Seven Modern Chess Sets That Are Perfect Gifts

Chess sets are classic gifts. In a nightmare of coupons and gift subscriptions, chess sets are something that can be wrapped, are a great addition to any room, and an entryway into the best game you can play over a board. There are many classic options to choose from, but today, let's take a look at some modern chess sets that make excellent gifts. 

What Makes a Chess Set Modern?

Chess sets have been around for a long time, and some of them are genuine antiques. Many people, though, are looking for something newer. Whether it's the design or functionality, contemporary chess sets offer something a bit different from their classic counterparts. Here are a few of the elements that can distinguish modern from traditional chess sets.

Design

A classic chess set has a familiar design. The pieces will likely be in the Staunton pattern or other historical styles. Modern chess sets may take a new and unique design. The pieces may be reimagined on a theme or follow a minimalist approach. The board could feature innovative storage options or artistic, unusual approaches to the checkered pattern. 

Material

Another feature of newer chess boards is the use of materials other than the traditional choices of wood, stone, marble, bone, and ivory. Using different materials gives modern chess boards and pieces a unique look and feel. Today, acrylic, silicone, glass, and metal are often used to make chess sets. That said, many wooden chess sets have modern styles and innovative new designs. 

Functionality

Today, you can find chess sets with additional functions. This ranges from the simple, like magnetic squares and creative storage solutions, to the complex, like electronic chess boards that can connect to online platforms and powerful engines. E-boards are increasingly more popular and allow you to play against chess engines over the board and connect to online chess platforms. Some have squares that light up to show moves and even pieces that move independently. 

Storage and Portability 

One of the ways people innovate with chess sets is by finding new ways to store and transport them. Travel chess sets make use of a variety of techniques to make pieces adhere to the board for play in unstable conditions. Folding or rollable boards, boxes, and bags, and flat pieces are some of the storage techniques that can make chess sets easy to put away and travel with. 

Seven Modern Chess Sets

Let’s get specific. Here are seven modern chess sets in different categories. This will give you a sense of the variety of contemporary sets that make excellent gifts.

E-Boards

The board and pieces are first and foremost a way to play a game of chess. Nevertheless, the additional features of electronic boards add something to the game. This makes E-boards exceptional gifts for beginner and experienced chess players. For beginners, it allows for plenty of over-the-board play and the opportunity to compete against online opponents with a physical set. The option to play against the computer also gives the valuable experience of chess engines.

DGT Pegasus Chess Board

DGT Pegasus Chess Board is a great choice for an e-board gift. It is on the affordable end of the scale for electronic chess boards, but it has amazing functionality, an innovative design, and is simple to use. You connect the board to an app, which in turn connects to platforms like Chess.com and Lichess. Online games can be set up, and the moves will appear via LED lights on the board. 

The Millennium King Competition Chess Computer

The Millennium King Competition Chess Computer is a different style of electronic chess board with a small screen, designed mainly for playing against an engine. Moves are also displayed with an LED light-up system, but you are playing against a built-in chess engine with a variety of adaptive levels. 

This chess computer set has a USB port so new updates can be downloaded, and optional modules can be added, allowing you to play against others. This is an excellent gift choice for a serious chess improver. 

Travel and Tournament Sets

A travel chess set is a great choice for an affordable and small gift. These compact sets feature portability solutions that make them great for youngsters, travellers, and commuters. Tournament regulation chess sets are great for chess training, can be stored easily, and make affordable gifts.

Regulation Tournament Chess Pieces and Chess Board Combo

Perhaps the most common modern chess set is the combination of a vinyl board and plastic pieces. This is a fixture at chess clubs, schools, and tournaments. These durable and affordable materials are one of the great things about modern boards. Overall, a chess set like this is a great gift for someone getting into the game without much storage space. A student, for example, may well appreciate the ability to roll up the vinyl board and the easily replaced plastic pieces. 

Pocket Magnetic Set

An incredibly compact option, this is a small but excellent gift. Coming in a few different sizes, the pocket magnetic set can be folded flat. The pieces are pop-out magnetic disks imprinted with chess piece symbols. This chess set can be stuck in a pocket and played anywhere from a plane to a beach. 

Peg Travel Chess Set

For a more unique option, this chess set is fantastic-looking and fully functional as a travel set. The peg pieces allow the game to be played in moving environments without sacrificing the tactile quality of a wooden chess piece. The materials and Staunton Pattern pieces are classic, but the innovative design gives this chess set a more modern feel. 

It would make a great gift for someone who likes the functionality of a travel set without sacrificing an interesting design and quality materials. 

Modern Wooden Boards

If you are looking for a set that combines the best of old and new, look through a selection of contemporary wooden chess sets. These combine durability, style, and tradition with modern styles and functionality. 

The Moderne Series Chess Pieces

These sleek, minimalist pieces, combined with a quality wooden board, make an exceptional modern chess set. The pieces are made from golden rosewood and natural boxwood, with tournament dimensions. They can be combined with a wide range of chess boards from the woods of your choice.

The natural lines and subdued details make the chess set an exceptional addition to a room's design, while the size and ergonomics make it extremely playable and durable. 

The Avant Garde Series Luxury Chess Pieces

For a luxurious, unique chess gift, the avant-garde chess piece design paired with a high-quality wooden board is a great modern choice. This is a pricier gift, and one for someone who wants to make a statement with their chess set. 

The avant-garde pieces are reminiscent of the classic Staunton design, but reshape it into something new. The pronounced grain on the wood, the swirling pattern on the knights, and pointed pawn tops all contribute to an eye-catching aesthetic. 

Final Thought on Modern Chess Gifts

A chess set is a classic gift, and choosing a contemporary, unique, or unexpected option gives it an added edge. If you’re buying for a chess enthusiast and don’t want to get them something standard, it’s a great way to add that little extra personality that makes a gift memorable. 

Explore a selection of modern chess sets for gift ideas. Or, if you’re looking for other ideas, browse everything from chess books and software to chess clocks and bags.