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A Jaques chess set is the kind of thing a child grows up with, keeps, and one day hands to their own children.
Chess Sets and Chess Boards Handcrafted in Britain: your questions answered
What age is chess suitable for, and when should a child get their own set?
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.
Why choose a wooden chess set over a plastic one?
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.
What should I look for when choosing a chess set as a gift?
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.
What is a Staunton chess set and do I need one?
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.
How do I care for a wooden chess set to keep it in good condition?
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.
What size chess board do I need?
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.
Can a chess set genuinely be passed down through generations, or is that just marketing?
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.
Jaques of London · Britain's oldest games and toy maker · Est. 1795
Chess sets: how to choose
Look for a chess set that suits how it will actually be used, from quick games at the kitchen table to a treasured piece for display. This collection ranges from portable sets for travel and learning through to deluxe handcrafted editions for serious collectors.
Chess is one of the best games for building strategic thinking and concentration, and this collection is built around exactly that. There are simple wooden sets for a child just learning the moves, magnetic travel versions for journeys, and grand luxury editions in mahogany, oak, beech and leather boxes for those who already love the game.
When choosing, think about where the set will be played. A Folding Chess Set or Magnetic Travel Chess Set suits games on the move, while a Staunton Chess Set or one of the boxed editions suits a permanent spot at home. Prices in this collection start from £8.53, so there is a set for most budgets.
Jaques of London has made games since 1795 and remains a family owned British company. Every set in this collection is presented in hand finished packaging, and easy returns are available until 31 January 2027, so buying with confidence is straightforward.
Written by Jaques of London, toy and games makers since 1795. Updated September 2026.
Why buy chess sets from Jaques
| Other Retailers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Board and piece quality | Handcrafted chess sets with weighted, finished pieces | Cheap set with light, wobbly pieces and a flimsy board |
| Age guidance | Every toy carries a suggested age tag | Often no clear age guidance |
| Reviews | 1,953 verified reviews, 4.4 average | Ask if independent reviews exist |
| Maker | Family owned British maker since 1795 | Ask how long they have been trading |
| Returns | Easy returns until 31 January 2027 | Ask what the returns window is |
Chess sets: your questions answered
What chess set makes a good gift?
For a special gift, consider one of the boxed editions, such as the 1890 Edition 3.5" Chess Pieces in Mahogany Box, or a Staunton Chess Set for something more classic. Both come in hand finished packaging in this collection.
What are the best chess sets to buy?
The best choice depends on use. A Magnetic Travel Chess Set suits travel, a Wooden Chess Set suits learning, and the 1849 4" Edition Chess Pieces in Mahogany Casket suits a collector wanting a luxury piece in this collection.
Are wooden chess sets better than plastic ones?
Wooden chess sets tend to feel more substantial and last longer than lightweight plastic ones. In this collection, the Wooden Chess Set and Folding Chess Set are both made with durability and a satisfying weight in mind.
Is chess a useful or interactive game for children?
Yes, chess builds strategic thinking and concentration through genuine back and forth play between two people. Sets such as the Travel Chess Set or Chess and Draughts Set in this collection make it easy to start playing together at home.
What age is suitable for a chess set?
Most sets in this collection are suggested for children aged 6 and up, once they can grasp turn taking and simple rules. A Wooden Chess Set or Travel Game is a gentle way to introduce the game at that age.
Are chess sets from Jaques of London good quality?
Jaques of London has made games since 1795 and is a family owned British company. Sets in this collection range from everyday options like the Folding Chess Set to deluxe pieces such as the 1854 Edition 4" Chess Pieces in Mahogany Casket.
Easy returns · Making toys and games since 1795 · Secure checkout