Chess is all about strategy, movement across the board, and the elegant sacrifices required to conquer the opposing king. It’s also about the stuff used to play chess. We’ve seen a wide range of chess sets throughout time – from basic but functional ones to breathtaking works of art that are almost too gorgeous to touch.
Some chess players enjoy the appearance and feel of high-quality chess goods but don’t have enough money to spend on a chess set. We’ve looked for inexpensive chess sets that are all individual works of art while still being affordable. Our inexpensive chess sets, which range from hand-carved wooden pieces to beautiful marble pieces that glide across a marble board, are guaranteed to delight any player on a budget.
Best affordable Chess set of 2021
- CB2’s Marble Chess Game
We think this elegant gray and white game is as refined as it gets. The Banswara marble chess game board and pieces are handcrafted by artisans in India, with a smooth finish and a very slight sheen to catch your attention.
It’s not your typical game board—the board is quite heavy, making it more of a permanent item than a game that you can build and tear down on a whim. The pieces are also not your average Staunton designs; they are modern interpretations. Even though it may be difficult to determine pieces at first, you will be familiar with them in time. The chess board measures 12 x 12 inches, with a square size of 1.25 inches.
- The Brown Senator Chess Set
The Brown Senator Chess Set is a beautiful chess board for a low price. It’s anything but basic, with a distinctive antique pattern and pieces that don’t skimp on the detail! The foldable nature of the chessboard and the high-quality workmanship that went into its creation make The Brown Senator Chess Set an incredible bargain.
Let’s discuss a little more about these inexpensive chess pieces before we get to the board. Of course, we’re talking about not only their affordability but also their quality! Polish artisans hand-carve these chess pieces in fine detail. The King piece is 3½ inches tall and has a diameter of 1⅜ inches for support.
The chess pieces have plenty of room to move on the 18 ¾ inch square chessboard, with 2.5 inches squares on each side. The foldable design of the low-cost chess board strikes a perfect balance between the play area and portability since it can readily be folded up and placed in a bag when you want to relocate it.
You might be asking, “But what will I do with all of the chess pieces when the board is folded up?” Not to worry! Each piece has its padded storage area built into the board. This hidden storage space isn’t visible while the board is in use, as it’s located on the underside of the playing surface.
- Modern Chess & Checkers Set with Storage
This inexpensive chess set includes two games in one, which doubles its value! You can play chess or checkers on the board’s checked surface, switching between the two with ease. Since the set includes all of the components you’ll need to play either game, as well as plenty of built-in storage for them, it’s simple to sit down and play whenever you like.
The Modern Chess & Checkers Set with Storage is named appropriately: it not only has pieces and storage for both games, but it also does so in a stylish, sleek, and modern package. It will complement any chess table, desk, or coffee table, thanks to its exquisite appearance. This inexpensive chess set has an incredible price tag!
The chess pieces are constructed of hand-weighted and polished Kari wood. The chessboard is a tiny 15-inch square, so it will fit in almost any space. The squares are 1.58 inches, which perfectly fits the 3.18 inch tall King piece’s 1.14-inch base or the 1.16″ round checkers pieces with a diameter of 1.13 inches (3/4″). The checker pieces in this chess set weigh about 2.6 ounces each, while the chess king pieces weigh 1.2 ounces each. The entire collection weighs roughly 24 ounces, so it’s easy to transport if you want to go on a vacation or join a chess club meetup.
- Winning Moves Games No Stress Chess set (for kids)
Beginners will benefit from instructive teaching aids, such as “action cards” that illustrate the game’s rules, hints, and information on how the pieces may be moved. The dual-sided game board shows where to place the starting pieces. The board is 12.3 x 10.7 inches in size and has a 2.1-inch square size.
You lose quality in this case. The board and pieces are constructed of cardboard and plastic. It’s a cost many individuals, particularly those with children, are ready to pay because it makes learnin
g easy.
- Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set (For kids)
Choose a game set for kids with a little fancier to keep them engaged throughout long chess rounds. This set is identical to regular sets, so they’ll learn the game’s rules and have no problems switching to a more traditional board as they get older. The design is a highly-detailed replica of the wizard chess set shown in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
The game is identical to the film in appearance, as Warner Brothers officially license it. Despite being made of hard molded plastic, each 2- to 4-inch game piece is meticulously and intricately constructed for the most realistic look. It’s not a big issue for novice and leisure players, but it is something to consider for anyone who plays more seriously. The board is 10.63 x 10.63 inches in size and has a 3.7-inch square size.
How to select an Affordable Quality Chess Set
You might assume a chess set is made of low-quality materials if you hear the phrase “cheap chess set.” However, all of the ones we’ve chosen are both inexpensive and of excellent quality. Even if money isn’t a concern, you should invest in a chessboard and pieces that are easy to use and last for a long time. As you strive to balance price and quality, consider the following factors.
● Price
The expense of a standard game varies based on skill level and material. Expert-level versions will be more expensive than those designed for novices, while handcrafted wood sets will cost more than plastic ones. If you’re buying for kids, a less expensive and sturdier alternative may be preferable.
● Material
Chess sets are accessible in a wide range of materials, including wood, plastic, and acrylic. Whatever material you choose can influence the weight and appearance of your chess set. If you want to display it as a decorative item, go for an acrylic or metal chess set that is more fashionable. Acrylic or metal sets are more stylish than wooden ones. Wood sets, on the other hand, require more maintenance than these items. Plastic is a more long-lasting and cost-effective alternative than wood, but it isn’t as stylish.
● Portability
As with other toys and games, consider how much storage space you’ll need when purchasing. Fortunately, many of the products on this list come with convenient storage solutions like compact boxes or compartments for pieces. Some chess sets can be folded in a half flat for rapid action play.
The Marble Chess Set is a beautiful and contemporary set constructed of long-lasting and attractive marble. The handcrafted components are guaranteed to make a statement in any space, providing for years of simple usage to clean and maintain. Anyone will enjoy playing the game on this handmade set, whether you’re a novice or a professional.

Hi Guys, I am Natalie K. Domenico and I am the author of this website. I am a chess expert. If you have any questions related to chess, feel free to contact me.
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