Sets, books and kit for new chess players
A short, sensible list. You don’t need any of it to start: a board, a set and someone to play do most of the work.
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Sets and boards
- Staunton-pattern chess sets (affiliate link)The design used in international competition.
- Roll-up chess boards (affiliate link)Light and easy to carry to a club or a friend’s house.
Books
- Chess books for beginners (affiliate link)Look for books that explain the rules before the tactics.
- Chess books for children (affiliate link)For young players aged about 7 to 11.
- Chess puzzle books (affiliate link)For practising checkmates after the rules are learned.
For clubs
- Chess clocks (affiliate link)For timed games, once players are ready for them.
- Score books (affiliate link)For writing games down move by move.