11 Best Chess Sets Under $100

If you are looking for a good quality chess set under $100, then you are at the right place!

I have done complete research to find out the best chess sets within 100 dollars price range. And I’m going to share with you the pros and cons of each chess set plus why a particular chess set would be suitable for you.

And although all the chess sets I’m going to share are the best, I have some personal favorites.

I highly recommend either the Wegiel Handmade European Ambassador Chess Set or the Wegiel Handmade Junior European International Chess Set. Both are of the highest quality materials available at affordable prices. Also, because so many players value the weight of their pieces, my final recommendation is the Best Chess Set Ever XL.

Now that being said, let’s dive in see all the chess sets.

Here are the 11 best chess sets under $100:

#1. Wegiel Handmade European Ambassador Chess Set

PROS:

• Measuring 21” by 21”, this chess set is an over-size, extra-large board

• The chessboard folds in half for storage, and it has sturdy clasps

• The board is birch and beech woods

• Pieces are carved hornbeam and sycamore woods

• The board squares measure 2.24” for plenty of room to maneuver

• Provides individual internal storage for pieces

• It is a display quality ornamental Ambassador set

• The pieces are felted and weighted

• Algebraic notations on edges 

CONS:

• It is too large to travel with conveniently

• There is no magnetism between pieces and board

• Not a tournament board

• The weighted pieces are still oddly light

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

Players who prefer quality materials and construction will love this chess set. If you have an area in mind to display your board, this is a great choice that will last for years to come. This set is perfect for experienced players and new players who want to start right with a quality wood board.

#2. Classic Game Collection Metal Chess Set

PROS:

• Measuring 12” by 12”, this chess set is a small, travel-friendly board 

• The set includes attractive metal Staunton style pieces

• Lid style storage beneath board for pieces

• This set makes an attractive display set

• The chessboard is inlaid wood

CONS:

• Storage for pieces is not secured with any locking mechanism

• There is no magnetism between pieces and board

• With 1.25” playing squares, maneuvering pieces may be awkward

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

Players who like to leave their board on display while they aren’t actively playing are sure to love this classy, polished-feeling chess set. So, if you prefer quality woods and metal components to your gameplay, this is an easy choice.

#3. Best Chess Set Ever XL

PROS:

• Measuring 20” by 20”, this is an over-sized chessboard

• The board has plenty of room to maneuver on 2.25” playing squares

• This set is a tournament board

• Silicone board rolls or folds up for storage or travel

• This set comes with classic Staunton style pieces

• The pieces are felted and quadruple weighted for a quality feel

CONS:

• The board is not an attractive or display-worthy board

• Extra-large pieces may be unwieldy for smaller hands

• No magnetism between pieces and board

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

This board was designed with players in mind who value heavy-weighted pieces and plenty of space for gameplay. As a result, the pieces for this board are some of the heaviest available in any price category. Of course, it isn’t a good travel set but will serve you well at home and is easy to store.

#4. 15” Wood Chess Set: Magnetic Universal Standard

PROS:

• Measuring 15” by 15”, this chess set is a full-size, large board

• The board folds in half to create storage space for pieces

• The set comes with classic Staunton style pieces that are hand-carved quality wood

• It is a good board for traveling

• The pieces magnetize to the board 

CONS:

• With playing squares measuring 1 ⅛”, the board may be crowded

• Pieces are very lightweight

• The chessboard tends to warp over time if stored flat

• The pieces are not uniform in size

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

Chess players who want better quality than what you can get for under $50 but want to stay well under $100 will appreciate this set. While it has its’ flaws, it is an affordable, serviceable board that will last a long time.

#5. Agirlgle International Chess Set 

PROS:

• Measuring 11.4” by 11.2”, this tiny board is perfect for travel

• It comes with attractive metal, Staunton style pieces

• The chessboard folds in half and locks securely

• Pieces are weighted zinc-alloy that will not rust over time

• The chessboard is an attractive pearwood

CONS:

• Board squares don’t line up well when the board is open

• The metal pieces are challenging to differentiate between in low-light conditions

• Gameplay is likely to be a bit crowded with such a small board

• Not a tournament board

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

This tiny set is perfect for casual players who are just starting to learn the intricacies of chess and want the convenience of picking up and going whenever.

#6. USAOPOLY Game of Thrones Collector’s Chess Set

PROS:

• The unique character pieces are all packaged in individual foam to avoid damage

• It’s a great collector’s item for GOT fans

• Looks nice as a display

• The chess set comes with a quality storage box

• It is unique

CONS:

• The set is advertised as a standard size but lists no dimensions, so it may be an unusual size

• The pieces are cheap to cast plastic

• The board is fairly cheap cardboard

• The pieces are challenging to differentiate between during play 

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

Fans of Game of Thrones who are also interested in chess will adore this novelty chess set. In addition, fans of GOT will appreciate the attention to character detail, the dragon scale backsplash pattern of the board, and the chance to use it as a conversational piece on game night.

#7. Wegiel Handmade Junior European International Chess Set

PROS:

•  Measuring 16” by 16”, this chess set is a large full-size board

• The chessboard is quality beech and birch woods

• The board folds in half to provide internal storage for pieces, and it locks

• The pieces are quality hornbeam and sycamore woods

• The pieces are handcrafted and felted

• The playing squares measure 2” by 2”, providing a ton of space to maneuver

CONS:

• The pieces do not magnetize to the board

• This board is a bit large for traveling

• Not a tournament board

• No extra queens included

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

Chess players who appreciate old-world quality in the traditional Staunton style will fall in love with this board. Like the larger Wegiel board on our list, this is a fantastic display board for around the house or office, and it will last for years. However, this set travels a bit easier than its’ larger counterpart, making it a superior option for players who travel as well.

#8. La Moda Home Star Mega Size VIP Chess Set

PROS:

•  Measuring 12” by 12”, this chess set is an average size with average play space

• The chessboard is the quality mother of pearl and wood

• The set looks very nice set up as a display

• The pieces included are authentic wood with felted bottoms

• This chessboard provides individual storage for pieces beneath the board

• It comes with a cardboard box to store and protect it

CONS:

• The pieces are very lightweight and feel cheap

• It isn’t a very large board but isn’t travel friendly either

• Not a tournament board

• The pieces are not magnetized to the board

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

This chess set is for players who enjoy a unique design and want a board to play on and leave on display to spark conversation as well as the occasional match. Not recommended as a display for households with children, as pieces may be knocked or misplaced.

#9. Paris BLUEBERRY Chess Set

PROS:

• Measuring 14” by 14”, this chess set is a standard or medium-size board

• The board is made of quality, attractive hornbeam wood and is a gorgeous royal blue

• The board folds in half and clasps to provide storage for the pieces 

• This set is suitable for traveling

CONS:

• The entire set is lightweight, and it feels cheaply made

• There isn’t much room to maneuver pieces on the board

• The pieces are unattractive and not uniform

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

This would be a good set for a new player looking for something that doubles as easy decor but doesn’t take up too much space when you put it away. Also, players who appreciate lightweight pieces that are easy to move and difficult to damage will like this set.

#10. IADUMO Retro Terracotta Warriors Chess Set

PROS:

• Measuring 15” by 13.8”, this board falls in the medium size range

• It’s a nice display board

• This board is very unique

• A pull-drawer stores the pieces

• The board is an attractive wood

CONS:

• The pieces are cheap to cast plastic

• There is no travel case or box to store the game for travel

• No magnetism between pieces and board

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

This novelty set is definitely for the history lovers on your gift list. If you appreciate a unique look and don’t mind lightweight pieces, this is a great set to display as well.

#11. Husaria European International Chess Set

PROS:

• Measuring 14.4” by 14.4”, this is a standard, full-size board with plenty of space

• This birch and beech board features unique pyrography art and makes a good display

• The pieces are handcrafted sycamore

• The board folds in half and latches to provide storage for the pieces

CONS:

• The pieces are lightweight

• This is not a travel or tournament board

• The pattern of the board is imperfect, with color bleed onto paler squares

Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?

This set is for the at-home player who likes to tidy up after games, but enjoy a nice display while the board is out. Players who are bored with the repetition of the Staunton style will enjoy the uniquely handmade, two-tone pieces and the quality pyrography on the board.

Conclusion

So I hope you were able to choose your best chess sets under $100 price. And are you looking for chess sets under $50? No problem! I have a detailed guide on the best chess sets under $50 as well. So you can check that out.

Also, you can read my following articles:

• Best Chess Sets For Beginners

• Best Funny Gifts For Chess Lovers

• Best Themed Chess Sets

• Best Chess Books For Beginners

• Best Game Of Thrones Chess Set

That’s it! Thanks. Please do share this article if you found it helpful. 🙂