Chess Sets Buying Guide
Buying a chess set is entirely dependent on the quality of set you'd like to own. Chess sets have an ornamental quality that many game sets do not possess. If you are just looking for a knock-around set, one that you can use to teach others or use when travelling, plastic and wooden pieces with a collapsible board will be most appropriate. However, if you are looking for a set that you'd like to leave visible in your home as a decoration, you could invest more and purchase a more finely crafted set. Remember, a good chess set could last a lifetime and become an important sentimental fixture in your household.
The chess set is composed of two things: the board and the pieces. If you already have a board, make sure you buy pieces that fit the size of your board (you don't want your pieces too crowded), and that also blend aesthetically with your board.
Wooden Sets
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- A wooden chess set
 has the best marriage of affordability, durability and quality. Many wooden sets are actually carved rather splendidly, and can make a lovely sitting room decoration. Others have more emphasis on durability, but remain pleasing to the eye.
- Wooden chess sets often feature collapsible boards for easy storage and portability. If you enjoy the convenience of a collapsible board, consider ones that fold into a kind of briefcase, leaving room in the middle to hold durable wooden (or plastic) pieces. This kind of set is also usually elevated, bringing you closer to the action. However, if you decide to buy a flat collapsible chess board with no interior, you can simply use a plastic or cloth bag to hold your pieces.
- If you are environmentally conscious, perhaps investing in a set composed of sustainable materials would suit you best.
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Plastic Sets
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- Plastic chess sets are going to be the most affordable and durable option, but they offer the least decorative quality. That does not mean it will detract from your game. In fact, if you are a passionate competitor, it might behove you to buy a plastic set in case the pieces become projectiles.
- Also consider plastic sets for travel purposes, as any damaged or lost pieces can be easily replaced. See Travel Sets for some interesting options.
- If you already own a board, consider buying pieces that have felt bottoms so they do not scratch the surface of the board.
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Novelty Sets
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- Novelty chess sets are a fun and enticing way to blend popular culture and the age-old game.
- They can be made of rubber, plastic, wood, or even finer materials such as stone or metal casting. Remember, as with most sets, the finer crafted sets will be more likely to break.
- Some popular novelty chess sets include:
- There are tons of chess sets out there, so find one that fits your interests!
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Glass Sets
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- They are often subtly shaded to indicated opposing sides, which makes for a more delicate encounter with your opponent.
- Remember: glass pieces are never used in real game play, so a glass set will more than likely be a decorative purchase than a practical one.
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