If you’re searching for an affordable, quality chess set, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m going to share with you the best chess sets under $50 and also discuss their pros and cons to help you decide which set is suitable for you.
I’ve done the research to find the best sets so you that can focus your energy on strategizing and tactics for gameplay!
So let’s get started!
Here are the 11 best chess sets under $50:
Table of Contents
#1. Chess Armory 15″ Wooden Chess Set
- ♕ INLAID WALNUT CHESS BOARD: The compact 15" x 15" chess board is made of smooth inlaid walnut, where every square measures 1.625" x 1.625". It folds in half, so you can store the chess pieces...
- ♕ HANDCRAFTED CHESS PIECES: Every Staunton chess piece is made of light but sturdy wood that has a good solid feel. They all come with a felted bottom to protect the chess board from scratches. The...
- ♕ EASY TO STORE & TRANSPORT: Store all the chess pieces in the felted interior of the chess board and secure them into place with the elastic straps. You can then move the chess board in the elegant...
- ♕ FOR NEW & SEASONED PLAYERS: Surprise your friends with chess sets for adults with storage or use as chess board for kids for future generations of players. The handy and elegant wooden chess set...
This board is standard size and comprised of wood. It folds in half and stores pieces inside itself. The King piece is 3″ tall, and the board squares measure 1.625″ by 1.625″.
PROS:
- Measuring 15″ by 15″, this chess set is a full-size, large board
- Board folds in half for storage
- Closing clasps are magnetic to keep the board from falling open
- Great for playing at home or on the go
- Piece storage includes security straps to stop pieces from moving around
- Storage space and chess pieces have felt finishing
- The chessboard is wood with walnut inlay
- Includes classic Staunton style pieces
CONS:
- Due to the size of the board and pieces, gameplay may be a bit crowded
- Pieces can damage each other during play due to crowding
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
This board is for the classy player who travels but values objects with a bit of weight. Fans of the classic style game will enjoy the Staunton-style pieces, as well as the walnut inlay that the board itself boasts.
#2. Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set
- Officially authorized by Warner Brothers.
- Elevate your game with this unique chess set that combines the strategic world of chess and the Wizarding WorldTM of Harry Potter! Perfect for players of all skill levels
- The 18.5" square chess board features intricate marble and stone textures, surrounded by Harry Potter logos in a metallic finish, suitable for the game of kings
- Set includes two Harry Potter dust bags to safely store game pieces
In addition to an enthusiasm for chess, perhaps you have a soft spot in your heart for Harry Potter? Whether you are a fan of the book/movie franchise or not, this board is attractive. The King is 4.5″ tall, and the board is extra large.
PROS:
- Extra fun awaits on this extra-large chessboard, measuring 18.5″
- Over-sized board squares measure 1.75″ by 1.75″ for plenty of maneuvering room
- The gameboard is foldable and comes with a storage box
- Pieces depict the classic struggle between the characters of Harry Potter’s Sorceror and the Stone
CONS:
- Character-based pieces dimensions are somewhat awkward for gameplay
- The chessboard itself is made of heavy-duty coated cardboard
- Game pieces are soft cast plastic
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
If you love chess but are looking for something a bit more unique and attention-catching, this board could be the perfect solution for you! This board is ideal for several groups- the first being fans of Harry Potter. This board is also perfect for children/teens who prefer a bit more flair in their gameplay and don’t mind that the board will wear and tear with time.
#3. Winning Moves Games No Stress Chess
- LEARN HOW TO PLAY CHESS: Always wanted to play chess but didn't know how and felt intimidated to learn? Well - not anymore! Learn how to play chess the easy way with No Stress Chess!
- SETUP: The gameboard shows an image of the piece and the name of the piece so you know exactly which piece is which and where they go to start.
- THE CARDS: Don't get bogged down memorizing each piece and how it moves. Thanks to our innovative deck of action cards, moving your pieces is a cinch! Each card shows exactly how to move the pieces....
- HOW TO PLAY: Players take turns drawing cards and moving their pieces. This helps to learn and memorize piece movement. As players get more comfortable they can play with a hand of 3 or 5 cards to...
Winning Moves Games Chessboard is double-sided and provides two styles of play- the more obvious being the classic game of chess. However, the other side of the board is structured to work with the cards that come with it. Each card instructs players on how to move a different piece. It also teaches the players about the power behind each piece.
PROS:
- Makes it easy for new players to learn the game
- Quick/easy to put away in the provided box
- Small dimensions make it easy to store or pack
- Teaching version ‘handicaps’ experienced players for more enjoyable play with new players
- The 56 actions cards included have 3 phases of teaching that gradually allow players to make more choices, thus learning more advanced strategy tactics
- Board is 2-sided
CONS:
- While exact dimensions aren’t listed, the board description says compact which could be crowded
- Pieces are cheap, cast plastic
- No storage containers for the pieces
- The chessboard itself is made of cheap cardboard
- The learning version of the game can be tedious for experienced players
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
This set has the potential to be a fantastic set for families or groups of young children who are just learning to play. If you’re an experienced player or teacher looking forward to watching a younger generation pick up the game, this set is perfect.
#4. Amerous 15 Inches Magnetic Wooden Chess Set
- INTELLIGENT ENLIGHTENMENT - Not only suitable for kids playing with fun, this magnetic chess set could be a useful tool to enlighten your family and stimulate their intelligence. Chess learning is no...
- MAGNETIC CHESSMEN - The hand carved wood chess pieces are magnetically attached to the board and won’t fall off during the game, which allows you to play the board game on the road, in car, airplane...
- EASY TO CARRY - Lightweight and folding board design makes it portable to carry around and easy to travel with. Compact board size fits your luggage or bag when travelling while chess pieces are large...
- PREMIUM QUALITY - Handmade with high quality wooden material, the smooth surface of the entire chess board ensures optimal touch comfort while playing chess and checkers game. 2 extra queens are added...
This large 15″ Amerous Chess Board folds in half and holds stored pieces in place magnetically. The board and parts are all made of wood, and the gameboard has a walnut inlay. The King is 3.75″ tall and playing squares are roughly 1.6″ by 1.6″.
PROS:
- Measuring 15″, this chess set is a full-size, large board
- Board folds in half to store pieces
- Board and pieces are magnetic
- Made with real wood
CONS:
- Very lightweight, may feel cheap despite wood detail
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
This set is for serious players who like to play on the go. The magnetic feature makes it an excellent set for travel, and the walnut details are attractive.
#5. Quad Pro Magnetic Chess Set
- 【HIGH QUALITY】QuadPro chess set Made of durable HIPS plastic with Fine texture, gives you smooth hand-feel while lightweight and portable; well-crafted chess pieces make it much more deluxe.
- 【LIGHT MAGNETISM】The chess board every individual pieces have a light magnetic attraction to the 64-square playing field; light magnetism would make it stable to play while not hard to move the...
- 【PORTABLE SIZE】Open size of Chessboard is 9.84*9.84*0.78 Inches, while folded size is 9.84*4.92*1.56 Inches. This perfectly sized Chessboard is small enough to travel with, but also large enough...
- 【WIDE APPLICATIONS】The magnetic chess set Foldable design - chess pieces can be put into the chessboard for easy storage. Novel style - suitable for home, company, school, journey, bus or picnic....
This tiny set measures just 9.7″ by 9.6″ and is a proper travel set. The board folds in half and has a magnetic clasp to keep the pieces in place. The King stands just 1.9″.
PROS:
- Lightweight and small for travel
- Pieces have felt finishing
- Storage has a magnetic lock
- Pieces are slightly magnetized
- Board is made of sturdy plastic
CONS:
- Plastic board and pieces may feel cheap
- Extra small board may be crowded
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
The Quad Pro Magnetic set is probably the best set available for traveling chess enthusiasts. If you are always on the go and short on storage space, this is the set for you.
#6. ASNEY Upgraded Magnetic Chess Set 15”
- Strong Magnetic: 15” big magnetic chess board set is made of carefully selected nature wood, strong magnetism embedded. This unique magnetic design of this chess set, make it different from others...
- Foldable: Chess table with clear pattern on the surface, folding the wooden board whenever you like, convenient for indoor outdoor use and keep in place. Chess game is definitely an excellent...
- Extra Queens & Storage Slots: Each Staunton chess piece is handcrafted from elaborately selected dutch wood, by artisans with high preciseness. Chessmen will be stored in each individual slot, no...
- Anti-scratching: Smooth processing for each chess pieces could lower the moving noise effectively, make sure no scratching on the chess board. Provides quiet environment for your logical thinking of...
ASNEY’s standard, large set measures 15″, making it a tournament board. This board folds in half to store pieces. Unlike other boards, however, this set has extra strong magnetism to keep pieces in place.
PROS:
- Tournament approved board
- Good for traveling
- Extra Kings ; Queens
- Fitted storage for pieces
- Board/Pieces made of quality Dutch wood
CONS:
- Magnetism is strong enough but if you turn over the board, pieces may fall
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
This board is for the discerning player who appreciates quality materials and a standard size board for comfort but still wants to travel with their set. If you love to travel but are tired of cheap-feeling chess sets, this is the right choice.
#7. KIDAMI Folding Magnetic Travel Chess Set
- Excellent Quality: Well-crafted chess pieces and chess board with the unique wood texture both give you a classic aesthetics feeling and smooth hand feeling. Made from premium durable plastic which...
- Perfect Magnetism: In order to let the chess enthusiasts enjoy the game without disruption, each piece contains a built-in magnet. Owing to slight magnetic design, the pieces can safely stick to board...
- Convenient Travel Chess: Magnetic chess set can be folded in half, so you can perfectly hide the chess pieces inside meanwhile easy to carry
- Great Portability: The open size of this travel chess measures 12.4 x 10.6 x 0.8 inches while folded size is 6.1 x 10.6 x 1.6 inches. King piece is 2.4" in height and 2" for queen. 2 different velvet...
Measuring 12.4″ by 10.6″, Kidami’s set is another true travel set. This one has a unique, raw-wood look for something a bit different and strong piece magnets to keep them on the board during transport.
PROS:
- Perfect size and weight for traveling
- Has a unique raw-wood look
- Classic Staunton style
- Sturdy set that will last
CONS:
- Plastic boards and pieces may feel cheap
- The set is very small and may be uncomfortable to maneuver for play
- Pieces are stored in loose bags
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
If you are in search of a lightweight, travel-style chessboard with a unique look, this is one of the most attractive plastic sets available.
#8. Family Classics Chess By Pressman
- Chess is a two-player strategy game played on a checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an 8x8 grid
- Chess Family Classics edition is perfect for both beginners and experienced players
- Features heavy duty folding chess board for easy storage and years of play
- 32 black and ivory Staunton chess pieces, with 2.5" King
Pressman has a reputation for economical solutions to family game nights, and this set is no exception. This economy chess board measures just 8″ by 8″ with roughly 1″ squares. The King piece is 2.5″ tall.
PROS:
- Perfect for years of family fun
- Solid Staunton style pieces
- Comes with a storage box
CONS:
- Small board may be challenging to navigate
- Materials may feel cheap
- No magnets
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
This set isn’t really for the independent player; this set is more for family-style fun around the kitchen table. This set will withstand the abuse of younger players and is cheap enough that it is disposable.
#9. Asney Upgraded Magnetic Chess Set 12″
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This Asney is identical to the first one listed, except for size, an essential factor in chess sets. With a small, 12″ board and 3″ King, this Asney option is more suitable for travel than its’ 15″ counterpart.
PROS:
- Good for traveling
- Extra Kings/Queens
- Fitted storage for pieces
- Board/Pieces made of quality Dutch wood
CONS:
- Small board may be uncomfortable
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
This set is for discerning players who appreciate quality material but don’t have space for a large board while traveling. If you love to travel light but are tired of cheap sets, this is the right choice.
#10. WE Games Tournament Chess Set
- COMPLETE SET: Crafted with intention. Each set includes 34 plastic, Staunton style chess pieces (2 extra Queens) with a 3.75 inch King. Every piece is complete with green felt bottoms. Includes a...
- TOURNAMENT READY: This set meets the World Chess Federation's (FIDE) height weight and proportions for tournament play. Our roll up board is equipped with algebraic notation on the perimeter for game...
- ON THE GO: The perfect travel set! These vinyl chess mats measure 19.75 inches with 2.25 in squares but can roll up, great for your busy lifestyle. Comes with a black zippered storage bag. The bottom...
- GOOD FOR YOU: The benefits of chess are enormous. Children who partake in chess boost their critical thinking, problem solving, spatial awareness and socialization skills, making it a great addition...
Welcome to the future of chess, the rollup tournament board! Unlike any other sets on our list, you stash pieces and the vinyl board in the bag provided when you finish playing. Measuring 19.75″, with a 3.75″ King, this is also one of the largest boards available.
PROS:
- High-quality vinyl material that will last
- Solid Staunton style pieces with velvet bottoms
- Tournament approved
- Board has algebraic notations on edges
- Conveniently rolls up for storage
CONS:
- No magnets
- Plastic chess pieces
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
This set is for serious players on the go who won’t sacrifice size or quality for the convenience of packing light/small. If you’re interested in trying something a little different, this could be the perfect set. It is durable, attractive, and very easy to travel with.
#11. 2020 Battle For The White House Chess Set by BulbHead
- COLLECTOR'S EDITION: chess set commemorates the historical 2020 election, representing Democrats and Republicans on the game board
- IMPECCABLE DETAIL: each chess piece is crafted with impeccable detail and looks just like the real politicians, complete with a silver-toned finish that will compliment your chess table
- KEEPSAKE FOR GENERATIONS: unlike other chess sets or adult board games, our collector's edition is sure to be treasured for future generations; comes complete with a certificate of authenticity
- PERFECTLY-SIZED CHESSMEN: our weighted chessmen measure up to 3" tall and glides effortlessly across the board so efficiently during an intense match or castle flawlessly
This set is slightly different from the classic King, Queen, Rook, Knight, Pawn set up, as the pieces are represented by notorious political figures instead. With 3″ Kings and a 15″ board, this set is considered a standard size.
PROS:
- Set is unique
- Easy to store in the supplied box
- It is a standard size board that should be comfortable to maneuver
CONS:
- Pieces are lightweight plastic
- Empty podium represents Democratic King/Queen, and you must purchase political figures separately
Who Should Buy This Chess Set & Why?
This set is unique. This board seeks to memorialize a critical moment in America and is the perfect board for patriotic players.
Conclusion
All of the chess sets on this list are good as far as price and quality are concerned. That said, I do have a few favorites that I especially recommend to chess enthusiasts looking for a new board.
Considering all of the different features, sizes, and materials, I highly recommend either the Asney Upgraded Magnetic Chess Set 15″ or the 12″ Upgraded Magnetic version. The 15″ set is perfect for players who play at home but occasionally travel, while the 12″ set is ideal for players who frequently travel with their board. Both sets are of the highest quality materials available at affordable prices.
My third and final recommendation is No Stress Chess because it’s enjoyable for players of all experience levels and ages. If you are new to the game or teaching someone how to play, this is the ideal starting point. Once you’ve mastered the game, you flip the board over and get down to the actual game of strategy and tactics!
So that’s it! Hope you liked reading this article. Please do share if you found this article helpful.
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