Isn’t it simple? Just visit a store, pick up a chess set, and bring it home. Wait! It appears so only until you have to choose from dozens of styles, sizes, and materials. From the mini travel games to the standard wooden ones and collectibles, the options are vast and often overwhelming. The Solution? Well! You already know how good you are at playing chess, or how long you have been into it. And here, you will learn how to choose a chess set based on your skill level.
Whether you are just starting up or are a seasoned player, we believe every chess lover deserves equipment that elevates their game. At Royal Chess Mall, we craft premium, hand-finished chess sets trusted worldwide. And, from the range of quality products, this guide will help you find the best chess set to buy for your skill level.
But Why Skill Level Matters?
Beginners need clarity; competitors demand precision; collectors seek artistry. In other words, every level of a chess player’s skill and experience demands a different type of equipment. Thus, you can ensure every game is engaging and enjoyable if you buy chess set online based on your skills and needs.
Key Factors To Consider Before Buying A Chess Set
No matter what level you are, here are some fundamental elements that will help you buy the best chess set. Let’s start exploring them each, one by one.
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Build and Material: Wood is one of the most common materials used to make chess sets that are durable, long-lasting, and beautiful. From sheesham to ebony, boxwood, and rosewood, you can choose the one based on durability, feel, and visual appeal. Besides, you can also look out for metal and marble chess sets if play is not the primary purpose. Keep in mind that hand-crafted pieces are superior in terms of balance and detail to the machine-made ones.
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Weight and Balance: The heavier the pieces, the better the control. Serious players prefer weighted chess pieces as these prevent tipping during competitive play, especially in intense games.
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Size and Proportions: On a standard note, King size varies from 3 inches to 4 inches in height. Consequently, the size of the board’s square should be 40-55mm. Ideally, the square size should be approximately 78% of the King’s base diameter.
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Design and Aesthetics: If you want a timeless, practical standard, go for Staunton chess sets. Dubrovnik chess pieces bring in a similar balance of style and function but with a touch of historical significance. Whatever you choose, you should always prioritize piece clarity, where knights and bishops should be instantly recognizable.
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Storage and Maintenance: Storing the pieces right is as important as buying the best chess set. To preserve the finish and beauty of yours, opt for a wooden storage box or a velvet pouch. For wooden chess sets, regular dusting in addition to occasional polishing (or waxing) can help prolong their life.
Understood the basics? Now, let’s dig deeper into how to choose a chess set for your skill level.
The Best Chess Sets For Beginners
What Works? If you are a newbie in the world of chess, clarity, durability, and affordability should be your prime focus. What you need is easy-to-read, travel- and kid-friendly pieces, and those you can easily remember and recall.
Ideal Setup: Get yourself a Staunton chess set with a 3-inch King size (can go up to 3.5 inches) and a board of 16 to 18 inches. In terms of wood, look for Sheesham or boxwood pieces with a matching board.
Royal Chess Mall Pick:
3.6" Professional Staunton Chess Set with Golden Rosewood Pieces, Board, Box
The Best Chess Sets For Intermediate Players
What Works? For intermediate players with some experience in playing chess, a blend of function and beauty works great. Sounds like you? Chess sets with a richer feel and décor-worthy appeal can be your ideal choices that you can rely on for casual games. In short, such players need better playability and visual appeal.
Ideal Setup: Look for chess pieces in rosewood or ebonized boxwood with a King size of 3.75 inches to 4 inches in height. Weighted pieces (double or triple) add an extra layer of satisfaction and stability to the game. To complete the set, go for a walnut or maple chessboard.
Royal Chess Mall Picks
3.9" Craftsman Series Staunton Chess Set with Rosewood Pieces, Board, and Box
The Best Chess Sets For Advanced Players
What Works? This level belongs to those players who you can see in serious games and competitions. For such players, precision is the key, and they can’t afford even a single tumble, especially during intense games. Compliance with FIDE regulations, flawless weight, and anti-slip boards are what they prefer.
Ideal Setup: High-end chess sets for advanced players use materials like ebony, bud rosewood, and boxwood with triple-weighted pieces. As per the FIDE Handbook, the king height should be 85-105mm (3.35-4.13 inches), making 3.75 inches an ideal choice. King’s base should be 40-50% of its height and the board should have 50-55mm squares. For the design part, FIDE recommends a Staunton style or another one with clearly distinguishable pieces.
Royal Chess Mall Picks
3.9" Tournament Chess Set Combo with Ebonized Boxwood Pieces, Ebony & Maple Board, and Box
The Best Chess Sets For Collectors & Professionals
Focus and Needs: The primary focus of collectors lies in the worthiness of a chess set to be an heirloom. From craftsmanship to historical accuracy, and showcasing value. Professionals and collectors look out for rare materials, unique designs, and the legacy or story of chess sets.
Ideal Setup: An ideal chess set for a collector would comprise hand-carved pieces in premium materials like ebony, bud rosewood, and camel bone. While antique sets would be the best match, reproductions are worthy alternatives since scoring an antique isn’t that easy today. It could be the replica of a Dubrovnik, a Fischer-Spassky chess set, or another signature series with a historical background. Add quality storage boxes or pouches to complete the set.
Royal Chess Mall Picks
The Best Seller: 1950s' Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Pieces in Mahogany Stained & Boxwood with 3.8" King
Find The Perfect Chess Set For Your Skill Level Here
Those who are passionate about chess stay in the game for a long time. And, the chess set you choose should reflect it while matching your style, purpose, and level of play, as explained in this guide about how to choose a chess set. At Royal Chess Mall, each set is handcrafted by artisans with decades of experience and attention to detail. With timeless quality and elegance, backed by global shipping and product support, you can never go wrong with buying a chess set from us.
Ready to upgrade our chess experience? Explore our curated chess set collection and find your perfect match today.
