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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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”
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Thanks and have a nice day 🙂
