Which chess set for a child? The guide by age
Contents · 6 sections
For a child aged 6 to 8, the right first set measures 29 to 35 cm, with magnetic pieces, a 5 to 6.5 cm king and coordinates on the edge. Under 6, go for a simple, sturdy set. From 9 or 10, move up to a proper 38 to 40 cm set, the one that will take them all the way to the club.
This guide gives the right set for each age, the features that really matter and the safety precautions. All our suitable models are in our chess sets for kids.
- Ages 3 to 5: discovery, a sturdy set and pieces that are easy to pick up, always with an adult.
- Ages 6 to 8: a first proper set of 29 to 35 cm, magnetic, with coordinates.
- Ages 9 to 12: a complete 38 to 40 cm set, king of about 7.5 to 8 cm.
- Small pieces and magnets are not suitable for children under 3.
The right set for each age
| Age | What they do | Board | King | Recommended type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 | recognises the pieces, plays mini-games | 29 to 35 cm | 5 to 6 cm | sturdy set, stable pieces, with an adult |
| 6 to 8 | learns the rules, first games | 29 to 35 cm | 5 to 6.5 cm | magnetic, coordinates on the edge |
| 9 to 12 | full games, first tournaments | 38 to 40 cm | 7.5 to 8 cm | complete wooden set, folding or boxed |
| Teenager | plays like an adult, sometimes at a club | 40 to 51 cm | 8 to 9.5 cm | living-room set or tournament size |
Swipe the table to see all columns.
These pointers follow the usual age, not a rule: a 7-year-old who already plays at a club can go straight to a 38 cm set. Our guide to chess board sizes sets out the measurements.
Ages 3 to 5: discovering without getting discouraged
At this age, children mainly learn the names of the pieces and how they move, often through mini-games (the pawn race, the jumping knight). They need a sturdy set, pieces big enough for their fingers and an adult alongside. There's no point investing in a beautiful set: it will be dropped, carried around and used for a thousand other games.
Ages 6 to 8: the first proper set
This is the age when most children learn the full rules. A 29 to 35 cm board fits on a small table, and magnetic pieces stay put when an arm sweeps over the board. Coordinates printed on the edge (a to h, 1 to 8) help them follow a lesson or an app.
Ages 9 to 12: a set that lasts
Children now play whole games and sometimes start at a club. Give them a complete 38 to 40 cm wooden set that they'll keep for several years. A box combining chess and draughts, with a rule booklet, keeps the fun going when their friends don't play chess.
Teenagers: an adult's set
A teenager who plays regularly appreciates the same equipment as an adult: a beautiful 39 to 45 cm living-room set, or the tournament size if they play at a club, with a clock to practise time controls.
The five features that matter
- Pieces that are easy to recognise. The Staunton style, used in clubs, has pieces you can tell apart at a glance. Avoid novelty pieces for learning: a child should be able to tell the bishop from the pawn without hesitating.
- Pieces that stay put. With a magnetic board, the game doesn't stop when the board is knocked. It's the feature that prevents the most arguments.
- A size that suits them. Too small and the set is frustrating; too big and the child can't see the whole board. Follow the table above.
- Coordinates on the edge. They let children learn notation and follow a lesson, a book or an app.
- Built-in storage. A folding board that stores the pieces stops one going missing after every game.
Magnetic or classic? For a child under 10, magnetic almost always wins. Our comparison of magnetic and wooden chess sets explains the choice.
Safety: what to check
- Small parts. Most chess sets contain parts that a child under 3 could swallow. Keep the set out of reach of the youngest members of the household.
- Magnets. A swallowed magnet is dangerous, especially if there are two. On a magnetic set, check that the magnets are firmly set into the pieces, and follow the age given by the manufacturer.
- The recommended age. It's shown on every product page. Some magnetic sets are recommended from age 14 because of their magnets: in that case, choose another model for a young child.
What goes well with the gift
A chess set soon ends up in the cupboard if there's no one to play with. Three extras make all the difference: a beginner's book suited to their age, an app or learning website so they can play on their own, and the address of the nearest club, where many children start from age 6 or 7. A 3-in-1 box, with draughts and backgammon, also lets the whole family play, including those who don't know chess.
Our pick for children
A pocket set for journeys, a first 3-in-1 magnetic set, and a chess and draughts box for older children.
See also all our chess gift ideas for children.
