How to choose a chess set
The specifications that matter, and the ones that do not.
Last updated
What size chess set should I buy?
Look for a king 3.75 inches tall and a board with 2.25 inch squares. That is the tournament standard and it is standard for a reason: the pieces fit the squares without crowding, and a knight and bishop cannot be confused at a glance from a seated position.
The rule behind the standard is that the base of the king should be roughly 78% of the square width. Too large and a crowded position becomes hard to read. Too small and the pieces slide about. If you buy a board and pieces separately, check this ratio before ordering, because it is the most common mistake in a first purchase.
| Use | King height | Square size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tournament / club | 3.75" | 2.25" | The default. Buy this if unsure. |
| Home / family | 3.0" to 3.75" | 1.75" to 2.25" | Slightly smaller is fine and cheaper |
| Travel | 1.5" to 2.5" | 1" to 1.5" | Look for magnetic or pegged pieces |
| Display / decorative | 4"+ | 2.5"+ | Bought to look at, not to play on |
| School / club bulk | 3.75" | 2.25" | Plastic and roll-up vinyl, replaceable |
What is a Staunton chess set?
Staunton is the standardised piece design introduced in 1849, named after the English player Howard Staunton. It is the only pattern permitted in FIDE competition. Its value is legibility: every piece is distinguishable from every other at a glance, which novelty and themed sets frequently fail at.
If you intend to play seriously, or to use the set to teach, buy Staunton. Themed sets are enjoyable objects but they slow recognition, and recognition is most of what a beginner is building.
Which material should I choose?
| Material | Durability | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Very high | Functional | Schools, clubs, children, travel |
| Boxwood / ebonised | High | Excellent | The standard serious choice |
| Rosewood / sheesham | High | Excellent | A step up in appearance |
| Marble / stone | Moderate (chips) | Heavy, cold | Display more than play |
| Metal | Very high | Very heavy | Display; can damage boards |
Buy weighted pieces if the budget stretches. Weighting means a metal insert in the base. Weighted pieces stay upright when the board is knocked, feel decisively better to move, and are the upgrade players notice immediately. A weighted plastic club set beats an unweighted wooden one for actual play.
What should I not spend money on?
- An expensive board for a first set. A roll-up vinyl board costs very little, survives being thrown in a bag, and plays identically to an expensive wooden one.
- Extra queens you will not use. Useful for tournament players, irrelevant for most people.
- Themed or novelty pieces as a learning set. They make piece recognition harder at exactly the stage it matters most.
- An electronic board, initially. They are excellent and very expensive. Play a hundred games first.
Where to buy
Specialist chess retailers generally beat general marketplaces on piece quality at the same price, because the specification is stated properly rather than guessed at. Look for a listing that states king height, base diameter, square size and whether the pieces are weighted. If a listing does not state those four numbers, treat it as unknown quality.
Disclosure: some outbound links on this page may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. This does not affect the specifications above, which are drawn from the FIDE equipment standard rather than from any retailer.
Frequently asked questions
What size chess set should I buy?
A king 3.75 inches tall on a board with 2.25 inch squares. That is the tournament standard and suits almost everyone.
Should chess pieces be weighted?
Yes if the budget allows. Weighted pieces are stable, feel better and are the upgrade most players notice first.
Is a wooden set better than plastic?
For appearance, yes. For play, a weighted plastic set beats an unweighted wooden one. Prioritise weighting and correct sizing over material.
What is the 78% rule?
The king's base diameter should be about 78% of the square width. It is the quickest check that a board and pieces are properly matched.
Do I need a chess clock too?
Not to start. Use our free online chess clock on a phone until you are playing rated games.