Whether you have a first-time chess player or an advanced competitor on your hands, a good instructor (even if that’s you) is vital. “I can tell you from experience that teaching kids will definitely require a different approach from teaching adults—sometimes the student is in a bad mood because he’s hungry, or maybe she’s forgotten something that she seemed to understand last week,” explains National Master Craig Clawitter, who’s been teaching chess for more than 15 years. “A good chess instructor is one who your child gets along with, who can explain concepts in a way that makes sense, and who can adapt to what the child is receptive to on that day.” Before buying a chess set for your child, consider their knowledge of the game, as you don’t want a set that’s too advanced for a kid who has never played before. The design is also an important factor because chessboards and playing pieces vary in size and material. Additionally, you’ll want a safe storage box to hold your kiddo’s army while it takes a break from the battlefield. We carefully considered design, age recommendation, skill level, size, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best chess sets for kids to learn the historical game. The chess set includes 34 tournament, Staunton-style chessmen (the standard style of chessmen) and two bonus queens, with all pieces featuring billiard-style felt on the bottom to help the army glide across the board. The 16 x 20-inch chessboard is made of sturdy cardboard that quarter folds for easy storage and portability. Plus, everything can be neatly stored in the box it all came in to help prevent losing pieces. Price at time of publication: $36 In addition to the two-sided board, the set includes instructions, 16 black pieces, 16 ivory pieces, 56 action cards, and a black tray to hold the deck. All pieces and the board fit neatly inside the box they arrived in for easy storage. Price at time of publication: $20 Price at time of publication: $65 In addition, the board acts as storage for the chess pieces, which all fit in designated slots in the included foam insert. Bonus: The entire set arrives in the company’s elegant gift box, so you don’t have to wrap anything if you’re giving this as a gift. Price at time of publication: $50 The chessboard and playing pieces are magnetic, and the pieces feel soft to the touch, with a felt bottom design to prevent scratches. Support feet on the bottom of the board ensure stability no matter how bumpy your ride may be. Price at time of publication: $22 In addition to chess, this electronic board features seven other games: Reversi, Draughts, Connect Four, Chinese checkers, Nim, Fox and Geese, and Northcote mind games. Chess pieces are magnetic, so they don’t slide around during play, and they can be stored inside the board once the game reaches checkmate. One major bonus: This computer can speak 13 different languages. Price at time of publication: $47 The Staunton-style pieces are large, making them easy to handle through any move across the board. While this set doesn’t meet the standards to be used as a legal tournament set, it’s a great option for kids ages 5 and up (adults, too) to learn the game with friends. Price at time of publication: $60 All playing pieces for both games conveniently fit inside the board, so you can play anywhere without losing your army along the way. Price at time of publication: $65 The chessboard is dual-sided, so you can play standard chess by flipping the board over from the storybook version. In addition to the board and playing pieces, two storage bags are included to take the game on the go. Price at time of publication: $40 Price at time of publication: $88 The playing pieces are wooden pegs that stay put in their designated squares when the board hangs vertically. Players use a special marker to let opponents know their last move and keep the game going. Price at time of publication: $98-195 Price at time of publication: $384 We also spoke with National Master Craig Clawitter, who’s been teaching chess for more than 15 years, to find out what to look for in chess sets for kids, as well as any recommendations. We chose toys that are safe, easy to use for the recommended age groups, and convenient to transport for play on the go.
What to Look for in Chess Sets for Kids
Design
Chess sets for kids come in a multitude of designs and themes, such as Pokemon or the classic black-and-white chessboards. Novelty sets typically feature chess pieces that resemble different characters, which can be confusing to children just learning the ropes of the game. “I recommend kids start with the simplest set available—as long as the pieces look like the actual chess pieces,” Clawitter says. “For example, I love Nintendo, but those themed chess sets, where the king is Bowser and the knight is Yoshi, make it harder for kids to learn the pieces’ real names and recognize them on a real board.” Once a child is familiar with the rules and pieces of chess, you can move to the novelty sets, as they provide great motivation, Clawitter explains. “I once worked with a student who really liked fairies. So, we got a fairy-themed chess set, and at certain milestones, she would ‘earn’ one of the pieces until she collected the whole set!”
Material
Chess sets for kids are available in a variety of materials including wood, metal, silicone, plastic, and more. Keep in mind that some materials are sturdier than others (and possibly more expensive). Consider your child’s age and skill level, and how often the chess set will be used. You may want to opt for a more durable material if you have a young child. “Speaking from my experience teaching kids, parents may want to consider sets with rubber, rather than plastic pieces. The plastic tends to break, which could then cause injuries,” says Clawitter.
Portability and storage
Chess is a game that involves dozens of pieces, so you’ll want to factor in how those pieces are stored. Depending on the chess set, storage bags are sometimes included with your purchase, while other sets feature chessboards that double as storage boxes for the pieces. Additionally, if you’d like to take the game on the road, look for a set that includes storage and a foldable chessboard, so you’re not losing valuable pieces along the way.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience under her belt. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism and helping others led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. When she’s not writing and researching, you’ll likely find her outdoors with her husband and their thrill-seeking toddler son. For families who don’t have the time for lessons outside of regular schedules, Clawitter suggests online chess lessons. “Since 2020, online chess instruction has become more available, and some kids really flourish through online lessons,” he says. “Learning online gives you access to chess instructors from around the world, so location is no longer an obstacle for finding the right coach.”
