A game of chess has always been a classic. It is a game that has been around for centuries. It’s not only fun but also teaches valuable skills like strategy and patience. It has been around for centuries, and people are still as engaged in playing it as ever. Choosing the best chess board can rather be difficult. For most people, all chessboards may seem the same. But you’ll be surprised at the different varieties you’ll find these days.
You’ll want to pick the right chess board to play your best game!
In this blog post, I’ll review six of the most popular chess boards on the market: wood, plastic, and marble. I will cover each board’s pros and cons and which ones are best for different budgets. So whether you’re looking for a cheap starter set or an extravagant gift, read on to find out which one is perfect for you!
Below are our best recommendations that you should look into. We’ll also provide you with a guide on how to buy the right one!
Here’s a comparison table to guide you
Table of Contents
Best Chess Board: Comparison Table
Products Reviews of the 6 Best Chess Board from Amazon
01- Chess Central the Jarilo
Chess Central’s Carpathian Collection offers intricate and decorative designed chess pieces. These are made of Sycamore and Hornbeam wood, both found in European forests. Also known as Ironwood, hornbeam wood gives the white pieces a timely elegance while the Sycamore wood exudes sophistication. The finest Carpathian artisans intricately design the whole set without having to break the bank.
The set was inspired and named after Jarilo, a Slavic war god. Because of its intricate and smooth design, it’s considered a deluxe set. It can also be folded so that the chess pieces can be inserted inside with ease. It also has a burnt ornamental design with decorated borders to fit any office or home.
The European Carpathian Mountains are home to legends like vampires and dragons. These legends and myths have been known to exist for centuries. To honor the traditions, the artisans who crafted this set intricately designed each wood carving to show the beautiful history of the region.
Here are some of its features:
- Includes felt pads
- Decorated edges
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Handcrafted
- Wooden chess pieces
- Intricate carvings
- No lead weights
- Hornbeam/Ironwood white pieces
- Sycamore dark brown pieces
- Birch and beach wood board
The package includes an interactive e-book named Play Chess Have Fun! You’ll understand the rules and how to make the tactics and plans you will need to win.
It includes the rules you need to know and a guide on the best strategies to beat your opponent. This allows you to play well with the set, even if you’re a total beginner. The e-book is downloadable and can be found inside the set.
While the chess pieces are made from Hornbeam, and Sycamore wood, the board, on the other hand, is a mixture of birch and beach wood. There are no lead weights on any of the pieces or board. The set is durable and sturdy and can be easily brought with you anywhere you please.
The chessboard can be folded in the center, but when it lies flat, it has a dimension of 21×21. Although primarily for chess, you can also use this board for checkers.
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Felt pads included
- Tall chess pieces
- Compact
- Portable
- Elegant
- No extra chess pieces
- It can be too light for some
02- Wegiel Handmade Wooden Tournament Chess Board
Looking for something more professional? Check out Wegiel’s Professional Chess Board. It’s a tournament-grade board that can take you from beginner to pro in no time. The finish is beautifully made. The board is handmade and used sycamore and mahogany to produce it.
This tournament-level board is handcrafted and has a classic feel to it. It might look lightweight, but it’s not too light that it can easily get knocked down. It’s one of the best chess boards on this list that can be used both by beginners and pros alike. It’s not too expensive for a chessboard that can be used for tournaments too. Wegiel may not be the cheapest, but they offer the lowest price for professional or tournament chess boards.
To help you keep up with the moves and scores, there are algebraic notations available on the side of the board. To keep the classic feel to it, the chessboard is made with sycamore and mahogany. It is inlaid with wood and sealed with dirt and moisture-repelling finishing keeping it looking elegant for a long time.
Let’s take a look at some of its features.
- Tournament standard sizing
- Classic design
- Made with Sycamore and Mahogany
- Includes algebraic coordinates
- Felt bottom
- Includes numbers on the borders
- Weighted pieces
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Staunton pattern
This wooden chess board can be used as one of your collectible displays at home or at your office with high-quality craftsmanship. To help keep the board in place and from sliding over, there are 4 felted feet at the bottom.
Wegiel is a Poland-based company that has been in the business of producing chess board sets since 1964. They’ve been known to create handcrafted pieces since then. The feedback from customers is promising too. They promise high-quality pieces that aren’t too expensive while being durable and elegant.
Each piece has been carved with special detail and attention. The high quality can be seen at first glance. They also provide one of the best chess sets in the world. The beautiful handcrafted details make this set a classic that both beginner and pro chess players will appreciate and enjoy for many years to come. Moreover, the Staunton patterns and the edges make this piece a timeless classic. Even the queens and the kings both have crowns incorporated into them.
- Handcrafted
- Professional board
- Tournament sizing
- Wood pieces
- Felt bottom
- Inexpensive
- Classic design
- No extra queens
- Not portable
03- Antochia Crafts Chrome Plated Wooden Chess Board
Chess players surely won’t get bored with this wonderful set. If you’re looking for something that’s like playing an enchanting game of wizard chess, then you should give this marbled wooden chess board a chance.
Apart from its unique aesthetic, it can look good in any home or study area. It will add a nice décor that will make your space more lively and interesting. With the board’s glossy finish, this set will surely be a conversation starter for any of your guests.
Antochia Crafts have been known for handmade chess boards that look like art pieces. They’re great gifts for chess collector enthusiasts. They are also not just aesthetically pleasing – they’re also durable and sturdy.
Although it has a glossy marble design, the board is completely made out of wood. The quality material used for the chess pieces is metal, which gives it a shiny look that looks like the set was made a long time ago. It’s very eye-catching, and it can level up your game.
Below are some of its features.
- Marble design
- Wooden chessboard
- Iron-cast chess pieces
- Glossy coating
- 32 Metal Figures
- 3 kg board
- Bronze and silver finishing chess pieces
- Durable
- Non-tarnish
- Classic design
- Black and white chessboard
- Coated wood
If you’re new to chess, this is also a great set. You can learn about chess and its strategies while being able to add a collection to your home. The aesthetic will make you feel like you’re playing with the elites or rather.
It certainly adds a different kind of atmosphere to it. Even if you’re still new to chess, you’ll certainly enjoy playing using this set. The materials used for the board and the chess pieces make this set a worthwhile purchase. It can last you a long time, and you can even pass it on as an heirloom, even if it doesn’t cost as much. Everyone in your family can enjoy playing chess, whether they are young or old.
- Classic design
- Weighs 3 kg
- Iron chess pieces
- Bronze and silver chess piece finishing
- Wooden board
- Glossy finish
- Marble design
- No felt lining
- The surface can be scratched
04- Palm Royal Handicrafts Acacia Tournament Folding Chess Board
One of the best things about chess is that it’s a sport that you can carry anywhere as long as you have the game set. Palm Royal Handicrafts offers one of the best travel chess sets available in the market. It lets you easily store your chess pieces inside the board since it can be folded in half and has two locks on the outside.
It’s a good set that you can bring along on your travel. You can even bring it along to play with strangers you may meet while you’re waiting or in transit. It has an 8×8 grid and contains 64 squares. If you get bored with chess, you can even use it to play checkers or any other game of your choice.
It has a distinctive feature that anyone will love. The chess pieces are made of wood and look like your classic pieces. The set also includes 2 extra queens, in case you lose them. The inbuilt storage lets you keep your chess pieces safe, especially when you’re on the road.
Here are some of its features:
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Acacia and Box Wooden board
- Wooden chess pieces
- Handcrafted
- Tough
- Heavy-duty
- Includes 2 extra queens
- Folding board
- Has an interior compartment
- Includes 2 felt straps
- Has a lock
This set is also perfect for young aspiring pro-chess gamers. Children are highly encouraged to hone their skills to keep their minds sharp. It also helps them with their cognitive abilities, which is a huge advantage when they grow older.
Even children will be able to bring this set wherever they like. It’s not too heavy so they can practice and play in school or at the park with their friends. Don’t worry about your chess pieces falling off while you’re walking. They have included felt straps to secure everything. It’s a good security feature the board has, so you won’t have to put the board in a huge bag.
If you’re not traveling a lot, this set can also be a great decorative addition to your home or office. You can place them in your study or living room so that guests who come over can play with you. It’s not magnetic, so that the pieces can be moved without much effort. The board’s interior has a green velvet lining that is used as a cushion for the chess pieces when you need to store them for traveling. It helps keep them from getting dented. It also protects them from wear and tear.
- Has 2 extra queens
- Has 2 felt straps
- Includes interior velvet cushion
- Wooden board
- Glossy finishing
- Travel-friendly
- Wooden chess pieces
- Non-magnetic materials
- Chess pieces can get the board crowded
05- Blessings Decor Metal & Brass Chess Board
The finest artisans usually make the best chess board sets. Blessings décors are one of the best artisan-made boards that you will come across. The chess pieces are intricately made, with each piece being proportional to the king’s size.
The chess pieces look unique since they are made of brass and painted silver and black with just the right amount of shine to make them look sophisticated. Each piece is made with the utmost care since they are carved individually. Moreover, the best kind of brass was used for the chess pieces. The result is a luxurious and elegant chess board set that will look great in every home or office.
Features
- Brass and wooden board
- Brass chess pieces
- Proportional chess pieces
- Square space of 1.25 inches
- Sturdy
- 100% Brass sheet
- Individually carved
- Ornate board
- Artisinal design
- Silver and black painted chess pieces
- Durable
- Includes a red casing
The board is also made of brass sheets. Each square is about 1.25 inches, with enough space for you to play without getting much crowded on the board. The base of the board is made out of fine wood. It is covered with brass to give it an archaic look.
It’s one of the unique sets where each piece is proportional to the king’s height without going over the top. The design will certainly grab anyone’s attention, something that can add to your gameplay. Your friends will certainly comment about your set as you play along.
The board is stunning and attention-grabbing. It doesn’t look cheap, and it’s has a bit of weight to it, so it won’t easily get knocked down. The design of the set doesn’t just add life to your area. It can be used to make the game more interesting too. It’s also a perfect gift for chess sets collectors, both young and old.
- Heavy-duty
- Stylish finishing
- 100% brass sheet
- Wooden base
- Sturdy
- Individually crafted chess pieces
- Black and silver-painted pieces
- No form-fitting holders
- The casing is too bright
06- House of Chess Galaxy Ringy Rosewood Chess Board
Classic chess boards are always the go-to of any chess lover. Nothing beats the classic look of the chessboard and game pieces. The Ringy Rosewood Chess Board is one of those must-haves for any chess collector. It’s made out of maple wood and even has algebraic notations at the side.
The classic game set also exudes elegance with its glossy finishing. The chess pieces are also heavy. The pieces are triple weighted, a good feature to keep the set from knocking over the smallest things. It can also be played outdoors since it won’t get blown by the wind easily.
The high gloss finish makes playing chess feel luxurious. The whole set is expensive, even if it’s at a fraction of the cost of the most expensive sets in the market. Let’s take a look at some of its most notable features.
Features
- Green velvet padding
- High-glossy finish
- Ringy rosewood and white maple wood chessboard
- Includes natural grains
- Triple weighted pieces
- Rounded edges
- Includes engraved algebraic notations
- Includes velvet pouch
- Boxwood and ringy rosewood chess pieces
- Mod design
- Durable
- Felt bottom
The felt bottom on the pieces and the board help make the gameplay smoother. It’s a well-made board that has algebraic notations that is hardly noticeable. It’s not too distracting, and it adds to the mod design. It may seem expensive, but the price is worth it.
In addition, the measurements of the board and the pieces are accurate. Every detail for this set was done with the utmost care and respect. The green felt bag they included even has extra queen pieces to ensure that the gameplay goes well.
The set is also made of the best wood. This makes it more durable than the rest from this list. The rounded edges also add class to the overall look of the set. The whole set is ideal for any space, whatever style your home is in. It will certainly look out of place in your office even your office design is the quirkiest one you can imagine.
The chess boards were inlaid by the best specialist known for their craft. The high gloss finish makes the whole set look expensive. And since it’s made of the finest materials, it’s surely tough and durable and will last you a long time.
Both adults and kids can enjoy using this set. Even pros and beginners will enjoy playing chess using this chessboard. It looks like a limited edition because of its inlaid design and classic feel. It’s certainly a good investment, especially if you’re looking for one that will last you for ages.
- Triple-weighted chess pieces
- Mod design
- Felt bottom
- High-gloss finishing
- Long-lasting
- Smooth board
- No hard edges
- Velvet casing for chess pieces only
- No box for casing
Chess Board Buyer’s Guide: What you need to know before buying the Best Chessboard
Choosing the best chess board will depend on you. There are some things to consider first before buying. You need to know first what you’re looking for and what suits you best before you jump in and buy. In this section, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to help you make the most out of your money.
Price
Whatever choices we make, when it comes to buying, price always matters a lot. For chess board sets, the best ones are always the ones within your budget. The common knowledge of most people is that the more expensive it is, the more it’s worth the investment. But that information is not always true. Sometimes you end up paying a lot more than what it is worth.
You need to identify how much you’re willing to spend on a chessboard. While some people would rather go for the cheapest, you need to find one that can last you a long time without having to be too expensive.
Once you’ve identified how much you can allot, finding the right one for you will be easy.
Durability
As mentioned earlier, the best chessboard will be the one that can be used the longest. It’s not worth it if you need to replace the set every few months.
Before you decide, you can check out the different reviews from customers or sources. Also, you need to check what kind of materials was used to make the board. If you’re looking for the best ones, you can never go wrong with wooden boards.
Brand
The brand name isn’t always everything, but getting to know your sources is a good way to determine if their products are worth buying.
The ones listed in this review are all brands that have been in the business for years. They are known for their craftsmanship and quality, so you know you’re getting the most out of your money.
It’s also important to consider how it’s produced, reputable brands often make products that are safe and adhere well to the standards.
They also have standard chess sizes or standard sizes to make sure all their game pieces match well.
It’s also important to know if you can buy from these brands individual game pieces if you lose a few.
Dimension and Type
Are you a beginner? Or are you planning to play pro? These are also important questions when looking for the best chess board for you. Some boards are smaller than the rest. For example, tournament chess boards will differ not just in size but also in looks. You need to know the reason behind why you want to play. If you’re serious about chess, you should opt for a tournament or professional-level chessboard.
Whatever you are looking for, the guide above should help you narrow your search. Choosing the best chess board for you can be hard since they may serve the same purpose. But each type of chessboard will have a different look and a different price.
What may seem like a good investment at first maybe just you wasting money for something you could have bought better? You need to identify why you’re playing chess and what you need so that you can buy something satisfying. Your purchase should bring you joy. Whatever chessboard you choose, it should be able to make playing fun for you and your friends.
Chess Boards: FAQs
Do I need to care about the quality of the board and chessmen if I’m a casual player?
Yes! After all, even if you’re a casual player, you’d still be using your own money to buy the set. Buying a good one will last you a long time. This helps you avoid repurchasing over and over.
What are the most durable boards and chessmen are made of – plastic or wood?
It depends on your situation. If you have kids around, it might be best to opt for plastic pieces. They are more durable, and they can handle kids better. Wood, on the other hand, is not bad either. Although they are also tough, they also add a sense of sophistication. Wood is more versatile in terms of style, but that will still depend on the manufacturer.
Do you need a chess board for serious play or decoration?
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s alright, too, but a simple chessboard for serious play. But if you can splurge a little more, adding décor to your place is a great way to liven it up. It all depends on what you want and how much you are willing to spend. You can buy ones for serious gaming, and you can also buy ones to spark conversations. It’s all up to you.
What chessboard do grandmasters use?
Grandmasters often use tournament chess sets or professional chess sets. They often go for the more classic look. This means wooden sets with algebraic inlays at the side.
What chessboards do pros use?
Pros often use tournament chessboards. However, even tournament-level sets have a lot of variety when it comes to materials and finishing.
What size chess board do professionals use?
Professionals often use a 2 ¼ square sizing.
How much does a good chess board cost?
A good chessboard may cost you from $75 to $250.
What time control should I play in chess?
For beginners, the best time control would be the rapid format or 10 minutes. Some may go for 5 minutes or 1 minute, but those are best reserved for pros.
15 minutes is also alright, but it can be too long for some.
Bottom Line
The review should help you with all you need to know about finding the best chessboard for you. Now that you have all the information you need, you can now look into each one to see which you think is the best fit for your needs! All the recommendations we added to the list are great buys – you just need to find which one is right for you.
Veronica is a Green Bay-based freelance writer and editor with extensive experience with board games. When not busy scribbling her thoughts, you might find her in her garden, hiking out in the woods, or exploring new food joints.
Veronica is a die-hard board game and chess hobbyist by night. She likes to try out new games and is always on the lookout to recruit new players for her game night (so beware!). When not playing board games or throwing darts, she is usually busy painting miniatures (or doing other nerdy stuff).
She is the CEO & Content Writer of Indoor Games Zone. She shares her expertise from years of playing chess, board games, and darts.
Last update on 2022-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
