Best Chess Sets for Beginners: What to Look For

Starting out in chess can be an exciting experience, but with so many chess sets available online, choosing the right one can be a little overwhelming. Should you go for wood or plastic? Weighted or unweighted? And what size is best?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in a beginner-friendly chess set - and share a few tips to help you pick the perfect one.

Simplicity Is Key

When you’re learning the game, it’s important to choose a chess set with clear, recognisable pieces. The standard Staunton design is ideal for this. It’s used in clubs and tournaments worldwide and features easily distinguishable shapes for each piece. Avoid overly decorative or themed sets at first - while fascinating, they can make it harder to tell the pieces apart quickly.

Go for a Practical Size

Size matters, especially for beginners who are just getting used to moving pieces and understanding board layout. As a general rule:

• A king height of 3 to 3.5 inches (7.6 - 8.9cm) is a good, comfortable size for most players.
• The board’s square size should be roughly 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 - 5.1cm), depending on the king’s base diameter.

A slightly larger board and pieces help new players see the game more clearly and avoid crowded or cramped play.

Weighted Pieces Make a Difference

While not essential, weighted pieces are a big plus for beginners. They’re more stable, less likely to topple, and offer a satisfying feel in the hand. If you’re choosing between two otherwise similar sets, the weighted one will often feel noticeably better to play with. The vast majority of our wooden Staunton chessmen are weighted.

Choose Durable Materials

Beginners tend to use their sets frequently - sometimes roughly - so durability is important. Here are a few good options:

• Plastic sets: Affordable, sturdy, and widely used in schools and clubs.
• Ebonised or lacquered wood: A step up in quality without the high cost of exotic woods.
• Vinyl roll-up boards: Great for portability and storage if you’re short on space.

If you want something a bit more elegant for home use, a basic wooden chess set with a veneer board is both durable and attractive.

Consider a Complete Set or Bundle

Rather than buying the board and pieces separately, beginners often benefit from a pre-matched chess set. These bundles take the guesswork out of pairing the right sizes and styles, and often include extras like a box or even a clock. They’re convenient, cost-effective, and professionally matched to look just right.

Bonus Features to Look For

If you’re buying a chess set for a child or a complete beginner, here are a few extras that might be helpful:

• Notation on the board (algebraic coordinates) to help with learning notation and following puzzles.
• A storage box or bag to keep the pieces organised
• An instruction leaflet or beginner’s guide to get started with the basics. Our chess rules booklet comes as standard with all our sets and pieces.
  
  

Conclusion

When choosing your first chess set, focus on practicality, durability, and ease of use. A simple Staunton-style design, ideally with weighted pieces and a matching board, will serve you well whether you’re learning on your own or playing casually with others.

At Regency Chess, we offer a wide range of beginner-friendly sets. Many come pre-matched and ready to play, so you can get started with confidence.