If you’re looking for a fun and exciting activity for your kids that encourages critical thinking, look no further than chess! First appearing in India in the 6th century BC, chess has maintained its status as one of the most popular games for those who enjoy strategy and skill. While often thought of as an adult game, chess is extremely popular among children, with tournaments for Kindergarteners through High School drawing in massive crowds. Each with their own kids chess set!
- Check out our article on magnifying glasses for another great way to get kids learning!
Benefits of chess for children
Teaching kids chess offers a multitude of benefits, not only is it an educational game and just plain fun. Some of the other impressive benefits include:
Improved reading skills
Connecting with others
Logic, creativity, and critical thinking development
Teaches foresight and planning
Improves memory and concentration
Engages the mind without a screen
Cultivates problem-solving skills
How to play chess
There are multiple different ways kids can play chess, including individual and team competitions or recreationally with a friend. Many of the larger tournaments include children from around the world, offering them the opportunity to be a champion at a game they love! There are chess clubs available both in and out of schools for beginners through advanced players, so they can hone their skills and create friendships that last a lifetime.
If you’re interested in introducing your child to one of the most intense, exciting, and beneficial games, keep reading for more information on finding the perfect kids chess set they’re sure to love!
You can check out this great article: How To Teach Your Kids Chess and find other great resources on their website.
- Looking for other fun ways to play with your children? Check out our article on block sets.
In this article, you’ll find:
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The Best Overall Kids Chess Set
Chess Armory Magnetic Wooden Chess Set
When you’re looking for a visually stunning, high-quality kids chess set, the Chess Armory Magnetic Wooden Chess Set wins our pick for the best overall chess set.
Featuring an inlaid walnut magnetic chess board, you don’t have to worry about losing pieces or knocking them over accidentally during play, a thoughtful addition that’s perfect for kids chess set.
Each chess piece is handcrafted and includes a custom foam insert for easy storage and transport. This beautiful chess board is ideal for new and experienced players and is proudly offered by a small business, so you can feel good about supporting local! The best part about this incredible chess set is that it includes a free online course taught by an expert chess player to help your kids start their chess journey!
The thoughtful features are why we chose this as one of the best chess sets available.
Specifications
Ages: 6+
Material: Walnut
Other Games Playable: Not included
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The Best Beginners Kids Chess Set
Best Chess Set Ever
Beginner players will develop a love for chess with the Best Chess Set Ever! Created for beginner players, this set includes a comprehensive strategy guide that includes thirty-two pages of illustration and winning tactics that will help your kid become an expert player in no time!
The silicone chess board is equipped with algebraic notations, acting as a reference for beginner players and helping them learn the game quickly and easily.
Although created with beginners in mind, this chess set features only tournament-grade components, including Triple Weighted Staunton Chess Pieces with felt bottoms and sleek looking board. It even includes fun googly eyes for your kids to dress up their chess pieces and velvet drawstring bags for safe storage. This is one of the funnest chess boards we’ve seen!
Specifications
Ages: 6+
Material: Silicone, heavy-duty plastic
Other Games Playable: None
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The Best 2-in-1 Kids Chess Set
Juegoal Wooden Chess & Checkers Set
Why settle for one game when your children can have two with this beautiful wooden 2-in-1 chess set by Juegoal. Available in two sizes, 17-in or 15-in, each set meets the stringent US Chess Federation and FIDE requirements for official tournament use.
Each chess set includes thirty-four chess pieces (including two extra queens) and twenty-four checkers pieces for hours of dual-function fun! Enjoy the crafted premium pine wooden design, with clearly defined patterns, anti-scratch felt bottom pieces, a folding chess board, and an easily storable drawstring bag to keep everything neat and tidy.
Every set includes an instruction booklet making play easier (and more fun) than ever! This is why we’ve chosen this as one of the best chess sets for kids.
Specifications
Age: 4+
Material: Pinewood
Other Games Playable: Chess, Checkers
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The Best Electronic Kids Chess Set
DGT Centaur Digital Electronic Chess Set
If your kids love everything electronic, the DGT Centaur Digital Electronic Chess Set is the perfect way to encourage their love for the game. Although designed for adults, this impressive set is perfect for kids since it automatically adjusts to their play level, making it the ideal option for beginners through advanced players.
The super slim line chess board is great for discreet travel, while the monotone colorway gives it a sleek yet impactful presence. A digital screen displays past moves with a light-up LED indicator light, which helps new players learn and remember, which is great for kids who are still figuring out the rules of the game. It also gives hints, displays the score, and has a clock, along with a wide array of additional settings.
Great for recreational home play or club/ tournament training, this electronic chess set effortlessly pairs education with fun! Includes a 2-year warranty for additional peace of mind.
Specifications
Age: 12+
Material: Plastic
Other Games Playable: None
Check prices for DGT Centaur Digital Electronic Chess Set
The Best Travel Kids Chess Set
Vahome Classic Wooden Chess Set
For those who travel a lot, having a compact and easy-to-store chess set is a must! The Vahome Classic Wooden Chess Set is the perfect folding chess board, providing easy storage without sacrificing beauty or quality.
Crafted from peach and pine wood, this magnetic chess set is great for use during travel since the magnets helps ensure the pieces stay in place during motion, even staying in place if the chess set is turned completely upside down!
The chess board converts to a travel case, folding down the middle while the pieces stay securely fit inside an interior foam insert, fitting easily inside a backpack or carry-on bag. Keep your kids off electronics while you travel with this sturdy folding chess board.
Specifications
Age: 6+
Material: Peachwood, pine wood
Other games Playable: None
Check prices for Vahome Classic Chess Set
Best Chess Set for Young Kids
Story Time Chess
When starting your young children on their chess journey, The Story Time Chess set is perfect for even the youngest players. Created to mimic a storybook, each piece is adorably designed by Disney illustrator Ryan Terry to look like a cartoon character, while the strategies and rules are conveyed through an entertaining story.
There are over thirty mini-games included that will explain how to play in an easy-to-understand format that’s perfect for kids as young as three. As the recipient of over seventeen awards, including the 2021 Toy of the Year People’s Choice Winner, Story Time Chess is the most awarded children’s board game in history!
Specifications
Ages: 3+
Material: Plastic, heavy-duty cardboard
Other Games Playable: 30+ mini-games included
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The Best Tournament Style Kids Chess Set
WE Games Tournament Chess Set
When you’re kids are ready to take their game to the next level, the Tournament Style Chess Set by WE Games will help them get there. Crafted to US Chess Federation and World Chess Federation standards, it’s perfect for bringing to tournaments or using for recreational play.
The roll-up board fits easily in even the smallest bag, while the thirty-four tournament-grade chess pieces contain 90% plastic filling. The easily transportable board includes algebraic notations for more efficient game analysis, making this chess set the perfect choice for kids who want to experience professional play.
Specifications
Age: 14+
Materials: Plastic
Other Games Playable: None
Check prices for WE Games Tournament Chess Set
Accessories
Learning Chess For Kids Book
How to Beat Your Dad at Chess
The perfect book for kids to learn the fundamentals of chess, it includes a beginner’s guide through advanced checkmate strategies so your kids can learn the ins and outs of this fantastic game.
Strategy Book For Kids
Across the Battlefield – A Pawn’s Journey: A Fun Way To Learn Chess
Endorsed by American Chess Magazine, The English Chess Federation, and more, this book simplifies chess strategy into an easy-to-understand format that’s perfect for kids. They will learn the ins and outs of being a successful chess player, all while enjoying this fun and exciting story.
Keeping score
Scorebook
Keep track of your child’s play with this comprehensive yet uncomplicated scorebook. It includes 100 spaces for moves, game and player information, a results section, a diagram, and spiral binding, for the ultimate ease of use.
Timekeeping
Digital Chess Clock
Help your child hone their skills with this sturdy and durable digital timer. With easy-to-read numbers, along with additional bonus time features and delay, this portable timer is perfect for beginner through advanced players.
Buying Considerations
When choosing a chess set for your child, take a look at the following considerations.
Age of the child
Look for chess sets suitable for the child’s age and skill level. A chess set with rule books will help them learn chess more easily.
Size of the set
Ensure your kids can reach and handle the pieces easily while they learn chess. Look for chess sets with robust pieces and a sturdy chessboard.
Transportability
Choosing a portable set will increase the likelihood your kids will play, especially during travel. Chess sets that fold will make packing easier.
Final Thoughts
As a famous chess player once said, “Chess is not always about winning. Sometimes it’s simply about learning. And so is life.” Teaching your children the game of chess offers many developmental benefits and teaches them skills they will carry throughout their lives. Set your kids up for success by encouraging them to play this exciting and skill-based game they’re sure to love!
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