Chess is a classic game that has been around for centuries, and it continues to be a popular pastime for people of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, having the right chess board can make all the difference in your gaming experience. In this article, we’ll be exploring the best chess board options available on the market and what you should consider when making a purchase.

When it comes to chess boards, there are many different types to choose from, including wooden, plastic, and marble. Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs. For example, wooden boards are typically more traditional and offer a classic aesthetic, while plastic boards are often more affordable and durable.

One critical factor to consider when choosing a chess board is the size. The standard size for a chess board is 20 inches by 20 inches, but there are smaller and larger options available as well. It’s important to choose a size that is appropriate for your playing style and the size of the pieces you plan to use.

In this article, we spent countless hours researching and testing various chess boards to identify the ones that offer the best combination of quality, durability, and affordability. Our goal is to help you find the perfect chess board for your needs, so you can enjoy countless hours of gaming with friends and family.

Best Chess Boards

We’ve scoured the market to find the best chess boards available. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, a high-quality chess board is essential for a great game. Our list includes a range of materials, sizes, and styles to suit every preference. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best chess boards on Amazon.

AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set

If you’re looking for a portable and lightweight chess set that is perfect for travel, then the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is a great option.

Pros

• The magnetic pieces stay firmly in place on the board, even when playing on the go in the car or on a plane.
• The folding board is compact and easy to transport, fitting easily into your luggage or bag.
• The wooden material is of high quality, providing a smooth and comfortable playing surface.

Cons

• The pieces may be too small for some players, making them difficult to handle.
• The board may be too small for some players, making it difficult to see the pieces clearly.
• The storage slots for the pieces are not very secure, so they may fall out during transport.

Our experience with the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set was overall positive. The magnetic pieces were a great feature, as they stayed firmly in place on the board even when playing on the go. The folding board was also very convenient for travel, as it was compact and easy to transport.

One downside was that the pieces may be too small for some players, making them difficult to handle. The board may also be too small for some players, making it difficult to see the pieces clearly. Additionally, the storage slots for the pieces were not very secure, so they may fall out during transport.

Despite these minor drawbacks, we would recommend the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set for anyone looking for a portable and lightweight chess set that is perfect for travel.

Chess Armory Magnetic Wooden Chess Set

If you’re looking for a sturdy and elegant chess set that you can easily store and transport, the Chess Armory Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is worth considering.

Pros

• The inlaid walnut chess board is smooth and has a good solid feel. Its compact size makes it easy to store and transport, and it folds in half so you can store the chess pieces inside when needed.
• The light but sturdy wooden chess pieces are handcrafted and come with a felted bottom to protect the chess board from scratches. The King piece stands 3″ tall, making it easy to distinguish from the other pieces.
• Every Chess Armory chess set comes with a free online course taught by an expert chess player to help you start your chess journey. This makes it a great option for new and seasoned players alike.

Cons

• The latch on the storage box is cheaply made and may not hold up over time.
• Some users have reported that the felt holder for the pieces came apart when they opened the box.
• The biggest pieces, queens and kings, may not hold onto the board if the board is tilted more than 45°.

Overall, the Chess Armory Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is a great option for those looking for a durable and elegant chess set that is easy to store and transport. With its free online course, it’s also a great choice for those just starting out with chess.

Bravmate 2 in 1 Magnetic Wooden Chess Set & Checkers Board Game

If you’re looking for a fun and portable chess set that can also double as a checkers board, the Bravmate 2 in 1 Magnetic Wooden Chess Set & Checkers Board Game is an excellent option.

Pros

• With both chess and checkers games included, this set offers double the fun for the price of one.
• The magnetic chessmen are strong enough to hold the pieces to the board when turned upside down but still feel smooth to move around.
• The board and hand-carved chess checker pieces are made of natural high-quality solid wood material, with smooth polish and rounded edges.

Cons

• The board is relatively small, which may not be ideal for players who prefer larger boards.
• The storage bag included is not very durable and may not hold up well over time.
• The pieces are not weighted, which may not be ideal for more serious chess players.

Overall, we think the Bravmate 2 in 1 Magnetic Wooden Chess Set & Checkers Board Game is a great choice for those who want a portable and versatile chess set that is great for both beginners and experienced players alike.

The foldable real wood board is easy to store and comes with a molded foam for safe and secure storage of your chess and checkers pieces. The storage bag included is a nice touch and makes it easy to take the set with you on the go.

One thing to note is that the board features numbers and letters algebraic coordinates, which makes it perfect for budding new chess players. However, this may not be ideal for more experienced players who prefer a more traditional board design.

In terms of quality, the Bravmate wooden chess pieces are hand-carved and made from fine wood, with each piece having a felted bottom to avoid any damage to the board surface. Each playing piece is made with elegantly intricate details, which adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the set.

Overall, we think the Bravmate 2 in 1 Magnetic Wooden Chess Set & Checkers Board Game is a great gift option for both adults and kids, and is perfect for family gaming, travel, and chess club after school.

Chess and games shop Muba Wooden Chess Set

If you’re looking for a classic, handmade feel in a chess set, the Chess and games shop Muba Wooden Chess Set is worth considering.

Pros

• Great set for teenagers, beginners, and intermediate players
• Handcrafted chessmen are felt bottom and weighted
• Secured chessmen compartments provide room inside the board to securely store each chess piece

Cons

• Pieces may have a slight odor due to the finish used
• Some felt bottoms may not be straight on all pieces
• Pieces are a bit light for those who prefer a heavier set

We were impressed with the exceptional craftsmanship of this chess set, which is handcrafted in the European Union from farm-grown wood. The board is made from beech and birch wood, giving it a classic, handmade feel that many chess enthusiasts will appreciate. The number and letter algebraic coordinates on the borders of the board add to its classic aesthetic. The board measures 16 x 16 x 1 inches (40.7 x 40.7 x 2.5 centimeters), and each square measures 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 centimeters). When folded, the board is held securely shut with two brass clasps.

The chessmen are also handcrafted and felt bottomed, adding to the overall quality of the set. Each chess piece is individually protected in formed compartments inside the folding chess board. The king measures 3.4 inches (8.5 centimeters), the queen measures 2.6 inches (6.5 centimeters), and the pawn measures 1.5 inches (3.7 centimeters). The elegantly intricate detail of each playing piece is impressive.

While the pieces are slightly lighter than some may prefer, they are still felt bottomed and weighted. The chessmen compartments inside the board provide room to securely store each chess piece. However, some pieces may have a slight odor due to the finish used on the wood. Additionally, some felt bottoms may not be straight on all pieces.

Overall, the Chess and games shop Muba Wooden Chess Set is a great choice for those looking for a classic, handmade feel in a chess set. It’s a great set for teenagers, beginners, and intermediate players, and the exceptional craftsmanship makes it worthy to be put out on display.

Hurdaos Magnetic Wooden Chess Board Set

If you’re looking for a high-quality chessboard that’s portable and easy to use, then the Hurdaos Magnetic Wooden Chess Board Set is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The Staunton style wooden chess game set is made up of walnut and maple with well-polished and smooth surfaces, providing a classic and nicely finished feel.
• The magnetic chess board is large enough but quite compact when folded up, making it perfect for travel or outdoor use.
• The handcrafted pieces are constructed of nice quality wood, not lightweight, and built in strong magnetism, pieces stay in place during play, even if the board is jostled or tilted.

Cons

• The clasps on the box don’t lock the box, which can be a bit of a nuisance.
• The size of the squares is approx 1.61 inches, which may be a bit small for some users.
• The closure snaps are aligned perfectly, but they may be a bit tricky to use at first.

We were impressed with the Hurdaos Magnetic Wooden Chess Board Set. The wooden board and pieces are of excellent quality, and the magnetic feature is a great touch. The folding design is also very convenient, making it easy to store and transport.

The board itself is a storage box, with interior foam inserts to securely hold each piece, preventing rattling and loss while carrying. The set comes with 2 extra queens for pawn promotion rule, which is a nice touch. It’s perfect for tournaments, learners, or display in living rooms or sitting rooms.

Overall, we highly recommend the Hurdaos Magnetic Wooden Chess Board Set for anyone looking for a high-quality chessboard that’s portable and easy to use.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a chess board, there are a few key features to consider to ensure that you are getting the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Material

The material of the board can greatly affect its durability and appearance. Wooden boards are a classic choice and can range from affordable to high-end. Plastic boards are also a popular option and are often more affordable and durable than wooden boards. Other materials like metal or glass can be more expensive but offer a unique and modern look.

Size

The size of the board is important to consider, especially if you plan on playing with larger pieces or in a specific location. Standard tournament size boards are typically around 20 inches, but smaller or larger sizes are also available.

Style

There are a variety of styles to choose from, including traditional, modern, and themed boards. Traditional boards have a classic look and are often made of wood, while modern boards can vary greatly in design and material. Themed boards can feature unique designs and graphics, but may not be suitable for all players.

Features

Some boards may come with additional features such as storage for pieces or a built-in timer. These features can add convenience and functionality to your chess playing experience.

Overall, when choosing a chess board, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs. By considering the material, size, style, and features of a board, you can find the perfect product for your chess playing enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of chess board is best?

The best type of chess board is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, a good quality board that is durable, easy to clean, and has clear markings is recommended. Some popular types of chess boards include wooden, vinyl, and silicone.

What chess board do pros use?

Professional chess players often use high-quality wooden chess boards that are handcrafted and have intricate designs. These boards are often made from exotic woods and can be quite expensive.

What is the best chess set to learn chess?

For beginners, a standard plastic or wooden chess set with basic pieces is recommended. These sets are affordable and easy to find. Some sets also come with a beginner’s guide to help new players learn the rules and strategies of the game.

What is the most effective chess piece?

All chess pieces are equally important and effective in their own way. However, the queen is considered the most powerful piece on the board due to its ability to move in any direction and capture other pieces.

What are the features of a luxury chess set?

Luxury chess sets often feature high-quality materials such as exotic woods, intricate designs, and intricate details on the pieces. Some sets may also come with a storage box or case for the pieces.

What are the benefits of a wooden chess set?

Wooden chess sets are durable, long-lasting, and often have a classic and elegant look. They are also easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, wooden sets can be customized with unique designs and finishes.