It’s not an easy thing to do to choose the right chess set. There are so many different styles, colors, designs, themes, and more to choose from, not to mention those that follow the requirements set forth by the USCF. Then there are material choices, size considerations, and more, too. Here are 7 tips for choosing the right chess set:

Who Is Playing? First and foremost, consider who will be playing the chess set. Plastic pieces are often a better choice for sets for kids, rather than marble, wood, or some other material that can be easily damaged or may cause damage of its own if it is tossed too quickly onto a table or other surface.

USCF Guidelines. Many sets do follow the requirements set forth by the USCF, and this has to do with the dimension of the board, the size of the various pieces, and more. These sets are ideal for tournament and club play, but they aren’t a necessity if you will be simply using the set at home for casual play.

Portability. Another tip for choosing the right chess set is to consider the need for portability. There are some truly gorgeous, extravagant sets that are meant to be set up and displayed in your home, and then there are other sets that can quickly, easily, and safely be packed up and transported wherever it is you may need or want to play.

Themes. Game designers really seem to have a lot of fun expressing their creativity with the various chess piece themes. These can really add a fun element to your game playing and are equally as well suited for kids as for adults. There are dozens of themes to choose from, and often shopping online is the best way to enjoy the widest selection of themes.

Heirlooms. Chess is a timeless game as well as a game for all ages. Often when choosing the right chess set, you will want to consider the possibility of getting a set that can be passed down for generations. If this is the case for you, you may want to consider a finer material such as hand-crafted oak or marble pieces. You likely will also want to choose a timeless theme for your pieces as well. Often a Star Wars or other similar theme may sound fun today, but it will lose its charm for future generations.

Price. Price is a consideration in any purchase. Generally, the more money you pay for your chess set, the better the quality. However, you can often shop online and find a fabulous set for a more affordable price than you generally can find in retail stores.