
- Board closed: 9 3/16″x4 7/8″
- Board height when closed: 1 9/16″
Check Product Here: Want to bring a chess set at work, this is perfect for you! Check the latest price here!
3. Chess4Life Mini Chess Set
The Analysis Chess set is excellent for playing or analyzing games in a tinier area at only 14 inches (35.56 cm) square. This small version of the club chess set is perfect for student desks, home study, traveling players or just any time you need to play for a cheap club Staunton set in a fixed slot.
Specifications:
- Plastic club-style pieces with felt bases.
- King size: 2 1/2″ tall, 1″ base.
- Vinyl roll-up board, 14″ square, with 1 1/2″ squares
Check Product Here: If you are looking for a smaller chess set that you can bring to your favorite place! Check the latest price here!
4. 17″ Classroom Chess Set
Specifications:
Pieces
- 3″ King Height
- 1 1/4 King Base
- 32 pieces, No extra Queens
- Paper felt bases
These 3″ miniature pieces are a little smaller than the standard club size chessmen (3 3/4″) used for beginners in classrooms, clubs, and events. Its advantage is that the mini size of these pieces is large enough to hold by young or adults, though small enough to be fitted to the 17″ board size. This means that you can place more sets per playing slot and suit any table that is not spacious enough for a full-size board.
Board
- Board size: 17″
- Square size:1 7/8″ (1.875)
This vinyl roll-up board is slightly smaller than the big size standard, hence perfect for classrooms that have tinier table surfaces or any time a larger compact design of chess piece is required. Its fine, long-lasting, and lightweight characteristics can be readily roll-up to a carry bag or stored flat on a desk.
Choose 3″ club pieces with this board can give a comforting layout. Full size 3 3/4″ club pieces will also work great.
Bag
- Bag size: 9.5″ by 7.5″
This bag is useful for storage and safe-keeping of pint-sized that are 3.75″ or less club chess pieces. It has a quality characteristic and air with extra protection in the cushioned interior. You'll need a couple of these for larger storage.
Check Product Here: If you want to play with a flexible chess set, then this is what you are looking for! Check the latest price here!
5. 12″ Magnetic Travel Chess Set in Black and Boxwood
Specifications:
- Storage Case: 13 1/4×13 1/4×2″ (337×337×51 mm)
- Weight: 3.8 lbs.
Board
- Board size: 11 7/8×11 7/8×1/2″ (300×300×13 mm)
- Square size: 1 3/16″ (30 mm)
- Entire base green billiard felted
Pieces
- King height: 2 1/4″ (57 mm)
- King base: 15/16″ (24 mm)
- King weight: .3 oz (113.4 g)
- Pawn height: 1 3/16″ (30 mm)
- 32 Chessmen — No extra queen
- The green cloth felt bases.
Check Product Here: This is a game of really cool chess set with a nice protective case! Check the latest price here!
6. 8″ Play-Keeper Magnetic Chess Set
A presentation of bright felt finesse of true wood grain Rosewood and Boxwood with 32 chessmen
- Felted chessboard protects any side from rasping
- 8×8″ chessboard
- Easy replacement of lost chess pieces from Chess House
- The game can be stored in-play and continued later
- Made in India
Specifications:
- Storage Case: 9×8 3/4×2 1/2″ (22.8×22.2×6.3 cm)
- Weight: 2 lb 7 oz
Board
- Board size: 7 7/8×7 7/8×3/8″ (20×20×1 cm)
- Square size: 3/4″ (2 cm)
- Entire base green billiard felted
Pieces
- King height: 1 1/4″ (3.2 cm)
- King base: 1/2″ (1.2 cm)
- Pawn height: 3/4″ (1.9 cm)
- 32 Chessmen — No extra queen
- The green cloth felt bases.
Check Product Here Want nice chess set at the right price! Check the latest price here!
7. Inspiration Flex Pad Chess Set Combo (Extra Weighted)
Inspiration Design Triple Weight Pieces:
- King height: 3 3/4″
- King base: 1 5/8″
- King weight: 2.5 oz
- Set weight: 3lbs
- 2 Extra queens
- Includes two white drawstring bags
- Easy piece replacements
Flex Pad Chess Board:
- Board size: 20″ x 20″
- Square size: 2 1/4″
- Weight: 9.8 oz (40% heavier than the vinyl board)
- Thickness: 1/16
Deluxe Chess Bag:
- 24″ x 8″ x 3″ Standard size fits all sets up to 4 1/4″ tall (even with extra queens)
- Strong stitching and quality zippers for long-lasting durability
- Protect your equipment with well-padded design
- Easy to carry balanced design
- Carry your favorite clock
Check Product Here: A chess set that is perfect for the family! Check the latest price here!
8. Chess Set for the Blind – 3.25 inch King
This set is made especially for the blind and has very limited vision players. It has numerous classification for a convenient and enjoyable chess game playing.
Specifications:
- King height: 3 1/4″ (black), 3 1/8″ (white) with 1 3/8″ Bases and .7oz weight
- Board size: 12″ x 12″ x 3/4″
- Square size: 1 3/8″ (1.38″)
- Piece set weight 13.9 oz
- Total set weight: 43 oz
Check Product Here: A game of perfect chess set for people with determination, especially the blind! Check the latest price here!
9. Emisario Flex Pad Deluxe Combo
A Flex Pad Chessboard with a 1/16″ thickness can be rolled up and folded as well when wanted. It has added a 12×9″ loop style vinyl or deluxe bag to hold it all plus accessories for easy carrying and storage.
Emisario Design Triple Weight Pieces:
- King height: 3 3/4″
- King base: 1 3/4″
- King weight: 2.4 oz.
- Set weight: 3.07 lbs
- 2 queens per color
Flex Pad Chess Board:
- Board size: 20″ x 20″
- Square size: 2 1/4″
- Weight: 9.8 oz. (40% heavier than the vinyl board)
- Thickness: 1/16″
- Made in the USA
Deluxe Chess Bag:
- 24″ x 8″ x 3″ Standard size fits all sets up to 4 1/4″ tall (even with extra queens)
- Strong stitching and quality zippers for long-lasting durability
- Protect your equipment with well-padded design
- Easy to carry balanced design
- Carry your favorite clock
Check Product Here: High quality finishes and fine detail set of chess pieces! Check the latest price here!
10. Chess House Club Chess Set Combo
Chess House gives a replacement easily, whether it's 6 months or 10 years old, if you ever lose a chess piece.
Staunton Club Chess Pieces
- 34 durable chess pieces (including 2 bonus Queens)
- King height: 3 7/8″
- King base: 1 1/2″
- Set weight: 16.0 oz.
- Green felt bases
- Easy piece replacements
Roll-up Chessboard
- Board size: 20″ x 20″
- 2 1/4″ squares
- Minimal vinyl odor design
- TIP: For storage, be sure to roll chessboard with squares outward to ensure board lays flat.
Convenient Bag
- 12″ x 9″ design holds chessmen
- Zipped enclosure
- Loop for roll-up board
Check Product Here: This is a great starter chess set that is of good quality! Check the latest price here!
11. Basic Club Chess Set
The basic club chess pieces together with a basic roll up the chess board, which is ideal for beginners! Perfect for tournament clubs and if you are looking for a budget chess set!
Specifications:
Basic Club Chess Pieces
- Set of 34 pieces
- King size: 3 3/4″ tall
- King base: 1.45″
- Set weight: 1lb
- Paper felt base
Basic Vinyl Roll-up Chessboard
- Board size: 20″ x 20″
- 2 1/4″ squares
- Clear, readable algebraic coordinates
Check Product Here: Basic but perfect for beginners! Check the latest price here!
12. Chess House Club Chess Set
In addition to its beautiful new style, the Staunton chess pieces are a friendly beige and black rather than the general black and white.
The official style chessboard that is very comfortable to store in bulk or rolled up with a loop and pouch bag is the roll-up vinyl Chess House mat.
Staunton Club Chess Pieces
- 34 durable chess pieces (including 2 bonus Queens)
- King height: 3 7/8″
- King base: 1 1/2″
- Set weight: 16.0 oz.
- Green felted bottoms
Vinyl Roll-up Chessboard
- Board size: 20″ x 20″
- 2 1/4″ squares
- Minimal vinyl odor design
- TIP: For storage, be sure to roll chessboard with squares outward to ensure board lays flat.
Check Product Here: Good weight and quality chess set! Check the latest price here!
13. Chess4Life Starter Set
This chess set has a vinyl mat that can be stocked flat or rolled up.
Solid Club Chess Pieces
- King height: 3 3/4″
- King base: 1 1/2″
- King weight: 18.2 oz.
- Felt base
- 34 chess pieces (including 2 bonus Queens)
- Easy piece replacements
Roll-up Chessboard
- Board size: 20″ x 20″
- 2 1/4″ squares
- TIP: For storage, be sure to roll chessboard with squares outward to ensure board lays flat.
Check Product Here: A chess set that you can’t find anywhere else! Check the latest price here!
14. Quality Club Flex Pad Chess Set Combo
This special chess set is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to own an extra-strong and comfortable club chess set in a regular size. These sets cater to an upgraded experience above the basic level of chess sets for personal, club, or school use.
It includes a new style of the shoulder strap, which will make it even easier for you to handle your chess set and other stuff you need to carry.
Quality Club Special Chess Pieces:
- 32 solid plastic pieces
- King: 3 3/4″ tall, 1 1/2″ base
- Paper-felt base
- 1lb, 1oz.
Flex Pad Chess Board:
- Board size: 20″ x 20″
- Square size: 2 1/4″
- Weight: 9.8 oz (40% heavier than the vinyl board)
Deluxe Chess Bag:
- 24″ x 8″ x 3″ Standard size fits all sets up to 4 1/4″ tall (even with extra queens)
- Strong stitching and quality zippers for long-lasting durability
- Protect your equipment with well-padded design
- Easy to carry balanced design
- Carry your favorite clock
- Thickness: 1/16″
Check Product Here: Another beautiful chess set for beginners that are weighted! Check the latest price here!
15. Mini Chess House Chess Set with Wood Pieces
Specifications:
- Chessboard size: 14″
- Square size: 1.5″
- King height: 3″
- Pawn: 1 7/16″
- King base: 1 3/16″
Just contact Chess House for a replacement if a chess piece is ever missing.
Check Product Here: The foldable and perfect size of the vinyl chess board! Check the latest price here!
16. Timeless Flex Chess Set
The layout of this Timeless chess set is excellent for players of all ages and skill levels. It's a smooth-playing combo Flex pad chessboard that looks good and fascinating.
The wooden board is carved, polished, and have great finesse, without sharp points to damage. It can last years of chess play. You can select any of the variety of colors where the flex pad surface plays perfectly with these pieces.
Among the best, it can store compressively by folding or rolling of the board with a 1/16″ thickness. It includes drawstring chess bags where the pieces are placed.
The Chess House company guarantees easy lifetime replacements if you ever lose or break a piece of a chess set.
The Pieces
- King height: 3 3/4″
- King base: 1 7/16″
- King weight: 1.4 oz.
- Set weight: 33 oz.
- Pawn height: 1 7/8″
- 34 Chessmen (extra queens)
- Made in India
The Board
- The green cloth felt bottoms
- Board size: 20″ x 20″
- Square size: 2″
- Weight: 9.8 oz.
- Thickness: 1/16″
- Made in the USA
Check Product Here: Wooden chess pieces with flex pad chess board! Check the latest price here!
17. Classic Wood Chess Set
The classic wooden chess set is 19″ square with a 3 1/2″ tall King that is affordable and cheap.
This economical Classic Wood Chess Set is truly wonderful with felted pieces that glide effortlessly across the Mahogany/Maple surface. It's a great gift to buy for merely any chess enthusiast.
The mahogany wood chessboard has a delicate finesse and very good coordinates that aid in recording games on chess notebooks or replaying and reviewing your games or from the hall of fame players.
Pieces
- King height: 3 1/2″
- Base size: 1 3/8″
- King weight: 1 oz.
- Weight of set: 18.6 oz.
Board
- Board size: 19″
- Square size: 2″
- Birchwood and Mahogany
- Made in Poland
- Felts to protect table surfaces
Check Product Here: A decent chess board with decent chess wood pieces! Check the latest price here!
18. 18″ Indian Wooden Chess Set
This Indian chess set is made in Poland with well finesse quality. Its tall, slender pieces in contrasting black and medium woods show a distinctive Indian blueprint. Suitable for home use or display decoration, this 19″ square chess set is relatively big with board characteristics coordinates unusually found on wooden chess sets.
Specifications:
- Board size: 18.25″ x 18.25″ x 1.2″
- Square size: 1 7/8″
- Board size when folded: 18.5″ x 9.25″ x 2.4″
- King size: 3 5/8″
- Pawn size: 2 1/16″
- Base size: 1 3/16″
- Green felt bases
- King weight: 0.3 ounces
- Set weight: 4.4lb
Check Product Here: A smooth feeling wood chess pieces perfect for practice! Check the latest price here!
19. KINGS Wooden Chess Set, 11 1/4″ Square
A carefree, petty, and stylish chess set, straying from standard Staunton design is convenient for home. Etched rank and file coordinates aid beginning players and reasserts forgetful experts. After playing, slide a hand-full of pieces inside the folded box, then close it tightly.
The chessboard is made of beach wood, and pieces are made of sycamore wood with felt bases keeping a scratch-free surface.
Hand-carved, stripped, and etched by Polish craftsmen and women. They are justly compensated and are lucky enough to expose their trade and skill.
- Board size: 11 1/4″
- Square size: 1 1/4″
- Board size when folded: 11 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ x 1 3/4″
- King height: 3″
- King base: 1″
- Set weight: 4.9 ounces
- Pieces not magnetic
Check Product Here: A game of beautiful and decorative chess set excellent for beginners! Check the latest price here!
20. 16″ Junior Wooden Chess Set
Made in Poland, the folding wooden chessboard and the chess set pieces are both immensely elegant and special with its fine details that you'll be fascinated. A lovely rich reddish-brown and light wood colors compliment each other beautifully between chessboard and pieces. It is designed with a rope-shaped carved into the entire board with a lightly “western” touch.
It has algebraic coordinates rarely found on this non-magnetic chessboard. Also, it has an opposing light and dark queen features where the white king and queen have black tips, and likewise with the black king and queen.
Specifications:
- Board size: 16″ x 16″ x 1″
- Board size when folded: 16″ x 8″ x 2″
- Square size: 1 5/8″
- King height: 3″
- King base: 1 1/4″
- King weight: 0.5 oz
- Pawn size: 1 7/16″
- Green felt bases
- Set weight: 40.3 oz
Check Product Here:This chess set is admired for its excellent craftsmanship! Check the latest price here!
Wrapping Up
I hope you were able to see all the options above, although I find all of them are really good for beginners, it all depends on how and where you are going to use the chess set!
Even as a beginner, you may want to buy the best-looking chess set for practice only, or you just want to have a chess set that you can easily bring to your office and play during your idle time.
You need to ask yourself what is your primary purpose before you buy a chess set!
