The Best Chess Sets for Beginners: Start Your Journey with Indian Chess Company

April 02, 2025 0 Comments

So you recently found out about how exciting the game of chess is. And now you’re looking for the best chess sets for beginners online to kickstart your journey. But, finding the right chess set isn’t an easy task. Therefore, we have curated a collection of the best chess sets for beginners in this blog

Not just that, if you read till the end, you will find what factors make a chess set a perfect fit for players. 

Are you determined to find out everything about chess sets for beginners?

Let’s go then.

Whether you're looking for a chess set for yourself, or for someone you know who recently developed their interest in the game, you will find the best quality chess sets in this collection

Why Your First Chess Set Matters

You're excited to learn how knights jump and bishops swoop across the board. But if the pieces keep falling over or the board makes too much noise every time you move the pieces, the thrill wears off quickly. That's why using the right beginner chess set really matters—it gets you addicted and every move is a pleasure.

At Indian Chess Company, we're committed to making your initial games as special as you are. Our exquisite wooden chess pieces are created to facilitate learning, with durable construction that will last a lifetime. You'll receive pieces that stay firmly in your hand and boards that stack flat—no wobble, no distractions.

What Makes a Great Beginner Chess Set?

Before diving into our curated list of best beginner chess sets, here are the key things about chess sets that you should consider before buying one. 

• Neatly designed pieces: You shouldn't need to strain to identify the king from a pawn. Always buy chess sets that contain neatly designed pieces that are easy to recognize. 
• Strong construction: For young chess players, especially kids, it is required that you go for chess sets that are durable and also easy on the little hands. 
• Portability: A small set is ideal for those who travel a lot. So if you’re a frequent traveler but love to test your chess moves every time you get a chance, special travel chess sets are a go to option for you. 
• Weight and feel: Wooden pieces with some heft provide a gratifying, real-world feel. For those who are determined to become the next chess grandmaster, wooden tournament chess sets make the perfect choice. 
• Affordable: Your chess set should be affordable and not put a lot of burden on your pockets. 

Now, here are the top recommendations for beginners who are looking for the best chess sets to start their journey. 

Best Chess Sets for Beginners

1. The Repro of French Lardy Wooden Chess Pieces in Ebonized Boxwood 3¾ Inch King

This beginner chess set includes a 3.75-inch king, and other pieces made of ebonized boxwood, offering a traditional appearance. The board and pieces of this chess set offer high durability and offer an excellent chess experience to the beginners. 

Why beginners love it:

• Traditional design with easily recognizable pieces.​
• Weighted pieces provide stability while playing.​
• Heavy-duty construction perfect for daily use.

2. 1966 17th Chess Olympiad Championship Weighted Repro 4.0 inch King Chess Pieces in Ebonized Wood

This beginner chess set is a reproduced version of the same chess set used in the 1966 17th Chess Olympiad Championship. This chess set comprises a 4.0-inch king constructed from ebonized wood. The pieces of this amazing beginner chess set are made to resemble those used during the 1966 Chess Olympiad, and it gives the new chess players a touch of history. 

Why beginners love it:

• Historically inspired design adds character.​
• Weighted pieces offer a solid playing experience.​
• Ideal for casual and competitive play.

3. The 1849 Cooke Type 2 Jaques Staunton Weighted 3.5 inch King Chess Pieces in Ebony Wood and Vintage Antique Boxwood - 1100 Grams Weight

This magnificently designed beginner chess set contains a 3.5-inch king made of ebony wood and antique boxwood. The Staunton style design of this chess set is highly admired by chess enthusiasts and beginners love it for its classic looks.

Why beginners love it:

• Classic Staunton style popular among tournament players.​
• Optimal weight balances piece stability.
• High-quality material for long-term durability.

4. The Japanese Golden Castle "The Craftsman" Master Chess Set Pieces Only in Ebony & Distressed Antiqued Boxwood 3.50 inch King - 1300 Grams Weight

This exceptionally crafted beginner chess set includes a 3.5-inch king made from ebony and distressed antiqued boxwood. The intricate design of the knights adds a unique flair to the set and gives beginner players a great hold on the game.

Why beginners love it:

• Unique knight design adds aesthetic appeal.
• Heavily weighted pieces provide a premium feel.
• Ideal for both practice and display purpose

5. The 1973 Philippines Repro International Tournament Chess Pieces in 4.2 Inch King Ebonized & Distressed Antique Boxwood - 1350 Grams

This reproduction set is a great option for beginners who are serious about their game. The chess set includes a 4.2-inch king made of ebonized and distressed antique boxwood. The design of the pieces of this chess set is based on the ones utilized in the 1973 Philippines International Tournament.

Why beginners love it:

• Tournament pieces make learning more fun.
• Large king size makes the pieces easily recognizable.
• Weighted pieces make for a more pleasant game.
  

Choosing the Ideal Material for Your First Chess Set

It is important to look for the material you choose when you are buying a new chess set. Let's have a quick look at the top material options to make a choice from - 

• Sheesham Wood: Renowned for its rich, dark hues and durability, sheesham is perfect for day-to-day play. It forms the basis of most of our beginner sets.
• Maple Wood: Smooth and light, easy to maneuver and move the pieces. Frequently used with sheesham for contrast.
• Boxwood: Light with a fine grain, perfect for smaller, less weighty pieces.
• Ebony Wood: Dark, high-quality, and sophisticated. Although not included in starter sets, it adds a touch of luxury to premium sets.

For starters, we suggest sheesham and maple—cheap, durable, and pleasing to the eye.

Why Choose Indian Chess Company to Buy Chess Sets

We are not just any other online chess store selling a regular selection of chess sets. At Indian Chess Company, we are committed to offer the best game experience to all the chess lovers. And that’s why, we offer a wide selection of chess sets made of different materials, and for the different needs of everyone who is interested in playing the game. 

But that’s not all about us. Here’s what makes us different.

• Handcrafted perfection: Every set is handcrafted by master artisans. From our exquisite wooden chess sets to the luxurious ones, each chess piece of ours contains the essence of the game.
• Variety and excellence: From travel chess sets to tournament chess sets that are designed as per the official guidelines of FIDE, our collection has the best chess sets and other accessories for players of all levels. 
• Global free shipping: When you buy a chess set online from our official website, you don’t pay any additional shipping fees, but only for the product.

Tips for Beginner Chess Players

After you've selected your set, it's time to play! Here are a few beginner tips for you - 

• Keep it simple: Learn about the different chess pieces like pawns, knights, and bishops first and how they move on the chess board before you tackle advanced methods.
• Play every day: Even 15 minutes a day will improve your skills. Schedule regular practice sessions and see yourself getting better at the game each day. 
• Use good quality chess sets: Having high quality chess boards and pieces binds you to the real essence of the game and it helps you focus even better on the game. 

Your Chess Journey Starts Here

Our carefully curated collection of the top chess sets for beginners contains everything that you need to give a perfect start to your journey of becoming the next chess grandmaster . Whether you like the sophistication of the Bridle Chess Pieces, the assertiveness of the Fierce Knight Staunton, or the understated simplicity of the Indian Chess Pieces, we have the ideal set to help you start your affair with chess.

Visit our store and check out the best quality chess sets available at affordable prices. 

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