How do I Choose the Right Chess Set?


✅ 5 Steps for Choosing the Perfect Chess Set

1. Foldable or fixed?

Looking for a neat, easy-to-store set? Choose a folding chessboard , where the pieces are kept inside the board. Want to build your own set with quality parts? Choose a solid chessboard and pieces separately – you can choose the style and combination that suits you best.

2. For home use, travel or tournament play?

Travel chess is light and compact, often magnetic – perfect for holidays or on the go. For home use we recommend sturdy wooden sets ( point 3. ). For tournament players, an official- sized, weighted and stylish set is suitable.

3. Style – Formal (Classic), Traditional or Decorative?

Both official and traditional chess sets are ideal for home use.

The difference between traditional and official sets is that in official sets the proportions correspond exactly to the sets used in tournaments, where the chess pieces are most often of the Staunton model .

Traditional sets, on the other hand, may have more decorative and individual features on both the board and the pieces, which is why they are not classified as "official" by modern standards.

More ornate chess sets, such as the Ambassador or Orawa sets, are often larger and feature distinct hand-carved, decorative details on the chess pieces. These sets serve as striking home décor pieces and make excellent gifts for special occasions.

4. Suitable size – choose matching board and pieces

If you want to choose a chessboard and pieces separately , make sure that both are of the same size (e.g. Chessboard No. 5 & Chess Pieces No. 5 ). This way the parts will fit together in terms of dimensions.

(*If the board has a plus sign, such as “No. 5+” , this means it will work with both No. 5 and No. 6 chess pieces.)

If you don't want to think about size any further, choose No. 5. This is the most common and used size internationally. In this size, the chessboard is 48 x 48 cm, with 50 x 50 mm squares and the King height of the pieces is approx. 89 mm.

Also remember: compatibility is not just about dimensions – choose a style and color scheme that pleases your own eye .

If you choose a ready-made chess set , you can be sure that the pieces and board will fit together perfectly.

👉 See our ready-made chess sets here .

5. Do you need additional supplies?

A high-quality and stylish storage box keeps the chess pieces secure and in good condition. A chess clock brings an official feel and time management to the game.

 

Chessboard Walnut and Chess Pieces Reykjavik Staunton


DIMENSIONS / SIZE

Chess boards and pieces come in different sizes, and compatibility is key.

The combination of a chessboard and suitable chess pieces depends on the size of the squares on the chessboard, which determines the appropriate size for the chess pieces and vice versa.

 To make it easier to match chessboards and pieces, all our offered sizes are numbered. When you choose a chessboard and pieces with the same number, you can be sure that they will fit together perfectly.

For home use, while still maintaining FIDE standards, size No. 5 is probably your best choice. It balances the authenticity of a tournament layout with the practicality of a home environment. This size is large enough to feel luxurious and professional, but still fits comfortably in a typical home environment.

If space and a more authentic tournament experience are not an obstacle, the size No. 6 is an excellent choice.


When you choose the same number for both the chessboard and the chess pieces , you can be sure that they will match perfectly.

 

Chessboard Mahogany & Chess Pieces German Staunton Black


 If you decide to choose ready-made set of a chessboard and a set of pieces , you can be sure that they will fit together perfectly.

If you already own some great chess pieces and just need a new board, or vice versa, the following guide will help you choose the right sizes:

 

No. 3+ Squares 35 x 35 mm = King height 65-70 mm

No. 4 Squares 40 x 40 mm = King height 76-80 mm

No. 4+ Squares 45 x 45 mm = King height 76-86 mm

No. 5 Squares 50 x 50 mm = King height 86-95 mm

No. 5+ Squares 55 x 55 mm = King height 95-98 mm

No. 6 Squares 58 x 58 mm = King height 98-101 mm

No. 6+ Squares 60 x 60 mm = King height 101 mm+


CHESS PIECES

Most professional players prefer the Staunton style chess pieces, which are available in both wood and plastic. If you head south on holiday, you may also come across games with stone pieces, but these are mainly decorative and are rarely used in tournaments or similar situations.

 

Supreme Staunton Chess Pieces

 

In our selection you will also find various decorative chess piece options, such as the SHEIKH pieces or the Russian style of onion-shaped pieces , which you may be familiar with from the 'Queen's Gambit' series.

👉 See all wooden chess pieces here .

CHESSBOARD

The squares on chessboards are usually either light and dark, either black and white, or shades of white and brown.

For those interested in high-quality chessboard options, we recommend considering mahogany, wenge, or luxurious padauk wood.

See all wooden chessboards here.

Plastic chessboards are durable and easy to clean if necessary, should an enthusiastic player spill a soft drink or coffee.

 

Chessboard LUX

 

CHESS NOTATION / COORDINATES

Many of our chessboards have markings on the edges of the board that contain the coordinates in numbers and letters for each square.

The letters A to H and the numbers 1 to 8. This notation helps both in recording your own moves and in keeping track of the position, for example when using a chess book.

 

Chessboard BLACK - With coordinates



STORAGE BOX FOR CHESS PIECES

Purchasing a quality chess piece box when ordering a chess board and pieces is a smart decision. The storage box ensures safe storage of the pieces and prevents them from being damaged. This improves the playing experience and significantly extends the life of the pieces.

 

High Quality Storage Box for Chess Pieces - Walnut

 

WEIGHT

The weight of the chess pieces depends on the amount of iron in their base. Generally, more weight means better stability.

 

CHESS CLOCK

Also consider a chess clock when ordering your chess board and pieces. A chess clock enhances the game, provides timing features, and ensures a fair, fun, and authentic match experience. A handy addition that will make your chess game even better.

👉See all chess clocks here .

 

DGT 2500 - Easy-to-use and stylish digital chess clock

 

 

ADVICE & HELP

If you need further guidance or assistance, we are ready to help via chat, email , or phone.

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