If you’re looking for a fun, exciting activity for your kids that encourages critical thinking, look no further than chess sets for kids!
First appearing in India in the 6th century BC, chess has remained 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. I’ve compiled all my favorite kids’ chess sets to help you get started!
- Check out our article on magnifying glasses for another great way to get kids learning!
Kids’ Chess Sets at A Glance
In this post:
- Benefits of Chess for Kids
- How to Play Chess
- Best Kids Chess Sets
- Chess Accessories
- Buying Considerations
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Benefits of Chess for Kids
Teaching kids chess offers a multitude of benefits; not only is it an educational game, but it is also 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 ways kids can play chess, including individual and team competitions and recreational play with a friend.
Many of the larger tournaments include children from around the world, offering them the opportunity to become champions in 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.
Best Kids Chess Sets
When you’re looking for a visually stunning, high-quality kids’ chess set, the Chess Armory Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is our pick for the best overall chess set.
Featuring an inlaid walnut magnetic chessboard, you don’t have to worry about losing pieces or knocking them over accidentally during play, a thoughtful addition that’s perfect for a kids’ chess set.
Each chess piece is handcrafted and includes a custom foam insert for easy storage and transport. This beautiful chessboard 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 of this incredible chess set is that it includes a free online course taught by an expert chess player to help your kids get started on 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
The Cardinal Classics Chess Teacher is my top pick for the best beginner chess set for kids—and easily the best budget-friendly option, too!
Everything about this set is designed to help new players feel confident: each piece is clearly labeled with its name and movement pattern, so kids can learn how the game works without feeling overwhelmed or constantly asking for reminders. The board is simple to set up, making it perfect for early learning sessions at home, in classrooms, or during after-school programs.
I also love that it’s recommended for ages 8 and up, which is right around the age when kids are developmentally ready for strategy play and longer-lasting games.
While the board is lightweight and not meant to be an heirloom set, it’s exactly what most families need when they’re just getting started—affordable, intuitive, and kid-friendly. For parents looking to introduce chess without a big upfront investment, this set hits the sweet spot.
Specifications
Ages: 8+
Material: Wood, heavy-duty plastic
Other Games Playable: None
When you’re looking for a dual-purpose game set that gives you two classic strategy options in one box, the Amerous 15-inch Magnetic Wooden Chess & Checkers Game Set stands out as a strong best 2-in-1 pick!
This set delivers both a full chess game and a dedicated checkers game, so kids (and grown-ups) can switch between two board-game favorites without needing multiple separate purchases.
The quality touches help it shine—solid-wood construction with beautifully spliced grain on the board, a folding design that doubles as a storage box, and magnetic game pieces that stay put even when the board is moved or transported.
It’s especially ideal for families who want to keep things compact and versatile—whether for playroom use, travel, or compact storage at home. Because it carries both games in one, it delivers extra value and keeps the board-game shelf from getting cluttered.
Specifications
Age: 4+
Material: Pinewood
Other Games Playable: Chess, Checkers
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, as it automatically adjusts to their skill level, making it ideal for beginners through advanced players.
The super slimline chessboard 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, helping new players learn and remember, which is great for kids who are still figuring out the game’s rules. 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
For frequent travelers, a compact, easy-to-store chess set is a must! The Vahome Classic Wooden Chess Set is the perfect folding chessboard, offering easy storage without sacrificing beauty or quality.
Crafted from peach and pine wood, this magnetic chess set is great for travel, as the magnets help keep the pieces in place during play and even when the set is turned completely upside down!
The chessboard converts to a travel case, folding down the middle while the pieces stay securely in place in an interior foam insert, which fits easily inside a backpack or carry-on bag. Keep your kids off electronics while you travel with this sturdy folding chessboard.
Specifications
Age: 6+
Material: Peachwood, pine wood
Other games Playable: None
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 30 mini-games included, each explained in an easy-to-understand format that’s perfect for kids as young as 3. 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
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 tournaments or recreational play.
The roll-up board fits easily into even the smallest bag, while the 34 tournament-grade chess pieces are filled with 90% plastic. 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
Chess 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, additional bonus time features, and delay, this portable timer is perfect for beginner to advanced players.
Buying Considerations
When choosing a chess set for your child, consider the following.
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 that your kids will play, especially during travel. Foldable chess sets make packing easier.
Final Thoughts on Kids’ Chess Sets
A great kids’ chess set can get your family started in the game!
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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