Chess Sets and Chess Boards Handcrafted in Britain

Most children take to chess from around age six, once they can follow sequential rules and think a move or two ahead. A personal set at that age, chosen for them rather than shared with the family, tends to build a stronger attachment to the game. Weighted wooden pieces are easier for small hands to place and move with confidence.

Wood gives each piece genuine weight and balance, which makes the game feel more deliberate and satisfying. Wooden sets also age well: the patina that develops over years of play is part of the appeal. Plastic sets can warp, discolour and feel lightweight in a way that most players, children included, notice immediately.

Match the board size to where it will be used. A set for a bedroom desk can be smaller than one for a family dining table. Check that the pieces are weighted and felted underneath so they sit firmly. A fitted storage box or drawer matters more than people expect: loose pieces get lost quickly, and a tidy set is one that actually gets played.

The Staunton pattern is the internationally recognised standard design for chess pieces, introduced in 1849 and endorsed by Howard Staunton, the leading player of the day. Jaques of London produced the original sets. If you want pieces that match every book diagram, tournament instruction and online tutorial, Staunton is the right choice, and it suits beginners and experienced players equally.

Keep the board away from direct sunlight and radiators, both of which can cause wood to warp or crack over time. Wipe pieces with a soft dry cloth rather than anything damp. If the wood looks dry after years of use, a very light application of beeswax or furniture wax, buffed off fully, will restore the finish without damaging it.

The standard guidance is that the king's base diameter should be roughly 75 to 80 percent of the square size on the board. For most Staunton sets with a king height of around 95mm, a board with squares of 50 to 55mm works well. Check the product descriptions: a reputable maker will list both piece height and recommended square size so you can match them correctly.

With a well-made wooden set it is entirely realistic. The key factors are solid wood construction rather than veneer, weighted and felted pieces, and a protective storage case that keeps everything together. Sets made to these standards fifty or a hundred years ago still play perfectly today. The pieces do not wear out; they just acquire a little character.