Chess Equipment for Kids: How to Choose a Board, Pieces and Clock
You do not need much to start chess, but a few good choices make learning easier and more fun. Here is a plain-English guide to chess equipment for kids: boards, pieces, clocks and extras, and what to buy at each stage.
Do we need to buy anything to start?
No. Online classes and free apps mean a child can learn with only a device. But a real board is wonderful for learning: children see the whole position, move pieces with their hands and can practise away from screens. Many of our students use a board at home alongside live online classes.
The chess set: pieces
Style
Choose a Staunton set, the standard design used in tournaments, with clearly different pieces. Avoid fancy or themed sets for learning, because children need to recognise pieces instantly.
Size
Pieces should feel comfortable in a child's hand and fit the board squares. For a home set, a king around 8 to 10 centimetres is typical. Tournament sets are a little larger.
Weight and material
Weighted pieces feel steadier and last longer than very light plastic. Plastic is durable and fine for beginners; wood is lovely but costs more. Pick what suits your budget.
The board
- Clear colours. Strong contrast between light and dark squares helps young eyes.
- Square size. Tournament boards generally have squares of about 5 to 6.5 centimetres, matching standard sets. A board that is too small makes pieces crowd.
- Coordinates. A board with letters and numbers on the edges helps children learn notation. See chess notation for kids.
- Roll-up or folding. Roll-up boards are cheap and travel well to tournaments; folding wooden boards are sturdier at home.
The chess clock
A clock is not necessary at the beginning, but it becomes important once children play tournaments. Look for:
- A digital clock with increment or delay settings, so it matches tournament time controls.
- Simple buttons and a clear display.
- Reliability, since cheap clocks may fail.
Learn how time controls work in time controls explained. Always check the tournament notice, because organisers may supply clocks.
Scoresheets and notebooks
Most standard-time games require a written record of moves. Buy a small notebook or printed scoresheets, and a pencil that does not smudge. Practise writing moves at home first.
Other useful extras
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Demonstration board (small magnetic board) | Fun for explaining positions and travelling |
| Puzzle book | Screen-free tactics practice. See how to practise puzzles |
| Carry bag or case | Protects the set and keeps pieces together |
| Spare queens | For promotion if you have two queens |
Buying by stage
| Stage | Suggested equipment |
|---|---|
| Absolute beginner | A simple, sturdy Staunton set and a board with coordinates |
| Improving player | The same set, a notebook, puzzle books |
| Tournament player | Roll-up board, tournament-size set, digital clock with increment, scoresheet notebook |
Screen-based learning: what you need
For live online classes you need a laptop, tablet or phone with a stable internet connection, a quiet corner and headphones if needed. See is online chess coaching worth it for busy parents and online chess safety for kids.
Common buying mistakes
- Buying decorative sets where pieces are hard to tell apart.
- A board whose squares are too small for the pieces.
- Very cheap clocks that break.
- Buying tournament equipment before the child needs it.
Where to start
A simple set and board are plenty. Join a class, play at home and add equipment as your child's needs grow. Our coaches are happy to advise during the demo. See more ideas in fun chess games to play at home.
Start with a free demo class
You only need a device to begin. Book a free demo and we will guide you on the rest.
Electronic boards and digital clocks
Many parents also ask about electronic chessboards and digital chess clocks. For a plain-language comparison, read digital chessboard vs digital chess clock vs online chess academy, and for clocks specifically, how to choose a digital chess clock for kids.
Frequently asked questions
What chess set is best for kids?
A sturdy Staunton set with clearly different pieces and a board with coordinates is ideal for learning.
Do kids need a chess clock?
Not at first. A digital clock with increment becomes useful once they start playing tournaments.
Is a wooden chess set better than plastic?
Wood looks lovely, but a good weighted plastic set is perfectly fine for beginners and tournaments.
What size chess board is best for tournaments?
Standard tournament boards have squares of about 5 to 6.5 centimetres. Check the event rules, since organisers often provide equipment.
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