Quick Summary: To buy the best chess set, consider four pillars, including material, piece size compatibility with board squares, weight & stability, and carving details. For long-lasting pieces and boards, prefer authentic hardwoods like Ebony, Sheesham, and Bud Rosewood. Professional chess pieces adhere to standard size regulations that fit comfortably in board squares and are properly weighted for stability. The quality of craftsmanship is best judged by the knights. In short, a true heirloom set is defined by precision, proportion, and craftsmanship, and not just price.
When you buy a chess set, don’t shop for what’s on the surface but what’s beneath. For chess enthusiasts and collectors, your purchase should reflect a commitment to the craft and legacy behind it. And, the question here is not where to buy a good chess set from, but how to select the one worthy of display, serious play, and inheritance. The best chess sets excel in terms of precision, material selection, and tactile experience that digital screens can never replicate.
In this chess buying guide, we will navigate the aesthetic and technical benchmarks of craftsmanship, material authenticity, and tournament standards.
The Foundation - Material Authenticity
The choice of material is the most critical decision before you choose the best chess sets to buy for you. When looking for a top-notch scacchi in legno, look for natural luster and density of genuine exotic hardwoods.
- Genuine Ebony: Natural pitch-black grain and incredible density make this wood the gold standard of dark pieces.
- Bud Palissandro: Luxury chess sets with non-black, dark pieces are carved from this wood, prized for intricate grains and deep crimson hues.
- Boxwood: For light pieces, this is a traditional choice whose ivory-like finish ages into a golden patina beautifully.
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Ebonized Boxwood: Another natural hardwood that appears similar to Ebony but is a durable and more accessible entry point into premium chess sets. Professionally stained for a deep black finish, it retains the hardwood’s structural integrity and carving precision.
Ebonized Boxwood vs Genuine Ebony: Understanding the Difference
Read More: Types of Wood & Material Used in Chess Sets : Handcrafted
The Craftsmanship Benchmark - Hand-Carved Knights
If you wish to find the best when you opt to buy chess sets online, compare the knights. Though all pieces matter, the knight is the most challenging one to carve. Unlike a symmetrical bishop or rook that is turned on a lathe, every knight goes through hours of individual sculpting by hand. In a chess set crafted by a master artisan, the knights have:
- Each curve of the mane is shaped manually
- Carved ears, nostrils, and jawline, not molded
- Unique character, as the nature of hand carving, every knight feels different
In short, the detailing and finish of the knight reveal the level of skill, patience, and discipline the artisan has.
Explore the details in this Craftsman Series Staunton Chess Set - Pieces in Ebony Wood with Board and Box.
The Tactile Engineering - Weight And Stability
A casual player or a gift buyer might miss this, but a chess enthusiast would never ignore the weighting part. In a premium chess set, every piece must feel as substantial as it looks. You can easily find a range of double- and triple-weighted chess pieces, where the choice depends on whether you are looking for casual/club play or intense, blitz games.
How Triple-weighted Pieces Make a Difference?
When you play with heavy pieces, you feel it immediately:
- Every piece settles firmly onto squares
- Controlled and deliberate movements
- Subtle gravitational authority in each move
- No accidental tipping, especially during fast-paced games
The Role of Felt Bases in Weighted Pieces
- Even adhesion and smooth base finish
- Soft, gliding moves across squares
- Protection for both the board and pieces from scratches
When combined, weight, stability, and felt bases offer a premium level of playing experience. And once you start enjoying it, there’s no turning back.
The Standards For Size And Proportions
A common mistake when shopping for a chess set is choosing the wrong size of pieces and boards. For a balanced set, you must pair pieces with the right board. When the pieces are too big, the board gets crowded and hinders visualization. Alternatively, pieces too small look diminished on the board. As a general thumb rule, the base diameter of the King should be 75-80% of the size of the board’s square.
And, if you are looking for a professional setup, the pieces should be easily recognizable with no confusing ornamental elements. And, the recommended size of the King is 3.75-inch to 4.1 inches in height.
The Golden Ratio of a Professional Setup
Read More: Guide to Choosing a Size of Chess Set
The Design Authority - Staunton Legacy
For the enthusiast, the Pezzi degli scacchi Staunton collection remains the definitive choice. Originally curated in the mid-19th century, this design is the only one recognized for official FIDE tournament play. Its silhouette—the mitered Bishop, the crenelated Rook, and the iconic Knight—is the universal language of the game.
Originally curated in the mid-19th century, the classic Staunton pattern is now the global benchmark for serious chess. The only design recognized by FIDE for official tournament play is universally recognized for its timeless proportions.
And, if you are still wondering, here’s why you should choose Staunton chess pieces:
- Instant piece recognition
- Balance of function and elegance
- Global acceptance of competitive games
For collectors, owning an Original Staunton chess set or an antique replica is an investment in heritage.
Discover this antique reproduction of the 1849 Original Staunton Chess Set (Pieces) in Lacquered Distress Antiqued Boxwood and Ebony.
The Best Place to Buy Chess Sets
When looking for the best place to buy chess sets online, look for:
- Transparent material specifications
- King height and square recommendations
- Weight disclosures (in grams)
- Close-up Knight photography
- Craftsmanship guarantees
Curated Luxury Chess Sets collection at Royal Chess Mall is built around these principles. Having artisans with over a decade of experience, rigorous quality control, and safe and secure packing and transport ensures your chess set arrives in the perfect shape.
Because we understand that buying a chess set is an investment that lasts generations (not just years).
