ALERT: All prices below are discounted for the Black Friday SALE!

Not sure where to start when buying a chess set? You’re not alone.

Whether you’re getting into chess yourself or buying a set for someone else, the options can feel overwhelming — wood, stone, travel, tournament, themed… where do you even begin?

At Chess World, we’ve been helping Australians find their perfect chess set for over 30 years. Whether you’re after something simple to play at home, a travel set for school or study, or a beautiful board to keep on display, we’ve picked out five beginner-friendly sets that cover every situation.

Let’s find your perfect first chess set.

Visual learner? Check out this video instead!

1. Super Budget-Friendly – The Classic Starter Set (from $45 $31.50)

If you just want to start playing chess without overthinking it, this is the one. It’s the same style used in schools and clubs all over Australia – lightweight plastic pieces and a roll-up vinyl board that packs away in seconds.

It’s not fancy, but it’s everything you need to learn and play. The pieces are standard tournament size, and the board can be rolled or folded for storage. It comes in a beautiful gift box with magnetic lit. 

Ideal for kids, classrooms, or anyone trying chess for the first time.

 Tournament Pro Chess Set → SHOP NOW 

Pro Tips: Customise your experience

• Colour of chessboard
  • Black & White - traditional and timeless
  • Green & Beige - easy on the eyes
• Weight of pieces
  • Single weighted - lightweight, portable & low cost 
  • Double weighted - solid, stable & add premium feel
• Clocks
  • No clocks - keep the price low
  • Add clocks - add another fun dimension to your games 

2. No. 1 Choice for Australian Homes – Silicone Tournament Bundle ($79 $59.25)

Same concept, but with a serious upgrade in feel. The silicone board never creases or curls, and the double-weighted pieces are heavier and more stable, making every move feel more satisfying.

This is one of our most popular sets ever - used by countless home players (and schools with bigger budget). It’s easy to clean, easy to pack, and tough enough to last for years.

 Tournament Chess Set - Double Weighted Pieces & Silicone Roll Up Board Bundle → SHOP NOW 

Intrigued? Check out this video to learn more about this set:

Did you know? “Double weighted” just means a small metal weight is added inside each piece. It gives the pieces a solid, balanced feel — especially handy during fast games.

Learn more about the difference in this video:

3. Entry-Level Wooden Set ($199 $159.20)

If you’ve always pictured chess on a wooden board, this one brings that timeless look without the high price tag. It’s your step up from plastic — solid, good-sized, and beautifully simple.

Perfect for home games, this set captures the classic Staunton shape recognised in tournaments worldwide. It’s not handmade or premium-tier, but it looks smart on any coffee table or office desk.

 Tournament Classic Wooden Chess Set → SHOP NOW 

Did you know? Chess notation (the letters and numbers on the border) helps you record and review every move — making it one of the simplest tools for improving your game.

4. Handmade for Travel – Magnetic Folding Chess Set (from $149 $119.20)

Heading on a trip? This is your ideal travel companion. Handmade in India from real wood, this folding set stores the pieces inside and uses strong magnets to keep them in place — even on a bumpy train ride.

It’s compact, durable, and premium. Great for travel bags, study breaks, airports and planes or café matches. They are also priceless for analysing games in bed or on the couch without losing your pieces.

 Folding Magnetic Sets → SHOP NOW 

Did you know? Magnetic chess was first invented in the 1930s for naval officers playing on ships — and it’s still a favourite for travel today.

5. Beautiful and Gift-Worthy – Onyx & Marble Chess Sets (from $229 $183.20)

Now for something truly special. Handmade from real stone, each marble and onyx set is unique, with natural colour swirls and veins that make every piece one of a kind.

Cool to the touch, glossy to the eye, and absolutely stunning as a gift or display piece, this set proves you can own something luxurious without breaking the bank. Perfect example of looking more expensive than it actually is!

 Onyx & Marble Chess Sets → SHOP NOW 

Pro Tips: Sets come in 2 sizes and variety of colours - learn more about the range in the video below.

Finding Your Perfect Chess Set

At the end of the day, the best chess set is the one that makes you want to play. Whether it’s a simple roll-up board for casual games or a handcrafted wooden or marble set you’ll treasure for years, it should feel right for you.

If you’re still unsure, we’re always happy to help. Just tell us where and how you want to play — and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Didn’t Find What You Were Looking For?

No worries — we’ve got plenty more to explore.

Here are a few other categories you might want to check out:

• → Fancy Wooden Chess Sets  – Classic, elegant, handmade and built to last.

• → Themed Chess Sets  – Knights, warriors, and mythological heroes in sculpted detail.

• → Luxury Chess Sets  – Handcrafted designs made from premium woods, metals, or stone — perfect as heirloom gifts.

• → Chess Sets with Storage  – Keep everything neat and ready to play, with drawers or hidden compartments for your pieces.

• → Digital Chess Sets  – Connect and play online or against built-in engine.

• → Giant Chess Sets  – Perfect for yards, schools, parks, and outdoor fun.