I spent months evaluating dozens of contenders to find the definitive best full size chess set currently available. It was an enjoyable assignment, but separating the true luxury from the purely overpriced was surprisingly challenging. Let me tell you exactly which sets lived up to the hype and my high expectations. My testing focused strictly on practical utility, piece stability, and board durability.
My Top Full Size Chess Set Contenders
1. AMEROUS 15 Inches Magnetic Wooden Chess Set with Storage
This set is the entry-level benchmark for a compact, full-featured folding wooden board. If portability and essential functionality are your priorities, this delivers exactly that. It’s designed specifically for beginners and travel, providing a magnetic function that works reliably without being excessively sticky.
- Quick Specs:
- Board Size (Open): 15 in x 15 in
- King Height: 3.0 in
- Material: Pine/Beech Wood (Veneer)
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Storage: Internal Compartments
The honest truth is that while the craftsmanship is adequate for the price point, this is not a luxury display set. It is a solid, practical tool for learning the game or playing on the move. The inclusion of two extra queens is a smart, utilitarian addition.
2. Magnetic Wooden Chess Set for Adults Kids Folding Travel (17-Inch)
Stepping up slightly in size and feel, this 17-inch folding set offers better square dimensions for adult play while retaining excellent travel functionality. I found the walnut and maple construction gave it a noticeably more polished look than its 15-inch counterparts, and the pieces felt substantial in hand.
- Quick Specs:
- Board Size (Open): 17 in x 17 in
- King Height: 3.4 in
- Material: Walnut and Maple
- Weight: 4.0 lbs
- Feature: Internal Foam Inserts for Piece Protection
The honest truth here is that the foam inserts are a huge benefit. They securely hold each piece, eliminating the rattling noise common in cheaper folding sets. This dedication to piece preservation makes it highly recommended for regular transport.
3. VAMSLOVE Chess Set Large 16”/42cm Folding Wooden Weighted Acrylic Pieces
This set attempts to bridge the gap between durable travel sets and weighted tournament sets, and it largely succeeds. The pieces are the main attraction—they are heavy, thanks to the internal zinc alloy core, and the acrylic coating gives them a unique, high-end finish that photographs well.
- Quick Specs:
- Board Size (Open): 16.38 in x 16.38 in
- King Height: 3.5 in
- Material: Wood Board, Weighted Acrylic Pieces
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Piece Base: Leather Felt
My assessment is that the weighted pieces dramatically improve the playing experience. They are stable and satisfying to move. While the board itself is standard folding wood, the quality of the pieces elevates the entire set far beyond typical plastic or lightweight wood options.
4. Pressman Chess / Checkers / Backgammon – 3-in-1 Staunton Set
When budget and sheer versatility are paramount, a 3-in-1 set like the Pressman model is a viable choice. This is the set I recommend when the primary goal is teaching multiple classic games to a family. It uses a durable, reversible game board and standard plastic Staunton pieces.
- Quick Specs:
- Board Size (Open): Approx. 15 in x 15 in
- King Height: 3.0 in
- Material: Cardboard/Plastic Composite
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Utility: Three Games in One (Chess, Checkers, Backgammon)
I must be straightforward: the quality of the chess pieces is purely functional, nothing more. They are lightweight plastic. This set serves as a general game kit, not a serious chess instrument. Buy this for utility, not presentation.
5. Handmade European Wooden Chess Set with 21 Inch Board
If you want an impressive, display-worthy set that also meets serious playing dimensions, this European-crafted 21-inch set is the definitive choice. The 4.5-inch King height and the large squares provide the spacious, uncrowded feel serious players demand. This set is substantially larger and heavier than all others tested.
- Quick Specs:
- Board Size (Open): 21.65 in x 21.65 in
- King Height: 4.5 in (Tournament Standard)
- Material: Beech and Birch Wood (Handcrafted)
- Weight: 6.8 lbs
- Feature: Individually Formed Storage Compartments
Testing confirmed that the craftsmanship is genuinely superior. The hand-carved pieces are weighted perfectly, and the large algebraic coordinates on the board are clear and useful. This is the highest quality folding wooden set I tested.
6. Magnetic Wooden Chess Set for Adults Kids Folding Travel (15-Inch)
This is a straightforward, reliable magnetic set that focuses on compact travel convenience. Structurally, it is extremely similar to other 15-inch models, using brass hinges and a simple interior storage solution. The 1.61-inch squares are slightly smaller than ideal for large hands but perfectly adequate for travel.
- Quick Specs:
- Board Size (Open): 15 in x 15 in
- King Height: 3.0 in
- Material: Walnut and Maple
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- Feature: Strong Magnetic Retention
The primary difference I noted here versus similar sets is the slightly better weight distribution in the pieces for its size, which prevents accidental tipping during quick moves. It is a workhorse travel set, nothing fancy.
7. Juegoal 20″ Portable Chess & Checkers Set, Travel Roll-up Mat
For the dedicated tournament player, a vinyl or rubber roll-up mat is the standard, and the Juegoal set is an excellent example of this utility. It meets FIDE and US Chess Federation requirements with its 20-inch board and 2.25-inch squares. The focus here is on non-slip performance and rapid deployment.
- Quick Specs:
- Board Size (Open): 20 in x 20 in
- King Height: 3.75 in (Regulation Standard)
- Material: Rubber Mat, Solid Plastic Pieces
- Weight: 3.0 lbs (Total kit)
- Feature: Algebraic Notation, Canvas Carry Bag
I consider this the most practical “serious” set tested. While it lacks the aesthetic appeal of wood, its durability, regulation size, and ability to be easily rolled up and stored make it indispensable for club or competitive play.
8. BIVOMON Magnetic Wooden Chess Set 15″ Unique Folding Travel
The BIVOMON 15-inch set focuses on secure closure and a polished finish for the budget traveler. The construction is robust, featuring strong magnetic pieces and durable metal buckles on the outer frame to prevent accidental opening during transit.
- Quick Specs:
- Board Size (Open): 15 in x 15 in
- King Height: 3.0 in
- Material: Solid Wood Construction
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Storage: Felt-lined interior storage
My experience with this set highlighted its excellent locking mechanism. If you are frequently tossing the set into a backpack, the double metal buckle is a practical advantage over relying solely on internal magnets or simple clasps. It’s a reliable, safe choice for travel.
Comparison Insights: Analyzing the Essential Differences
When selecting a true “full size” set, the decision often comes down to three main use cases: highest quality display, weighted stability, or practical tournament portability. I compared my top three picks across these essential metrics.
| Product | Use Case Focus | King Height (Practical Feel) | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5. Handmade European | Premium Display/Home Play | 4.5 in | Superior size and genuine wood craftsmanship; largest squares for optimal playing space. |
| 7. Juegoal Roll-up | Tournament/Club Play | 3.75 in | Regulation standard size and material; highest durability and portability for competitive use. |
| 3. VAMSLOVE Weighted | Unique/Stable Home Play | 3.5 in | Heavily weighted pieces (zinc alloy core); best stability among mid-sized folding boards. |
The key takeaway from testing these three is straightforward:
- If your set will primarily live on a dedicated table and you value genuine aesthetic quality, the Handmade European set (#5) justifies its cost with sheer presence and size.
- If you need a set that is rugged, meets competitive standards, and can be tossed into a bag without concern for damage, the Juegoal Roll-up (#7) is the uncompromising practical choice.
- If you must have a folding board but refuse to compromise on the satisfying heft of weighted pieces, the VAMSLOVE set (#3) offers the best compromise.
Final Verdict: Direct Recommendations
Choosing the best set requires defining your intent. My testing concluded that no single set dominates every category, but specific sets are definitively superior for their intended purpose.
The Clear Winners by Category:
- Best Overall Full Size Set (Aesthetic & Playability): The Handmade European Wooden Chess Set (#5). It delivers a 4.5-inch King, beautiful detailing, and the largest board tested (21.65 inches), making the playing experience expansive and the display quality unmatched among folding sets.
- Best for Competitive/Club Play: The Juegoal 20″ Portable Chess & Checkers Set (#7). It meets all tournament size requirements (2.25-inch squares) and its roll-up mat design is highly durable, non-slip, and effortless to transport. This is a workhorse set.
- Best Weighted Folding Set: The VAMSLOVE 16” Weighted Acrylic Set (#3). The incorporation of metal weights inside the pieces provides necessary stability that lightweight magnetic sets cannot match, significantly improving the feel of the game while still offering folding storage.
Essential Takeaways:
- Size Matters for Full Play: Sets under 16 inches, while convenient for travel, often feel cramped. A 17-inch board (like #2) or larger is necessary for comfortable, full-size play, especially with standard Staunton pieces.
- Weighted Pieces vs. Magnets: For stability against jostling (car, plane), magnets are necessary. For stability during competitive, rapid play on a solid surface, weighted pieces are vastly superior. Choose based on your environment.
- Storage Utility: Sets utilizing individually formed foam/felt compartments (like #5 and #2) are crucial for long-term piece protection; pieces merely rattling around inside the folded board will suffer damage over time.
The Expert’s Full Size Chess Set Buying Guide
Selecting a genuinely “full size” chess set involves understanding the terminology used by manufacturers. A “full size” set should prioritize comfortable square size and King height, not just overall board dimensions.
1. Square Size vs. Board Size
Do not judge a set purely by the board size (e.g., 18 inches). Focus on the square size.
- Tournament Standard: 2.0 inches to 2.25 inches.
- Minimum Comfortable Full Play: 1.75 inches.
- Travel/Cramped Play: 1.5 inches or smaller.
2. King Height Standard
The height of the King piece dictates how crowded the board feels.
- Serious Play/Club Use (FIDE/USCF): 3.75 inches to 4.25 inches. (Sets #5 and #7 meet this standard.)
- Folding/Travel: Often reduced to 3.0 inches to 3.5 inches for compact storage.
3. Material Choice and Utility
- Handcrafted Wood (Non-Folding): Best aesthetics, typically unweighted. Requires separate storage.
- Folding Wood (Sets #1, #5): Excellent compromise between look and storage. Check how pieces are stored internally (foam inserts are preferred).
- Weighted Plastic/Acrylic (Set #3, #7 pieces): Best durability, stability, and resistance to environmental damage (humidity, dirt). Ideal for outdoor or club use.
4. Stability Mechanism
If you are playing primarily on a stable kitchen table, look for weighted pieces (Set #3). If you need protection against accidental bumps, tilting, or vehicle movement, magnetic pieces (Sets #1, #2, #8) are essential.
FAQ: Essential Questions on Full Size Sets
Q: What is the official “full size” for a tournament chess set?
A: The official FIDE (World Chess Federation) standard requires squares between 5 cm and 6 cm (approximately 2.0 inches to 2.375 inches). The King must be between 8.5 cm and 10.5 cm (approximately 3.3 inches to 4.1 inches). Set #7 and Set #5 fall squarely within these specifications.
Q: Are magnetic chess sets suitable for serious players?
A: Generally, no. While useful for travel, the magnets often compromise the necessary weighting and balance serious players prefer. Tournament players typically use regulation-size, triple-weighted plastic pieces without magnets.
Q: Why do some wooden sets come with acrylic pieces?
A: Acrylic or quality plastic pieces (especially weighted ones like in Set #3) are far more durable, stable, and less susceptible to warping, cracking, or damage from moisture compared to hand-carved wood pieces, making them practical for frequent use.
Q: Should I choose a set with individual storage compartments or one with a loose bag?
A: Always choose a set with individual compartments (felt grooves or foam inserts, like in Set #5). Loose pieces stored together will inevitably scratch and chip each other, severely reducing the set’s lifespan and aesthetic quality.
Q: What is algebraic notation, and do I need it on my board?
A: Algebraic notation refers to the letters (A-H) and numbers (1-8) printed on the edge of the board. It is necessary for recording games, following instructional books, or communicating moves precisely. If you plan to improve seriously or play in a club, a board with clear algebraic notation (like Set #7) is mandatory.
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