Silicone chess pieces are one of the most recent additions to the world of chess sets, joining wooden and plastic-made pieces. Although costlier and less common than their plastic counterparts, they are resilient, hard to break, and fun to play with.
Choosing from the myriad of options can be daunting. That is why we have reviewed and created this article, which delves into some of the best silicone chess pieces available.
1. The Chess Store Standard Club Silicone Chess Set
The base of the Chess Store Standard Club Silicone piece is not padded, so it grips more on silicone-based boards. The pieces are also unweighted but heavy enough that this is not a bother.
It features a 3.5-inch-tall king and two spare queens for promotion. The design is also familiar with Staunton, making it easy to play. The king base measures 1.5 inches, which is impressive, especially for tournament play.
Because the build uses silicone material, you won’t have to worry about the pieces cracking or breaking.
Overall, it is a superb choice from this list.
Pros
- Durable: It is durable and great for long-term use. The silicone build ensures it is waterproof and easy to clean spills.
- Easy to Clean: Cleaning the chess pieces is easy, making them easier to maintain.
- Weight: The weight is balanced, making moving the pieces across the board easy.
Cons
- Price: It is expensive, especially when compared to their plastic alternatives.
2. WE Games Silicone Staunton Tournament Chess Pieces
The WE Games Silicone Staunton Tournament Chess Pieces are another silicone-based piece designed for tournament and casual play.
Standing at a 3.75-inch king with a 1.438-inch base, it is large enough for serious play and meets the FIDE standards for tournament play.
This set comes with two extra queens for promotions, making 34 chessmen.
It also features the Staunton design that most chess players have grown to love.
Pros:
- Durable: Since they are made from silicone, these chess pieces are durable and resistant to breakage.
- Size: The pieces are standard tournament size, meeting FIDE standards for serious play.
- Extra queens: The set has two for easy promotion during the game.
- Staunton design: The classic Staunton design is familiar and easily distinguishable, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players.
Cons:
- Limited aesthetics: Some players prefer the’ traditional look and feel.
- Grip: The soft texture of silicone may make it harder to grip the pieces, especially during fast-paced games.
3. Chesshouse 3 1/2″ Silicone Club Chess Pieces
The Chesshouse 3 1/2″ Silicone Club Chess Pieces are designed to balance durability and affordability for club and tournament play.
It features a king height of 3.5 inches and a king weight of 1.45 inches. The pieces are well-balanced, and an extra queen is on both sides, making 34 chessmen.
Pros
- Durable: Its build is typical of a silicon, making it perfect for long-term use. It is also waterproof and doesn’t break easily.
- Easy to Clean: Cleaning the chess pieces is easy. All you need is water and soap.
- Extra queens: The set comes with extra queens for easy promotion of pawns.
Cons
- Price: It is expensive.
- Limited aesthetics: It is not an heirloom chess piece.
4. House of Staunton Regulation Silicone Tournament Chess Pieces
The House of Staunton Regulation Silicone Tournament Chess Pieces is one of the most popular today.
Their silicone chess piece checks all the boxes regarding what to expect from a silicone-based piece. It is durable and doesn’t break with casual usage, making it ideal for schools, tournaments, and casual use.
Spotting a 3.5-inch tall king with a 1.4-inch king base diameter and 34 chessmen with two queens.
Pros
- Durability: The House of Staunton Regulation Silicone Tournament Chess Pieces are durable and resistant to breakage, making them ideal for schools, tournaments, and casual use.
- Classic design: The pieces feature the classic Staunton design, which is familiar to most players.
- Standard size: The pieces are regulation size, with a 3.5-inch tall king and a 1.4-inch king base diameter, meeting the FIDE standards for tournament play.
- Extra queens: The set comes with two extra queens, allowing for easy promotion during the game.
- Brand reputation: House of Staunton is a well-known and respected chess brand that produces high-quality chess sets.
Cons
- Grip: The texture of silicone makes it harder for some players to grip the pieces, especially during fast-paced games.
- Limited aesthetics: Some players prefer the traditional look and feel of stone or wooden chess pieces over silicone, primarily for indoor decor.
5. Regulation Silicone Tournament Chess Pieces, 3.5″ King
The Regulation Silicone Tournament chess piece offered by the House of Staunton. It is unique in that, instead of the standard complete set, this is only a half set, which is helpful for those who need replacement pieces.
Also, with a 3.5-inch tall king and a 1.4-inch king base diameter, the only difference is the more varied colour options you can pick, and that there are 17 instead of the standard 34 chessmen.
Overall, check this out if you need to replace a missing piece.
Pros
- Durability: It is ideal for schools, tournaments, and casual use.
- Classic design: The pieces feature the familiar Staunton design.
- Standard size: The pieces are regulation size, with a 3.5-inch tall king and a 1.4-inch king base diameter.
- Extra queens: The half-set comes with an additional queen.
Cons
- Limited aesthetics: I prefer wooden chessboards because they look better.
Conclusion
While silicone chess pieces may be pricier and less common than plastic alternatives, their durability and ease of maintenance make them a worthwhile investment for chess enthusiasts. I hope this list has comprehensively guided some of the best options.