Wooden chess sets

How to choose a wooden chess set

Start with how you will use it. To play often, go for a reasonably large board and pieces that feel stable in the hand. To display it, look first at the contrast of the squares and the finish, which you will see all year round. To carry it around, a folding model with interior storage keeps the pieces safe.

• Folding with storage: the board closes like a briefcase, with the pieces in slots. It is the most common format, in 39 or 40 cm, like our 39 cm folding set with Staunton pieces and 2 extra queens.
• With drawers: the board stays flat and the pieces are stored underneath, handy on a piece of furniture.
• Magnetic: the magnetic pieces stay put in the car or on the train, see our magnetic chess sets.
• 3-in-1: one case for chess, draughts and backgammon, see our 3-in-1 sets.

Woods and finishes

Manufacturers don't always state the exact wood. When they do, we put it on the product page (sapele, walnut-coloured MDF…); otherwise, we simply say wood. To the eye, a good board has crisp, well-contrasted squares, aligned hinges and clasps that close without forcing. Felt-based pieces glide without scratching the board.

What size wooden chess set?

From 24 to 29 cm, the set is compact: travel, children, a café table. From 34 to 40 cm, it is the family size, with a king of 6.5 to 8 cm. From 44 cm upwards, you are getting close to club comfort. The table below sums up the key measurements.