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How much does a beautiful chess set cost? Complete guide by budget
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Dec
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How much does a beautiful chess set cost? From €30 for a travel set to over €2,000 for a collector’s box, the price depends on the material, size, finish and country of manufacture. Here is our complete guide to choosing the set that suits your budget.
Price ranges at a glance
What determines the price of a chess set?
🌳 The material
This is the number one factor. A hornbeam set costs €50-100. In sheesham rosewood: €150-300. In Macassar ebony: €400-1000. In solid bronze or marble: €300-2000+. Fine woods remain the best value for money. To compare boxwood, ebony, maple or walnut, read our comparison of woods for chess boards.
📏 The size
A travel set (25 cm) costs 2 to 3 times less than a living-room set (45 cm). Size affects the amount of wood used, the weight and the complexity of manufacture. For everyday use, aim for a king height of 85-95 mm — the best compromise between comfort and price.
⚖ The finish
Lead weighting, the felt base, the chess board’s marquetry, the satin varnish: every finishing detail adds to the price. A well-finished set will last for decades; a low-cost set will deteriorate within a few years.
🌎 The origin
Sets made in Europe (Italy, Greece, Poland) cost more than those made in Asia, but offer superior finishing quality and quality control. India produces excellent wooden Staunton chess pieces at competitive prices.
Prices by product type
| Product | Entry-level | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete chess set (pieces + board) | €50-150 | €200-500 | €500-3000 |
| Chess pieces only | €30-80 | €100-300 | €300-1500 |
| Chess board only | €30-80 | €80-250 | €250-1000 |
| Chess table | — | €300-600 | €600-3000 |
| Electronic chess board | €100-200 | €200-400 | €400-800 |
| Travel chess set | €20-60 | €60-150 | €150-300 |
Our recommendation by budget
🎁 Gift budget (€50-150)
A wooden discovery set with a folding chess board and built-in storage. It’s the perfect gift: complete, elegant and ready to play. For a child, a magnetic travel chess set at €30-60 is ideal.
♔ Enthusiast budget (€200-500)
A superior set with rosewood/boxwood pieces, lead-weighted, and a marquetry chess board. The best balance of quality and playing comfort. This is the standard for a regular club player.
💎 Prestige budget (€500-1000)
A high-end set in ebony and boxwood, with a certificate of authenticity. Rare woods, carved pieces, artistic marquetry. An investment that lasts for decades.
🏆 Collector’s budget (€1000+)
A supreme set: solid bronze pieces, an onyx chess board, a carved chess table. Numbered, certified, unique. A piece of heritage to pass on.
Expert tip: The best investment for a regular player lies between €200 and €400. At this price, you get a set that will last 20-30 years with professional playing comfort. Below €100, you’ll get a decent set, but the finishes will be limited. Above €500, you enter the realm of collection and art — a different pleasure, but just as legitimate.
Find the Set that Suits your Budget
From €30 to €3,000+, we have the perfect set for you. Free delivery, satisfaction guaranteed or your money back within 14 days.
Under €200 €200-500 €500+
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