The 21 best chess game brands
House of Staunton, Nintendo and Parker Brothers lead our ranking of 21 chess game brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Chess Game brands, ranked
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1
House of Staunton
Boxwood and rosewood Staunton-pattern sets with the traditional weighted look that tournament players expect.
Top products: Old Club Chess Set· Golden Rosewood Classic Chess Pieces Set
Website: houseofstaunton.com |Brands like House of Staunton
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Nintendo
Nintendo is the top video game developer in the world and has been appreciated by gamers across the globe. Gaming consoles from this Japanese company have excellent compatibility! The most recent video game, Monster Hunter Rise and Sunbreak is said to have the most intriguing graphics and user interface. Have you owned your Nintendo Switch yet? You can shop for games digitally on its website and directly download them on your Switch. Experience the best virtual reality here!
Website: nintendo.com |Brands like Nintendo
Popularity 9.0/10
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3
Parker Brothers
Parker Brothers Textile Mills creates some stylish fabrics. For more than 50 years, this Canadian-based company has been providing textile fabrics for residential and office wearers. With their determination to provide their buyers with high-quality fabrics, this brand has repeatedly demonstrated why it should be people's first choice when purchasing fabrics.
Popularity 6.1/10
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4
Pressman
Practical folding-board sets with full-size pieces, a good pick for families and casual play at home.
Top products: Chess with Folding Board
Website: pressmantoy.com |Brands like Pressman
Popularity 5.6/10
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5
Classic Games
Budget chess set with a single board and 32 pieces, enough for casual games but lighter than hardwood sets.
Top products: Chess Board Game
Popularity 5.3/10
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6
Hasbro
Hasbro Gaming covers the mass-market side, with classic board game editions sold through big toy retailers.
Website: hasbropulse.com |Brands like Hasbro
Popularity 5.1/10
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7
Mattel
Mattel makes dolls, action figures, games and toys under well-known names such as Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price. Harold Matson and Elliot Handler founded the company in 1945, and its name combines their surnames. Its products are aimed at children and built around play.
Website: shop.mattel.com |Brands like Mattel
Popularity 4.2/10
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8
ThinkFun
Thinkfun makes learning fun. They put a continuous effort into making puzzle games and brainteasers for the growth and development of the brain. It is fun to think, and as a parent might face the problem of providing stimulating games to growing minds every day, we have risen to the plate. Our puzzles help move those memory muscles and increase the fun of learning new stuff. The games are challenging and involve a lot of facts. Make thinking fun with Thinkfun.
Website: thinkfun.com |Brands like ThinkFun
Popularity 3.4/10
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9
Franklin Mint
Franklin Mint produced collectible chess sets in heavy metal and porcelain, often as limited editions.
Website: franklinmint.com |Brands like Franklin Mint
Popularity 3.1/10
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10
Spin Master
Toronto-based Spin Master makes toys and games for children, including Paw Patrol figures, vehicles, and monster truck toys. Its board games sit alongside the character-based lines. The company also develops digital games for young audiences.
Website: spinmaster.com |Brands like Spin Master
Popularity 2.9/10
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11
DGT
Electronic chess clocks and DGT smart boards that record moves, popular with clubs and serious tournament players.
Website: dgt.nl |Brands like DGT
Popularity 2.7/10
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12
Danbury Mint
Jewelry and gems are some of the most notable and gifted items among people. Danbury Mint offers exquisite designs and bling in its jewelry, coins, and collectibles. Also offering chic and modern handbags, home decor, and other gift ideas, the...
Website: danburymint.com |Brands like Danbury Mint
Popularity 2.6/10
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13
Steve Jackson Games
Steve Jackson initially established Steve Jackson Games in 1980. SJ Games now publish books, games, and magazines for online gaming enthusiasts. The Fantasy Trip, an old-school Role-playing game that takes its dragon lair crawls seriously, is one of SJ's top...
Top products: Nightmare Chess
Website: sjgames.com |Brands like Steve Jackson Games
Popularity 2.2/10
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14
Buffalo Games
Buffalo Games publishes family board games and puzzles, with chess sets sold alongside its wider game lineup.
Website: buffalogames.com |Brands like Buffalo Games
Popularity 1.1/10
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15
Asmodee
Asmodee is the world's largest board game publisher. They also make card games and role-playing games. Its mission is to connect people via a shared love of gaming to have fun as a community. It also produces role-playing game books...
Website: store.us.asmodee.com |Brands like Asmodee
Popularity 1.0/10
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16
Educational Insights
Educational Insights' lineup is dominated by learning games and math games aimed at young children's early learning. The company has made toys since 1962, and its designers develop products sorted by age range. Board games and playful activities are its...
Website: educationalinsights.com |Brands like Educational Insights
Popularity 0.9/10
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17
Looney Labs
Card games are exciting, but sometimes it becomes addictive. One can either enjoy and play under limits or put themselves at risk. So keeping the terms and conditions in mind, a game company named Looney Labs publishes the time travel...
Website: looneylabs.com |Brands like Looney Labs
Popularity 0.9/10
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18
Avalon Hill
Betrayal at House on the Hill and Advanced Civilization are among the titles Avalon Hill, a game publisher started in 1954 in Baltimore, has released. The company, now owned by Hasbro, has produced board games, sports simulations and role-playing games....
Website: avalonhill.wizards.com |Brands like Avalon Hill
Popularity 0.6/10
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19
Chessncrafts
Indian maker of brass and magnetic travel sets, suited to players who want a portable board.
Website: chessncrafts.net |Brands like Chessncrafts
Popularity 0.6/10
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20
Ravensburger
The German puzzle maker Ravensburger has produced games since 1883 and is one of Europe's well-known makers of jigsaw puzzles. Its range includes Disney-licensed puzzles, 3D puzzles, and board games for children and families. Many of its puzzles are designed...
Website: ravensburger.us |Brands like Ravensburger
Popularity 0.5/10
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21
Rio Grande Games
If you like playing board games with family strategy features, then Rio Grande Games might attract your attention. Since 1998, these German-style board games have been a player favorite in the English-speaking countries of the world. The company based in...
Website: riograndegames.com |Brands like Rio Grande Games
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| House of Staunton | houseofstaunton.com | – | – | – | – |
| Nintendo | nintendo.com | /nintendo | nintendo | @NintendoAmerica | – |
| Pressman | pressmantoy.com | /PressmanToy | pressmantoy | @pressmantoy | pressmantoy |
| Hasbro | hasbropulse.com | /hasbropulse | hasbropulse | – | – |
| Mattel | shop.mattel.com | – | – | – | – |
| ThinkFun | thinkfun.com | /ThinkFunGames | thinkfun | @thinkfun | ThinkFunInc |
| Franklin Mint | franklinmint.com | /TheFranklinMint | thefranklinmintofficial | – | – |
| Spin Master | spinmaster.com | – | – | – | – |
Chess Games Buying Guide
Chess is a timeless game that has been played for centuries. It is a game of strategy and skill, and it has been enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. If you are interested in buying a chess set, there are some important things to consider before making your purchase. In this article, we will provide you with a chess games buying guide so that you can make an informed decision.
Material
The material of the chess set is perhaps the most important factor to consider when making your purchase. There are many different materials to choose from, including wood, plastic, metal, and glass. The material you choose will depend on your personal preferences and your budget.
- Wood: Wooden chess sets are the most traditional and classic option. They are often hand-carved and come in a variety of types of wood such as walnut, maple, mahogany, and rosewood. They offer a beautiful and natural look and feel, but they can be quite expensive.
- Plastic: Plastic chess sets are the most affordable option. They are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for traveling. They often come in bright colors and can be great for kids.
- Metal: Metal chess sets are durable and elegant, and they come in a variety of finishes such as brass, bronze, and nickel. They are a bit heavier than other materials, and they can be quite expensive.
- Glass: Glass chess sets are unique and sophisticated. They often come with crystal clear pieces that can be quite ornamental. They are fragile and need to be handled with care, but they can add a touch of class to any room.
Size
The size of the chess set you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the space you have available. There are many different sizes to choose from, ranging from pocket-sized sets to large, full-sized sets.
- Pocket-sized: These sets are the smallest and most portable option. They are perfect for travel or for playing on the go.
- Small-sized: These sets are great for tight spaces or for kids. They offer a compact look and feel while still being fully functional.
- Medium-sized: These sets are the most common option. They offer a good balance between size and functionality, and they can be used for both casual and competitive play.
- Large-sized: These sets are ideal for competitive play and for decoration. They offer a grand and impressive look and feel, but they can take up a lot of space.
Pieces
The pieces of the chess set are perhaps the most important aspect of the game. They are the most visible and tactile part of the game, and they can significantly affect the playing experience.
- Staunton: Staunton pieces are the most traditional and recognizable type of chess piece. They are weighted and balanced, and they offer an elegant and simple design.
- Themed: Themed pieces come in a variety of shapes and designs, such as medieval knights or sci-fi aliens. They can add a fun and playful element to the game.
- Artistic: Artistic pieces are often hand-carved or hand-painted. They can be quite ornamental and can add a touch of class to any room. However, they can be quite expensive.
Board
The board is an essential part of the chess set, as it provides the setting and environment for the game. The board you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the look and feel you are going for.
- Wood: Wooden boards are the most traditional option. They offer a classic and natural look and feel, and they can be quite durable.
- Vinyl: Vinyl boards are the most affordable option. They are lightweight and easy to clean, making them ideal for travel or for playing outdoors.
- Stone: Stone boards are unique and elegant. They offer a solid and stable surface, but they can be quite heavy and expensive.
- Glass: Glass boards are modern and sophisticated. They often come with ornamental designs and can add a touch of class to any room. However, they are fragile and need to be handled with care.
Price
The price of the chess set you choose will depend on the material, size, pieces, and board that you select. You can find chess sets for as little as a few dollars, or you can spend thousands of dollars on an ornate and handmade set. It is important to consider your budget when making your purchase, and to look for the best value for your money.
Conclusion
Buying a chess set can be a fun and exciting experience. There are many different options to choose from, and each option can significantly affect the playing experience. It is important to consider the material, size, pieces, board, and price when making your purchase. By following this chess games buying guide, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect chess set for your needs.
