1Chessnut Air smart chess board
Most chess is played on a screen now, and a smart board brings it back to real wooden pieces. The Chessnut Air recognises every piece on every square and connects to Chess.com and Lichess by Bluetooth, so they can play online opponents over the board. Hidden lights show the other player's moves, and it has built-in AI opponents too.
Pros
- Play online with real pieces.
- Recognises every piece automatically.
- Built-in computer opponents.
Cons
- Some online integrations are smoother than others.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Chessnut product page ↗
2DGT 3000 chess clock
Anyone who plays club or tournament chess needs a proper clock. The DGT 3000 is approved by FIDE and has every timing system they'll meet, from simple blitz to increments and delays, with a big clear display. It runs on two AA batteries.
Pros
- FIDE approved.
- Every time control they'll need.
- Big, clear display.
Cons
- More clock than a casual player needs.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
DGT product page ↗
3Millennium ChessGenius Pro chess computer
The ChessGenius Pro is a chess computer with a real board, so they can play a game without a screen or an internet connection. It adjusts from beginner level up to about 2200 Elo, and it can suggest moves, warn about mistakes and take moves back. The board is 20cm square with magnetic pieces, so it's easy to take on holiday.
Pros
- Plays without a phone or internet.
- Adjusts from beginner to strong club level.
- Compact magnetic board.
Cons
- The board is small.
- Strong players will want an online engine as well.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Amazon UK listing from Millennium ↗
4The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis
Before it was a Netflix hit, The Queen's Gambit was a brilliant novel. Walter Tevis tells the story of Beth Harmon, an orphan who discovers chess and rises to the top of the game. Chess players love how well it captures the tension of a real game.
Pros
- Gripping story.
- Captures the feel of real chess.
- Inspired the Netflix series.
Cons
- Deals with addiction, which some readers find heavy.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Vintage product page ↗
5Jaques of London 15-inch folding chess set
Jaques of London have made chess sets since 1795 and made the first Staunton pieces, which every tournament set copies. This 15-inch folding board comes with weighted wooden Staunton pieces that sit steadily on the squares. It looks good left out on a table and folds up to store the pieces.
Pros
- Weighted Staunton pieces.
- Folds to store the pieces.
- From the original Staunton maker.
Cons
- Not a full tournament-size board.
- Not for anyone who already owns a good wooden set.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Jaques of London product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves chess
Chess players care about playing better and enjoying the game, so useful kit and good books work well. The best gifts for chess players depend on how they play, because club players need a clock while online players love a smart board. A book suits any level. Ask about their rating if you want to pitch it right.
How we picked these gifts for chess players
We picked each product for what chess players enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
