Whether you’re a budding chess player or full-time fanatic, there’s just something spectacular about a red chess set. As your chess bestie, I’ve compiled a list of the best (and most affordable) red chess sets. From this lifeguard aesthetics beauty, and this sizzlin’ set, to this stylish red-themed piece of art, get ready to fall in love with the bold and the beautiful.
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Sizzling Chess
Not going to lie, I’ve stayed clear of all things red ever since seeing that wedding on Game of Thrones. Spoiler alert, don’t get attached to a character because they will die and you will be left having an existential crisis.
Speaking of games and thrones, we’re here to talk about chess! Shortly after the event-that-shall-not-be-named fiasco, I played a game of chess against a friend, in honor of all things battle-related.
The iconic set was dark red, just like that one cover of a Twilight novel. #TeamEdward.
I was instantly obsessed. For so long (since the days of chaturanga, I dare say) we have been thinking about the game of chess in black and white.
Why not spice things up with a bright and bold set that you can claim inspired Taylor Swift to create the RED album? Now who’s The Lucky One?
Related List: The 3 Best Decorative Chess Sets
Below, I’ve compiled a list of red hot and sizzling chess sets that make my heart go boom. If anyone would like to fund my red chess set obsession, I have a birthday coming up (but no pressure).
Enjoy, dear chess friends. It’s time to give red chess sets the green light.
The Red and the Restless: what to look out for in bright boards
Although converting to a red chess set sounds fantastic, it may have its pitfalls if you choose the wrong one.
Firstly, chess is a game that can be played for hours on end, so you don’t want to pick something that will hurt your eyes. For example, I have a friend with an obnoxious traffic cone orange chess set that I refuse to pay on.
The key is to find a red that changes things up, but is dark enough that it doesn’t negatively affect game play.
But not to worry, the sets that I have added to this list will make a perfect addition to any chess lover’s collection.
My Top 3 Red Chess Sets
#1. U.S. Chess Supreme Triple Weighted Chess Set Combo – Red
- Why I love it: A bold move without too much change
- Ratings: 4.6/5 out of 102+ ratings
- Price: Fun game play that’s super affordable
Is it a first aid kit? Is it a lifeguard accessory? No! It’s the U.S Chess Supreme set that’s now available in burning hot red.
This set is perfect for the player looking for something new in their game play, but can’t make the complete transition to bold red pieces. The red and white checkered board gives me sailor meets the Red Cross vibes (in a good way!), not to mention that easy-to-handle carry bag.
Reviewers across the (chess) board love this set, and it’s easy to see why. Straight forward,fun, and affordable. What’s not to love?
#2. WE Games Color Bright Plastic Staunton Tournament Chessmen with 3.75 in. King – Half Set
- Why I love it: Pair it with your at-home board
- Ratings: 4.6/5 out of 70+ ratings
- Price: Single digit affordability that doesn’t compromise quality
Out with the old and in with the new red hot. I adore these pieces for their minimalist and sophisticated design that shout “I have arrived, feel my wrath.”
Note: This product does not come with a board. It’s just a set of red chess pieces.
These pieces, available for purchase in half a set (16 pieces), make it easy to modernize your existing chess set at home. Mix things up by replacing your current pieces with a splash of color.
And wait until you see these pieces’ bold opponents: from black and blue to modern pink and happy yellow, get ready for a war zone that resembles a rainbow.
I’d pair the red pieces with a classic white, silver or even navy. If you’re into trends, a good ol’ color blocking with bolder colors will make your set runway ready.
#3. NOVICA Red and Black Wood and Leather Chess Set, African Battle
- Why I love it: Lovely leather finishes fit for a king, queen and all the pawns too
- Ratings: 4.5/5 out of 8+ ratings
- Price: Priciest on the list but worth the investment
Fun meets elegance with this board, stylishly structured using leather and black and red wood.
The pieces are elegantly shaped, with touches of minimalism to allow for easy transition into your home. I imagine this set finding a comfy spot in the study, where fires crackle in the winter and big leather chairs invite you in to get snug with a book.
Plus, it makes you look like a smart and sophisticated individual, which is the entire purpose of chess, right? Although the most expensive set on this list, it is one of those leave-it-to-your-children sets that makes me giddy with excitement. Don’t you just love heirlooms?
Get red-dy, get set, go!
Go red or go home with these gorgeous chess sets that add a little oomph to your game play.
For chess lovers afraid of change, this simplistic set will ease you into uncharted territory. If you’re ready to change your pieces up but would like to keep your classic board, here you go! Then, for the bold at heart who are ready to give red the green light, this set is ready to stand out from the crowd.
These sets have also been careful curated to only include sets that won’t be too bold and harsh on your eyes: we all know how long a chess game can last.
Long gone are the days where chess has to be confined to the black and white borders of an age-old game. The new generation of chess players are here to stay, and they’re painting the town red.
