Which chess set is best for kids? Fun, durable choices for young players

por Paul Chessini

16 de noviembre, 2025

The best chess set for kids will be determined by their age, level of skill and the place they will be playing. Good choices are instructional or “academy” sets with plain simple pieces and easy to read boards, magnetic travel sets which hold the pieces together even on the road, and durable vinyl sets or plastic sets which can endure the backpacks, spills, and everyday play. In younger children, bigger, more conspicuous pieces and hard, wipe-clean boards are of greatest assistance.

Instructional and academy sets

To the complete beginner, seek sets with plain Staunton-like pieces, distinct board contrast and with a training or academy emphasis. They are user friendly and forgiving.
In the case of slightly older children, select sets that include a carry bag or a carry case, so they can carry chess to school clubs, lessons or to the homes of friends.
To make the set a more organized learning experience, combine it with workbooks or computer-based lessons of the kids, so that the board is not used as a decorative object but as a regular one.

Travel and magnetic sets

Magnetic or travel-ready sets are the best, as the pieces will not be scattered by bumps and rides in a car.
Folding or roll-up boards have their own bag or case which ensures that everything is contained in one place, and the kids can be responsible for their own set.

Durable and playful sets

Vinyl, silicone, or hard plastic boards with durable pieces are nearly kid-proof, can be easily cleaned with soap and water and are ideal to use by the family.
Giant outdoor sets can make chess a participatory game that creates the impression of a life-sized puzzle, which is genius in children who do not like to sit still.

Other considerations

Select items that are comfortable to carry and can be easily identified and do not have too many details and abstract shapes.
Some pieces are a little weighty to keep them straight, particularly on larger boards, but not necessary among smaller children.
Pay attention to a set that your child would really like to play with: safe, durable, and appealing to the eye beats fancy but frail every time.

Introduction: The Importance of The Right Chess Set to Kids

In the case of adults, a chess set may be a beautiful object. It is both a tool, a toy and in some cases a travel companion to kids. The incorrect set may cause the game to become dainty or delicate: pieces roll easily, the board is difficult to read or parents are always concerned that something will be broken.

The correct chess board, however, begs to be played. It is hard enough that you do not jump when the pieces fall, easy enough that children can see patterns and handy enough to carry them to school, tournaments and holidays. That is what makes a young player continue to practice and improve.

This guide will take you through the process of selecting a kids chess set, and then point out some of our recommendations at the World Chess Shop of various ages and situations, as well as provide you with tips on how to use that set to actually teach chess and maintain it in good condition.

How to choose a kids chess set (age, size, and materials)

Age and skill level

The initial question is not complicated: what is the age of your child, and is he or she new to chess?

Ages 5–7 (absolute beginners): Select sets that have bigger and distinctly formed pieces and high contrast of light and dark squares. Safety and visibility is more important at this age than official tournament sizing.
Ages 8–10 (early improvers): Children are capable of working with bigger pieces of standard size, however, they require durable materials and a clear board. This is the niche of sets of academy and club style.
Teenagers (serious learners) 11 years and older: Children who have already mastered chess and have interest in a closer to tournament-style set may also use them at home, so that what they will see and feel in clubs and events is what they see and touch at home.

Imagine it as a series whereby you begin with a set that is easy and fun and then you upgrade to a more serious one as they become more interested and competent.

Safety and durability

Children are rough with their possessions, and that is alright. It should be capable of being handled by a good set of kids.

Look for:

Durable items that do not break or break easily.
Rounded edges and no small decorative protrusions which may be broken off.
The size of the piece should be large enough not to be a choking hazard to younger children.
Boards constructed of materials that can withstand shocks, spills and constant packing/unpacking.

When you find yourself in a mindset of not wanting to touch it because you will break it, then it is likely not the set that you would use with children on a daily basis.

Board size and ergonomics

The board must fit your space and your child even when the pieces are safe and solid.

In the case of younger children, a bit bigger pieces and squares should be used to allow the child to hold and move pieces with ease.
With older children and pre-teens you may advance to a more standard “tournament-style” size, which will prepare them for club or school competitions.
Think about where the set will be kept: a huge board is entertaining but not when it is fixed on the kitchen table permanently.

A general guideline: your child must be capable of setting up and dismantling the board himself without frustration.

Materials and board type

Various materials are appropriate to various families:

Plastic pieces + vinyl or silicone boards.

Very tough, wipe-clean and suited to the clubs, classrooms, and homes of kids.
They can be rolled up or folded and stored and carried away.

“Academy” or composite sets

Training sets of low weight and low cost.
Perfect with children who are still learning and require something that is not very expensive but is good.

Wooden sets

Best borrowed when your child is older and more cautious, when you are borrowing out of the grown-up world.
Very nice and pretty, but generally nicer as a second or special set for kids.

The most feasible option that most families would prefer is to begin with a robust plastic/vinyl or academy set.

Portability and storage

In case your child will take his set to school, houses of friends, and tournaments, the issue of portability is nearly as important as quality.

Look for:

Folding, rolling up boards which do not warp.
A bag or case of the size of a board and pieces. See our chess bags.
Pieces can be attached to the inside pockets, bins or drawstring bags so that they do not lose their way during transit.

When you can fit everything in a single bag and your child can carry it with you, then he/she will be more inclined to carry the set and use it.

Budget and upgrade path

On the first day, you do not have to purchase a lifetime set. Instead:

In the case of a first kids set, it is better to focus on quality and clarity at a reasonable cost.
After your child has demonstrated consistent interest, then you can upgrade it to something more of a premium that can still be used in daily life.
Store the first set as a spare or travelling set later; a second board is convenient to have in the house.

Our top chess sets for kids (World Chess Shop picks)

This is a list of six chess sets at World Chess Shop that can be particularly useful in various situations with kids and families: at home, at school, on the road, and outdoors:

Magnus Chess Academy Signature Series Chess Set – Best all-round kids’ set for home and club

This is a training and improvement set. It comes with a complete set, board, and bag, and therefore, kids have everything they want in a single package. The instruments are transparent, recognizable, and made in adult but comfortable sizes.

It is good with children who already have an interest in learning and would like a real chess set.
Plays at home and in school clubs or lessons, it has its own bag.

Quiver Chess Set Combination – Best travel and school-club set for kids

The Quiver set is a mix of triple weighted regulation pieces, a vinyl chess board and a bag in the shape of a quiver that is carried on the shoulder. It is constructed to be easily transportable and frequently used.

Perfect on children that bring their set to school, club or coaching.
The durable vinyl board absorbs spills and rolling; the weighted pieces do not move around during play.

The World’s Greatest Chess Set – Best “wow” gift set for young enthusiasts

It is the major event that will be given to a child who has already fallen in love with chess. It seeks to achieve that wow factor and remain practical to the actual games.

An excellent present to a kid who is already addicted to chess, whether it is a birthday or holiday present.
Makes them more serious in their practice since the set becomes special.

World Chess Championship Set – Academy Edition – Best budget-friendly “serious” set for kids

World Chess Championship Set (Academy Edition) - image 2

The Academy Edition is a training set of the World Chess Championship, which is made accessible and practical.

Good with children who are already too big to use the plastic beginners sets, but are not ready to spend the money the higher-end equipment costs.
Strong enough to be played in the house and in the loose club games.

25" Giant Chess Set – Best outdoor family and school-yard set

This giant set makes chess a game of full body. Having huge, heavy pieces and a massive outdoor board, children can actually walk between the pieces as they are on a battlefield.

Ideal in gardens, school yards, camping and events.
Another interesting method to engage children who like physical games in chess.

16" Giant Chess Set – Best compact giant set for smaller gardens

In case you are fond of the concept of giant chess and do not have the space to fit the largest one, the 16" giant set is a smaller variant.

It is the same size puzzle with a small footprint, which is great in small outdoor areas.
Good with younger siblings or families that wish to play chess in a different manner outside.

Which chess set is best for kids at different ages?

Ages 5–7: big, tough, easy-to-see sets

For younger kids, focus on safety, clarity, and fun:

Search bigger, heavy objects that are not hard to find and difficult to lose.
Durable boards and pieces that can withstand falls and spills are essential.
Another way of introducing the game playfully and actively is through giant outdoor sets (such as the 25" or 16" Giant Chess Set).

At this point, you are not training them to play competitions, you are creating positive associations with the game.

Ages 8–10: kid-proof but more “serious”

Children of this age group can play more classic sets and tend to be more concerned with playing “real chess”:

The World Chess Championship Set – Academy Edition is a good option to be used at home and casual clubs.
The Magnus Chess Academy Signature Series or Quiver Chess Set Combination are good when the kids bring sets to school clubs or lessons.

In this case, you are striking a balance between seriousness and practicality: the set must be grown-up but at the same time durable enough to be used on a daily basis.

Ages 11+ and teens: getting closer to tournament play

Older kids who are committed to chess benefit from sets that feel like real club or competition equipment:

Both the Magnus Chess Academy Signature Series and World Chess Championship – Academy Edition would be considered a good training and home set.
A more dramatic display such as The World’s Greatest Chess Set can be a great incentive to a teenager who practices and plays on a regular basis.

The aim at this level is to provide them with a set which they can study seriously and practice over a long period of time.

How to use a kids’ chess set so they actually learn

The purchase of an excellent chess sets is not the end of the story. The other half is its usage.

Keep sessions short and fun. In the case of younger children, 15-20 minutes of attentive play is a refreshing alternative to a long tiresome session.
Start with mini-games. Play using only pawns, or only kings and pawns, or one kind of piece (such as “rook races”) then proceed to full games.
Use the board for puzzles. Prepare easy checkmate, forks, and simple tactics on the board so that kids can observe patterns on the 3D and not just on the screens.
Let kids handle the setup. Restarting the board by you also serves to make the pieces move and where they are supposed to be.
Pair the set with resources. The board becomes a learning station rather than a toy with books, lessons given to kids or programs provided online.

It is not the fancy that makes a good kids chess set, but rather how many times the set has the pieces on the board.

Care and safety tips for kids’ chess sets

Even the slightest attention will do a lot to maintain a kids set in good condition:

Cleaning: wipe both board and pieces with a soft slightly damp cloth. Use only tough chemicals that may not harm the finish or cause irritation to the skin.
Drying: allow to dry completely before placing in a bag or box, particularly of vinyl or plastic boards.
Storage: all pieces should be stored in a special bag or container preferably the one that comes with the set to avoid losses.
Safety to younger children: in case there are toddlers in your house, lock up the set and use larger pieces, which obviously cannot be swallowed.

A good kids chess set can be used by siblings, club seasons and even by numerous family games with a little simple upkeep.

Conclusion: pick a set your child will actually use

You are not only purchasing pieces and a board when you are picking a chess set to give a child, but you are creating a place where a child can think, imagine and develop.

Select the set according to their age, give safety and durability priority and select something that they will be eager to go out with over and over again. Academy style kits and traveling sets to huge outdoor boards, you do not find the perfect one to suit all children, but there is the perfect one for your little player.

Use one of the sets above that are kid friendly, make the sessions fun and short and leave the rest to their curiosity.

FAQ: Which chess set is best for kids?

Is chess good for a 7 year old?

Yes. Chess is good with 7 year olds: it develops focus, strategy, memory and patience. When one is at this age, the trick is to make it fun and not homework. The child friendly set with visible pieces and short and playful sessions will make them like the game and be interested in returning to it.

What is the best chess program for kids?

The “best” program will be based on the learning style of your child, however, in most cases you want:

Pictorial, interactive lessons, which present rules and ideas one by one.
Enough easy puzzles to allow children to train in recognizing checkmate and simple strategy.
It should have a soft difficulty curve and a positive feedback so that they feel that they are winning, and not always losing.

Regardless of which program you want, combining it with a physical chess set will allow children to practice what they have learned on-screen in real boards and pieces.

What is a good chess set brand?

The good chess set brands that should be used by kids are those that emphasize on durability, easy design and practicality such as carry bags and roll-up boards. Search brands like World Chess that are provided to clubs, schools, and events because that set has been tested under real-life situations, and it is designed to be used heavily.

Is chess good for ADHD kids?

Chess may be quite beneficial to certain ADHD children, since it prompts:

Short bursts of focused thinking.
Turn-based play, which naturally builds patience.
The satisfaction of seeing a plan succeed on the board.

With that said, every child is unique. It is also important to keep the games short, play mini-games and not put pressure on winning or losing because chess should remain a good experience.

What is the best chess resource for kids?

The "best" resource is often a combination:

A kid-friendly chess set they enjoy using,
Simple lessons or videos that introduce rules and basic ideas,
Puzzle books or workbooks adapted to their age,
And a parent, teacher, or coach who treats chess as playful learning, not a test.

Together, these help children build skill and confidence while genuinely enjoying the game.

Which chess set is best for kids? Fun, durable choices for young players

Introduction: The Importance of The Right Chess Set to Kids