Best chess board UK
Which is the best chess board in 2025?
VIEW OFFERBest of 2025: Find the right chess board in the UK
It is important to choose the best chess board if you want to enjoy a great game of chess. Chess boards are available in many forms and styles, from classic wood chessboards to modern glass boards, and there is so much to choose from that finding the best chess boards can be rather difficult. Things are made even harder when you consider that there are many chess sets available to buy, with a range of pieces and boards available. To help with the buying process, we have created a handy chessboard buying guide that gives you all the information you need to know to find the best chessboard for a great game of chess!
The 10 best chess boards in the UK (January 2025)
The bestseller list compares chess boards from multiple brands
- Magnetic: Pieces magnetically attach for secure play.
- Durability: High-quality ABS, resistant to corrosion.
- Portability: Compact, fits in small spaces; perfect for travel.
- Stability: Magnetic pieces stay secure on the board.
- Durability: High-quality, impact-resistant plastic pieces for long-lasting use.
- Portability: Foldable and fits into a backpack for easy transport.
- Giftable: Comes in a giftbox, perfect for children and beginners.
- Portability: Foldable 12 x 12 inch board for easy storage and transport.
- Quality: Handcrafted wooden pieces ensure durability and superior playing experience.
- Craftsmanship: Hand-carved with incredible detail from high-quality wood.
- Storage: Built-in compartments for convenient chess piece storage.
- Size: Open 12x1x12 in; folded 12x1.96x6 in.
- Quality: Natural wood color; no staining.
- Proportions: Meets USCF and FIDE standard proportions.
- Design: Avoids gaps with unbeatable folding design.
- Configuration: Includes extra queen pieces for varied gameplay.
- Storage: Foldable design prevents losing pieces, ensuring easy storage.
- Magnetism: Chessboard and pieces have strong magnets for stable gameplay.
- Storage: Foldable design allows for storage of pieces and board locking.
- Portability: 12x12 inch foldable, magnetic board for easy carrying.
- Quality: Premium plastic with a unique wood texture for a quality touch.
- Size: Measures 12"W x 2.5"H x 12"D, compact yet functional.
- Design: Hand carved with incredible detail for an exquisite look.
- Material: Made from solid wood for durability and classic appeal.
- Durability: Smooth, sturdy, and lightweight plastic board designed for longevity.
- Stability: Magnetic pieces ensure uninterrupted matches by securely staying in place.
- Portability: Compact 25x25 cm travel set fits effortlessly in any backpack.
- Size: Large 54 x 54 cm board; 98 mm King ensures visibility and ease of play.
- Durability: Sturdy metal weighted Staunton pieces; long-lasting and stable gameplay experience.
- Quality: Meets all official tournament requirements; high craftsmanship and elegant design.
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- Read the definitive chess board buying guide
- View the chess board picks and see how they rank in the top list
chess board buying guide
Do you want to buy a good chess board? This is all you need to know.
A short explanation: What are chess boards?
A chess board is a game board used to play chess, with markings and positions for each playing piece used in the game. The is checkered with 64 squares in a grid of 8x8, although many variation and styles of board are available, including different colours, materials, and sizes. All standard chess boards feature alternating light and dark squares.
What are the benefits of good chess boards?
The best chess boards offer a premium playing experience while being affordable – generally much lower in price compared to an electronic chess board. Whether you wish to play with a friend in a coffee shop, against a family member at home, or even to display a decorative board in your home or office, there are many great reasons to buy a chess board. The game is a classic past-time that offers a wealth of benefits for those that play it, and owning your own chess board lets you enjoy the game whenever you like.
How to choose the best chess board in 2025?
Choosing the right chess board requires some careful considerations, as there are so options available that it isn’t a case of one simply being better than the all the others. Here are some things to think about to help you choose the right chess board:
- Materials: Chess boards come in a variety of materials, from imitation woods to rare, expensive woods. The wood used will impact the overall quality, and appearance, of the board, effecting the playing experience somewhat. Most will want a high-quality playing experience, but it will cost more - materials such as maple, rosewood, and ebony are the best quality woods available for chess boards.
- Size: The standard size for a chess board is around 50mm squares, although the overall size will vary depending on the size of the pieces. Always check the size of the board in relation to the pieces to ensure that there is adequate space for them. It does depend on personal preferences, however, as some prefer a larger board that features larger pieces. The best tip here is to remember the board will sit in front of the player, so you will be viewing from the opposite side when playing. So a larger board may limit ease of viewing all pieces at once.
- Design: Chess boards come in many designs, with contrasting colours on the squares, and a border round the board. Again, personal preference will play a big role here, as you want a chess board that you feel looks good. Think about the pieces you have, too. What colour wood are they? This should be matched to create a balanced look. Those with tournament-style pieces will want a board with dark, ebony squares for that authentic look.
Which types of chess boards are available to buy in the UK?
There are a few options to choose from when looking for a chess board, with popular types including:
- Roll-Up Chess Boards: Usually made from vinyl or nylon, roll-up boards are designed for travelling, able to be rolled up so that the board can be taken anywhere, be it outdoors, to a friend’s house, or on holiday. These are very flexible so double as a chess mat that can be played indoors or outdoors.
- Wooden Chess Boards: Made from various types of wood, these are the most common type of classic chess boards. They vary in size but often come with beautifully crafted pieces, making them an attractive display in a living room or games room.
- Metal Chess Boards: Usually made from aluminium, metal chess boards are perfect for outdoor display as they are completely weather resistant. While the board is metal, it comes with wooden or metal pieces that are treated to be suitable for display outdoors.