Chess Guides & Advice · · 5 min read
Which Chess Set to Give? Gift Ideas by Profile
Giving a chess set means giving hours of play and an object to pass on. Beginner, child, club player, lover of decor or traveller: here is how to choose the right model, according to profile and budget.
A wooden chess set is one of those gifts that doesn't end up at the back of a cupboard. You get it out for a game after dinner, leave it open on a coffee table, and one day pass it on to a child or grandchild. But you still need to choose a model that really suits the person: a beginner, a club player and a lover of beautiful objects don't expect the same thing. Here is our advice for finding the right chess gift, profile by profile.
Three questions to ask before giving
- How will the person play? Often and seriously, now and then with family, or mostly on the move?
- Where will the set live? On a shelf, on a coffee table, in a travel bag?
- What message do you want to send? A practical object, a decorative piece, an engraved keepsake?
Size matters too: the king's height gives a good idea of the space it takes up and how it feels in the hand. For a living-room set, a king of 75 to 90 mm is a comfortable size; for a set that travels, a king of 50 to 65 mm is more than enough. And if you are unsure, favour a folding board: it protects the pieces, stores on a shelf and travels without a worry.
For a beginner: a clear set that is easy to store
For someone discovering the game, the essential thing is legibility: pieces of classic shape, easy to recognise, and a folding board that stores away in an instant. The Trianon pairs hornbeam and beech pieces (65 mm king) with a 31 cm pyrographed board, with built-in storage for the pieces. A compact format that makes you want to play often.
Slip in a few simple rules, or a small card explaining the name and move of each piece: it is an excellent starting point. Another idea that goes down very well: suggest a first game the same day, playing the opening moves together. A gift you discover together more easily becomes a habit.
For a child or teenager: sturdy and practical
With younger players, you want a set that withstands handling and doesn't lose its pieces. A magnetic set is ideal: the magnetic pieces stay in place, even if the table is knocked. The Apprenti, designed as a school set, combines a folding wooden board, magnetic pieces with a 50 mm king and 27 mm squares, in a 27.5 × 13.5 × 4 cm case.
For a teenager starting to play at a club, also think of a first chess clock: competition against the clock is often what turns a pastime into a real passion.
For a club player: the tournament format
A regular player will appreciate a Staunton design, stable pieces and a format close to that of competitions. The Régence No. 5 brings together hornbeam pieces with a 90 mm king, two extra queens for promotions and a folding board inlaid with mahogany and sycamore. Complete it with a digital DGT chess clock, such as the DGT 2010, which offers Fischer bonus and Bronstein delay: it is the accessory every club player ends up asking for. For someone who already has their pieces, a finely made chess board on its own, with coordinates for recording moves, is also a very welcome gift.
For the lover of decor: an original chess set
Some sets are made to stay open. For a gift that gets noticed, look for a distinctive piece design or a carefully worked finish:
- The Tatras and its pieces of original design carved from lime wood, with a 120 mm king;
- The Orfèvre, with brass inlays and a 100 mm king;
- The Matriochka, with its painted pieces, for an original and colourful chess set.
Also think about where the set will be displayed: a case in light tones suits a Scandinavian interior, a dark wood or brass inlays a more classic setting. These models are handmade in Poland by a family workshop of cabinetmakers active since 1996: the pieces are turned and then carved by hand, which gives them a character that moulded pieces lack.
For the traveller: compact and magnetic
Train, holidays, café terrace: for someone who is often on the move, a folding magnetic set is the most practical format. The Nomade noir measures 27 × 13.5 × 4 cm closed, with weighted, magnetic pieces and an insert so each piece returns to its place. The smallest 20 cm formats slip into a jacket pocket. The magnetic pieces stay put on the train as on a camping table: an ideal gift for parents going on holiday with children who play.
Budget guide
| Budget | What you can give |
|---|---|
| Under €150.00 | Compact or magnetic set, introductory chess clock, chess board on its own |
| €150.00 to €300.00 | Complete set in a folding case, tournament format, weighted pieces |
| Over €300.00 | Large carved models, brass inlays, decorative sets |
The finishing touch: personalised engraving
A date, initials, a short message: a personalised engraving (€10.00) turns a beautiful set into a unique keepsake. It is done on the board or the case, up to 40 characters. Contact us before ordering to confirm that the item is suitable and the text to be engraved.
To give with peace of mind: free tracked delivery in 3 to 5 working days, 30-day returns and a 3-year guarantee (a broken piece is replaced).
Frequently asked questions
Which chess set should I give someone who doesn't play yet?
A compact set with a classic design, easy to store, together with the basic rules. The important thing is that it makes them want to open it often.
Is a magnetic set a good gift for a child?
Yes: the pieces stay in place, are stored in their insert and travel without getting lost. It is also a very practical format for holidays.
Can I have a set engraved after I have already ordered it?
Engraving is added to the item you buy. Write to us at info@legacy-boardhouse.com before ordering to check that the model you have chosen is suitable.
Conclusion
A good chess gift is one that matches the way the person plays: compact for the beginner and the traveller, tournament format for the club player, carved pieces for the lover of beautiful objects. Browse our selection of chess sets to give to find the model that suits them.
