Are you looking for a budget-friendly chess board? You’ve come to the right place!
Chess sets come in all different price ranges. If you’re buying your very first set, it’s best to pick one that’s not on the expensive side.
A chess board with a price under $50 is a good option. It’s also a perfect gift for kids, especially if they’re still at the beginning of their chess journey.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best boards under $50 you can buy right now. Let’s jump right into the reviews.
Our Top Picks for the Best Chess Sets Under $50
Here’s a list of the best chess sets under $50:
1. Chess Armory 15 Inch Wooden Chess Set Board Game
The Chess Armory set is one of the best options for any beginner. Let me tell you why.
For starters, after buying the set, you’ll have access to an online chess course by an expert player. The course goes through all the basics of chess. It’s a perfect start for anyone.
Additionally, the board is foldable. You can store the chess pieces inside the board and take them to the park, or anywhere you go.
The board is 15 by 15 inches, and it’s made of smooth inlaid walnut. The interior has plastic straps to hold the pieces in place.
The pieces feel light but sturdy. The king piece is around 3 inches long. All the pieces have felted bottoms, which helps protect the board from scratches.
Generally, the board’s design is elegant. It resembles classic wooden chess boards. You’ll enjoy playing with this set!
2. Best Chess Set Ever 1x Classic Queen’s Gambit Edition
The Best Chess Set Ever Classic Queen’s Gambit is different from most other sets you’ve seen. In this limited-edition set, the queen breaks the game’s rules and stands on the opposite color!
The new concept places the queen on the king’s colored square. So, it’s not your typical game of chess.
Although it’s super fun to play, the concept can be confusing to beginners. Luckily, the set features a strategy guide that will help you understand all the rules.
When it comes to the set and pieces, they’re highly portable. The board is made of silicon, which means it’s light and doesn’t take up a lot of space in your luggage.
You can also roll or fold the board and place it inside the box, along with all the pieces. To add, the board is spill-proof and stain-resistant. It’s also easy to clean, making it a great option for kids and outdoor use.
Generally, the pieces are light, but they have weighted felted bases. So, the wind won’t easily blow them over. The pieces weigh around 0.88 pounds in total.
3. ASNEY Upgraded Magnetic Chess Set Tournament Staunton
Are you tired of having your chess pieces blown away by the wind? You need to check out the ASNEY Upgraded Magnetic Chess Set.
The 15-inch board is made of high-quality wood. More importantly, the pieces have embedded strong magnets, which can help keep them in place. So, no more lost chess pieces!
What’s more, the board is foldable, which makes it easy to carry around. You can easily place the pieces in the storage slots. Each piece fits perfectly in its spot. So, there’ll be no rattling sounds.
Further, the set comes with a high-quality carry bag. It’s worth mentioning that all chess pieces are handcrafted from high-quality Dutch wood.
Typically, scratches can be an annoying issue. However, the pieces are smooth, which lowers moving noise and scratches.
The best thing about ASNEY is that they provide a full refund if you’re not satisfied with the set. So, you can’t go wrong with this one.
4. Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll love this one!
The set is a miniature recreation of the one in the “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” movie. All the pieces are just like the ones in the movie. Not only are they highly detailed, but they also look elegant.
The eye-catchy board is around 18.5 inches. It also resembles the one in the movie. Sadly, the board isn’t foldable, and the pieces aren’t magnetic. So, it’s not the best option for outdoor chess.
Additionally, all the pieces are made of plastic, which doesn’t feel premium. On the bright side, the set comes with two stunning Harry Potter-themed bags to carry the chess pieces.
The set is a perfect gift for your kids and any fan of the Harry Potter film series.
5. A&A 15 Inch Wooden Folding Chess & Checkers Set
The A&A chess and checkers set is a foldable one. The design of this set is unique. Let me tell you why.
First, the board features a mini bracket that makes it sit perfectly flat. Second, it includes 24 checker pieces. So, you can enjoy playing both games. Third, the board meets the standard proportions of USCF and FIDE!
The king’s height is around 1.18 inches. All the pieces are made with natural Beechwood, which makes them look classy and clean.
Further, the set features a 0.5-inch thick frame, making the box feel sturdy. The A&A chess set comes with a one-year warranty.
Fun Fact: If your dog eats any chess piece (God forbid), A&A will offer you a replacement for free!
Wrapping Up
So, what’s the best chess board under $50?
It all boils down to your preferences, as the set doesn’t affect the game. And you can’t go wrong with any of the options on our list
Almost all of the options are beginner-friendly. The only exception is the Best Chess Set Ever 1x Queen’s Gambit Edition, which adds a fun twist to the game that will take some getting used to.
We hope our guide helps you find the chess board you want.
