Best Chess Sets for Kids in 2022

The noblest of games designed to mimic the most beloved of children’s novels? Count us in. Relive the best of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with your very own Wizard’s chess set. Of all of the Harry Potter chess sets for kids, The Noble Collection Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set For Kids stands out— the exquisite detail in each chess piece looks as if it were carved by magic. (Maybe it was; who are we to say?) The pieces measure between two and four inches in height, while the chessboard itself measures 18.5 by 18.5-inches. Carry the pieces with you on holiday travels with two drawstring bags to hold your white and black pieces.

Feeling a little rusty on your chess skills as an adult? Brain Blox Fun Family Chess Set  For Kids is the perfect way to teach your kids to play the greatest game on earth—and brush up on your own knowledge at the same time. While this chess set includes all of the standard chess pieces, it also includes an instruction book and a color-coded, learn-as-you-play system for learning the game. Roll the chess cube, match it to the symbol on the reference sheet, then move your pieces. This will help you learn how each piece works and different strategies to conquer your opponent. (There’s also an entire online library that players can access that will give visual demonstrations on how each piece moves, how to set up the game, and more!

Besides the obvious mental benefits of this interactive game, the family connections forged in the chess duels between parent and child are unmatched. Spend more time with the family and less time on your screens with this family chess set that will last you a lifetime.

Does the idea of teaching your kids a new game raise your stress levels dangerously high? Winning Moves literally takes the stress out of learning chess with their easy-to-use instructional chess set. Winning Moves Games No Stress Chess Set For Kids uses 56 instructional cards to teach you how and when to move your pieces; the two players take turns drawing cards, which outline how your chosen piece is destined to move, creating a strategy for you. Once you advance, you can flip the board over, ignore the cards, and play the old fashioned way—with just your wits to guide you. At less than a pound and a half, this is the perfect chess set to pack up and bring with you on road trips or even just waiting at the DMV. If you are looking for some more games the whole family can enjoy, check out our list of the best family board games.

The battle for the galaxy just got better. Whether you choose to dominate the chessboard with the help of the Imperial army or battle for justice with the Rebel Alliance, this Hasbro Gaming Star Wars Chess Set For Kids will conquer two birds with one stone—your kids will learn the art of chess while playing as their favorite Star Wars characters.

Ivory pieces are replaced by silver members of the Light side of the Force, while traditional black pieces are replaced by dark embodiments of the Dark Side through all nine of the saga films. Characters include favorites like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, General Grievous, Kylo Ren, Han Solo, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Rey, BB-8, and more. The pawns consist of Clone Troopers for the Rebels and First Order Stormtroopers for the Imperial side. The flat board allows you to move this set anywhere and everywhere, so you can play around the house or wherever you may travel. This is an amazing gift not only for chess lovers but also a perfect gift for Star War fans.

It’s never too early to learn about politics, is it? If your kiddo is leaning towards a future in political science, teach them strategy (and maybe a dash of humor) early. In this BulbHead Battle For The White House Chess Set For Kids, Republicans face off against Democrats. Iconic figures representing each party, such as Presidents Donald Trump and George W. Bush for the Republicans, and President Barrack Obama and President-Elect Joe Biden for the Democrats. (Players must note: this set was released prior to the 2020 election results: therefore, the king and queen in the Democratic set remain Symbolic Empty Podiums. There are options to purchase updated pieces.) Pawns for each side include elephants for the Republicans and donkeys for the Democrats.

Each piece is silver-toned to highlight each key player’s life-like features, which can measure up to three inches tall. They’re each weighted for more sturdy pieces. Play across a star-spangled flat board and “bring the election into your home,” as they say. It makes an amazing gift for board game lovers, and it is one of the best kid’s chess sets.

Your electronic chess instructor has arrived. The Top 1 Chess Electronic Voice Chess Set For Kids uses computer-generated voice instructors to coach your kids in chess rules, skills, and strategies. Simply press a button to explain where your piece can go, what it does, and why it’s important. But don’t worry—once your kids have mastered the basics, you can play against each other or compete against the computer.

This board is unique in that it uses magnets to keep your pieces on the board and identify what pieces are where to the computer. This means an accidental bump of the board won’t knock your game out of place. This chess set includes 30 multi-player modes to really stretch your brain, or keep it in single-player mode to hone your strategy. If you’re not thrilled with your purchase, you have 30 days to return it for a refund. You may also like some of these fun solo games from our list, so be sure to check them out.

The most beloved video game comes to life in the world-beloved game of chess. Battle the heroes of Mario’s troop (like Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, and more) against the villains in Bowser’s league (like Bowser Junior, Magikoopa, Birdo, Goomba, and more). Each of the 32 figurine pieces is hand-painted to reflect the genuine characteristics of each video game character.

The entire USAOPOLY Super Mario Chess Collectors Edition comes in a beautiful, collectible, and classic tin box. Pass this along to your kids (or keep it for yourself) and play out the beautiful game of chess with your favorite Super Mario Brothers characters. (Extra lives not included.) This beautiful set makes a perfect gift for boys and girls who love challenging games.

Simple-to-learn strategies that will last your kids a lifetime? Yes, please. This Winning Fingers Beginners Chess Game for kids includes a step-by-step instruction guide, along with a spinner wheel to learn as you go. Simply spin the wheel when it’s your turn, and move whichever piece the arrow indicates. Not only will this keep the game flowing—without the adults getting frustrated—but it allows the kids to learn visually, physically, and audibly as you explain what a “rook” is and how it moves.

This sturdy, durable board is magnetized to keep the pieces on top, even when the toddlers shove their way through your game. Not completely satisfied with your purchase? There’s a money-back guarantee. You’re welcome. Our buying guide on the top trivia board games features some more similar products, so be sure to check them out.

Combine the two best board games of all time in one incredible, challenging, and exciting buildable Lego board. If your child loves Lego construction and you’re ready to challenge them even further, build the board together, build the pieces, and learn the game! When you’re ready to store your pieces, place them inside the board and neatly tuck them out of sight. When you’re ready to play, each square has a Lego-specific block to hold your piece in place—you’ll never have to worry about your game being ruined over a bumped board. White and blue pieces battle for dominance over the red and black pieces in a beautiful, classic Lego fashion.

Not quite ready for the intricacies of chess? LEGO Iconic Chess Set board also comes equipped with red and blue checker pieces to switch up your playing style. Who could say no to such variety?

This is our favorite choice for younger kids—who might think smaller pieces would be a great thing to chew on—or family gatherings. This indoor/outdoor, 5-foot by 6-foot board is great for life-size, interactive chess playing. The pieces measure between six inches and ten inches, so even your youngest can play safely. The EasyGoProducts Giant Matt Chess Game is made from tear-resistant material, making it perfect for little feet to run over and safe to use around pets.

Break out this chess set at a picnic, in the classroom, or at an outdoor brewery (so the parents have fun, too) for immediate enjoyment and entertainment. When it’s time to go, easily fold up the board and pack away the pieces in the included plastic storage tote. If you don’t love it, you have 30 days to procure a refund! And for more amazing options, be sure to browse our list of the top travel chess sets that you can bring with you wherever you go.