Chess is a game of strategy, fun, and wits. However, you need the greatest beginner's chess set before making your first move. Learning chess may be made much more fun with a chess set that is interesting, long-lasting, and simple to use.
So, what should you look for? A good chessboard and comfortable-to-hold pieces are essential components of a quality chessboard. If you love tech, electronic chess sets can even teach you new strategies as you play. Whether you prefer classic wooden pieces or a high-tech board, the right set will help you improve faster.
At Chessnut, we design the best chess sets that are perfect for beginners. There is something for everyone, ranging from straightforward, reasonably priced alternatives to smart boards that can be connected to apps. With the right chessboard, you can play against a computer. You can learn from available online tutorials and even challenge your friends online. With the best chess sets from Chessnut, you will get quality, style, and features that grow with your skills.
Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s explore the top Chessnut picks for new players.
Your First Chess Set: Why It Makes All the Difference
Starting chess is exciting, but playing with a bad set can turn that excitement into frustration. Imagine trying to learn with pieces that tip over easily, a board with faded squares, or worse—missing pieces. That is why picking one of the best chess sets designed for beginners matters so much.
The Right Set Keeps You Focused on Learning
Chess is hard enough when you are just memorizing how the pieces move. You don’t want to struggle with a flimsy pawn that won’t stand straight or a chessboard with tiny, hard-to-read letters and numbers. A well-made set lets you concentrate on strategy, not fixing wobbly pieces.
A unique chess set with clear, classic designs (like the Staunton style) helps you recognize pieces instantly. No confusing knights that look like horses from a toy farm. When everything is easy to see and handle, learning becomes smoother—and way more fun.
Durability: Because Chess Sets Take a Beating
Let’s be real—beginners are not always gentle. Pieces get dropped, boards get shoved in backpacks, and games get played everywhere from the floor to the park. Cheap sets crack, peel, or lose their print after a few weeks. But a high-quality set, whether wood or tough plastic, survives those early "oops" moments.
Electronic chess sets add another layer of durability. No more lost pieces now. They are built into the board. Also, they often come with protective cases, perfect for kids who take their games on the go.
The Cool Factor: A Set You Will Want to Play With
Ever opened a textbook with a tiny, boring print and instantly felt tired? A dull, poorly made chess set does the same thing. But a great set pulls you in. Maybe it is the weight of the pieces in your hand, the smooth glide of a rook across the board, or the satisfying click of a move on an electronic board.
Electronic chess sets take this further with lights, sounds, and even challenges against AI. It feels like playing a video game—except you are secretly getting smarter.
The Right Set Grows With You
A beginner’s set shouldn’t just be "easy." It should help you improve. Some chess boards include notation (letters and numbers around the edges) to teach coordinates. Others come with apps that analyze your moves. Even the size matters—tournament-standard sets train your eyes for competitive play later.
Picking Your Perfect Unique Chess Set: What Really Matters
So you are ready to get your first best chess set? But how can you make a decision when there are so many options? Let's examine the main characteristics that distinguish some of the top chess sets apart for newbies like you.
Material: Will It Survive Your Games?
There are many different kinds of materials for unique chess sets. Plastic sets are lightweight and affordable. They are perfect if you are new. Wooden sets feel more solid and professional. The chess pieces have a nice weight in your hand.
If you love tech, electronic chess sets offer something special. These smart boards connect to apps and can even light up to show you possible moves. They are durable too, since you won't lose any pieces.
Size & Portability: Where Will You Play?
Think about where you will use your set most. A full-sized chess board is great for home use, with pieces big enough to handle comfortably. But if you want to play at school or in the park, a smaller travel set might be better.
Electronic chess sets like the Chessnut Go give you the best of both worlds—they are compact but packed with features. Fold it up, toss it in your bag, and you can play anywhere.
Piece Design: Can You Tell What's What?
Ever seen a unique chess set where the knight looks like a weird blob? Confusing. The best chess sets use the Staunton design—the classic style you see in tournaments. Each piece is easy to recognize:
- Pawns are the smallest
- Knights look like horses
- Bishops have a slit in their top
- Rooks are tower-shaped
- Queens wear a crown
- Kings are tallest with a cross
- A unique chess set might have fun themes (like space or animals), but make sure you can still tell the pieces apart easily.
Board Clarity: Can You See the Squares?
Some cheap boards have squares that blend or tiny notations you can barely read. Look for:
- High contrast colors (dark brown/light tan or black/white)
- Clear letters and numbers around the edges (helps with notation)
- Smooth surface—no bumps or rough edges
Electronic chess sets solve this problem with lit-up squares and digital displays that make everything crystal clear.
Extra Features That Make Learning Fun
Some sets come with bonuses:
Chess computers that play against you at different skill levels
Training modes that teach openings and tactics
App connectivity to play online or analyze your games
Storage—a box or pouch to keep everything organized
Price: Getting Quality Without Breaking the Bank
You don't need the most expensive set to start. Many affordable options are perfect for beginners. Just avoid the absolute cheapest—they often fall apart fast.
Electronic chess sets cost more but can be worth it for the interactive features. Think of it like buying a video game console instead of just the board game version.
Top Chessnut Chess Sets: Find Your Perfect Match
Choosing your first unique chess set is a big deal. You want something fun, easy to use, and that won’t fall apart after a few rides. Chessnut makes some of the best chess sets for beginners, whether you love classic wooden boards or high-tech electronic chess sets.
Chessnut Go – The Smart, Portable Pick
If you love electronic gadgets, the Chessnut Go is the best electronic chess set for you. It is slim and lightweight. It fits easily in a backpack. It is perfect for playing at school, the park, or on vacation.
Why It is Great for Beginners:
Lights Up Your Moves – The board highlights legal moves, so you will never get confused about where a piece can go.
Plays Against You or Friends – Connect it to chess apps like Chess.com or Lichess to play against AI or real opponents online.
No Lost Pieces – Since the pieces are built into the board, you won’t accidentally misplace a knight or pawn.
Battery Life for Days – One charge lasts for hours of play.
Best for: Beginners who want tech features in a compact size.
Perfect if: You want a high-tech set that is easy to carry around.
Chessnut Evo – The Modern Upgrade
The Chessnut Evo is like the Go’s bigger, fancier sibling. It is still an electronic chess set but with a more polished look and extra features that make learning even easier.
Why Beginners Love It:
Bigger Board – The pieces glide effortlessly. The sensors are super responsive.
Training Modes – One can learn openings, playing tactics, and endgames with built-in chess lessons.
Works with Chess Apps – Play against bots, and friends, or even watch grandmaster games on the board.
Looks Like a Pro Set – The minimalist design makes it feel like a premium chess board, not just a toy.
Best for: Players who want a smarter, sleeker board.
Perfect if: You want a mix of high-tech learning tools and a stylish board.
Chessnut Air – The Best of Both Worlds
The Chessnut Air is another awesome electronic chess set but with a focus on simplicity. It is lightweight, easy to set up, and great for casual play.
Why It is a Great Starter Set:
Simple and User-Friendly – No complicated setup. Just turn it on and play.
Travel-Friendly – Folds up neatly. So you can take it anywhere.
Chess Clock Built-In – Practice timed games if you want to get serious later.
Affordable Smart Board – Less expensive than the Evo but still packed with tech.
Best for: Beginners who want a portable electronic chess set.
Perfect if: You want an electronic set that is portable, and budget-friendly.
Chessnut Pro – The Premium Wooden Experience
If you prefer the feel of real wood, the Chessnut Pro is one of the best chess sets for you. It gives you a traditional feel of chess. The chess pieces have good weight. This chessboard looks like something you would find in a professional chess tournament.
Why It is Worth It:
Staunton-Style Pieces – The classic design makes it easy to recognize each piece.
Durable & Beautiful – Solid wood that won’t chip or fade easily.
Perfect for Tournaments – The right size and style if you ever want to compete.
Feels Like a Pro Set – Moves smoothly, looks impressive, and lasts forever.
Best for: Players who love classic, high-quality sets.
Perfect if: You love the classic chess feel and want a set that grows with you.
Chessnut Classic – The Budget-Friendly Starter
Not ready to invest in an electronic chess set? The Chessnut Classic is a great traditional option that won’t break the bank.
Why It is a Smart Choice:
Affordable but Durable – Made with sturdy materials that won’t fall apart.
Easy to Store – Comes with a storage box or roll-up board.
Great for Casual Play – It is ideal for playing chess with friends or learning the game.
Clear, Simple Design – No confusing pieces, just straightforward chess.
Best for: Beginners seeking a reasonably priced option..
Perfect if: You are looking for a simple, timeless set to begin with.
Chessnut Makes Learning Chess Way More Fun
Learning chess shouldn't feel like homework. That is why Chessnut designs the best chess sets that actually help you improve while keeping things exciting. Whether you choose a classic chess board or a high-tech electronic chess set, you will get awesome tools to boost your skills.
Instant Feedback with Electronic Chess Sets
The coolest thing about Chessnut's electronic chess sets? They talk back. Make a move, and the board will:
- Light up to show if you made a mistake
- Highlight possible moves when you are stuck
- Keep track of your game so you can review it later
It is like having a coach right there with you. No more wondering why you lost – the board helps you understand what went wrong.
Learn From the Pros (Without the Pressure)
Chessnut's smart boards connect to apps where you can:
- Watch how Grandmasters play
- Try a famous game position yourself
- Get step-by-step lessons on openings and tactics
Imagine learning basketball by watching Michael Jordan – that is what this is like for chess.
Play Anywhere Against Anyone
With a unique chess set like Chessnut Go or Evo, you are never limited to just playing:
- Against the computer at different skill levels
- Against friends online
- Against yourself by trying different strategies
No more waiting for someone to play with you, the chess world is always open.
Make Practice Enjoyable
Drilling chess puzzles can be boring. But Chessnut turns practice into a game with:
- Interactive challenges that feel like video games
- Reward systems for improving your rating
- Fun themes and customizations
Grow at Your Own Pace
Traditional, unique chess sets can't adjust to your skill level. But Chessnut's electronic chess sets can:
- Start super easy when you are learning moves
- Get tougher as you improve
- Focus on your weak spots, like endgames or tactics
It is like having a set that grows smarter as you do.
The Best Part? You Won't Even Realize You are Learning
With colorful lights, cool sounds, and game-like features, you will be having so much fun that you won't notice how much you are improving. Before you know it:
- You will spot checkmates faster
- You will remember important openings
- You will start thinking several moves ahead
And the more you play, the better it gets.
Chessnut doesn't just give you a unique chess set; it gives you a whole learning adventure. Whether you pick a high-tech electronic chess set or a classic chess board, you are getting tools that make mastering chess easier, faster, and way more exciting than traditional sets ever could.
Your Chess Journey Starts Here
Choosing your first unique chess set is exciting. An incredible journey is about to begin. Chessnut offers the ideal option for your preferred method of learning and playing, whether you choose a traditional chess board or a state-of-the-art computerized chess set.
The best chess sets do more than just look good—they make learning easier and way more fun. Imagine having a set that teaches you strategies, lets you play against opponents worldwide, or even lights up to show your best moves. That is what makes Chessnut's unique chess set options so special. They are not just pieces on a board; they are smart tools that help you improve faster.
Maybe you will pick the portable Chessnut Go for games anywhere. Or the sleek Chessnut Evo for high-tech training. If you love tradition, the wooden Chessnut Pro brings that classic tournament feel to your home. And if you are just starting out, the affordable Chessnut Classic gives you everything you need without the fuss.
No matter which you choose, you are getting more than a game—you are getting a chess partner that grows with you. Every checkmate you score, every strategy you learn, and every game you play will make you better. With Chessnut's electronic chess sets, you will have helpful features that make improving feel like play.
So what are you waiting for? Your perfect, unique chess set is ready to help you start winning. Pick your favorite, set up the board, and make your first move toward becoming a chess champion.