One dilemma most chess players face is finding good websites to buy chess materials. 

Whether you are a beginning player or a seasoned player looking to upgrade your equipment, you can do so on chess websites.

However, knowing which website is ideal for the purchase comes with experience.

From tournament-grade sets to chess books and digital resources, we will highlight the top 10 websites offering chess materials for players of all levels. 

1. Chess House

Chess House is one of the most trusted names in the chess world for chess equipment and materials.

Chess House offers an extensive catalogue ranging from basic, budget-friendly sets to luxury chess sets, along with chess clocks, demonstration boards, and other educational materials. 

In addition to basic chess equipment, Chess House also sells modern electronic boards, such as the Millennium line and the more popular DGT Boards. 

One of the standout features of Chess House is its ability to cater to different needs. For example, School-exclusive deals and purchases are provided for group instruction.

Collectors, Artists, and others with different chess interests are also covered, as Chess House caters to a wide range of interests.

It is only natural that Chess House is our top pick given its reliability, popularity, and unique offerings.

2. The House of Staunton

For anyone seeking premium-quality chess sets and materials, the House of Staunton is the gold standard.

Mainly specializing in handcrafted chess sets used in elite-level tournaments and World Championships, they are no wonder they are renowned for their quality.

One can’t mention the brand without mentioning the proprietary Staunton Piece design, first introduced by Nathaniel Cook and designed by John Jaques in 1849.

Their Staunton-pattern pieces are elegantly crafted, and many of their sets come with a certificate of authenticity.

Although the chess materials available on their website come with a higher price tag due to their premium build and quality craftsmanship, the value of the purchase is worth it.

3. ChessUSA

ChessUSA provides a well-rounded selection of chess products at competitive prices. Ranging from beginners to expert players, ChessUSA has something for every category. 

From chess sets to chess software to a collection of books, it is the go-to website for all chess essentials.

One notable thing about ChessUSA is its frequent bundle offers and sales, making it ideal for those looking to purchase multiple items.

4. Amazon

A list of the top 10 websites is not comprehensive unless it includes one of the most popular sites for purchasing chess equipment: Amazon. 

Amazon’s inventory includes everything from beginner sets to professional tournament items and chess software. 

One reason Amazon is a top choice is its delivery speed and worldwide coverage. 

In fact, you can purchase both new and used items on Amazon. This makes it budget-friendly, besides the offers usually available on the website.

Although Amazon is not chess-specific, its vast marketplace is home to countless chess vendors that offer products at every price point.

You will find everything from travel sets and magnetic boards to instructional DVDs and even Chess-themed merchandise, such as clothing, toys, and collectibles.

One reason Amazon is a top choice is its return policy and elite customer review system.

5. eBay

eBay is an excellent resource for finding both new and used chess materials at a bargain price.

The auction format, when used correctly, can yield great deals on vintage sets, rare chess books, and collectibles.

You can also find many notable chess retailers on eBay, offering products at competitive prices.

For collectors, eBay will feel like home, as they can easily find discontinued sets or specific editions of chess literature.

As long as you monitor the seller rating and carefully cross-check the return policies, navigating eBay for chess purchases is straightforward.

6. Chess & Bridge

Although based in the UK, Chess & Bridge ships internationally and is one of Europe’s largest retailers.

They are primarily renowned for their exceptional range of chess books. They are notorious for having even rare books that are hard to find elsewhere. 

Alongside books, other chess items such as clocks, software, magazines, and boards can also be purchased from their website.

It is safe to say professionals interested in studying opening theory and game collections will appreciate their offerings.

7. The Chess Store

Balancing quality and affordability, The Chess Store offers a curated selection of chess products.

Ranging from tournament sets to unique theme sets and a solid collection of training materials, this website offers everything a player would ask for.

One reason they are rated highly is their excellent photography and detailed product descriptions. This makes online shopping easier.

8. Wholesale Chess

As the name implies, Wholesale Chess focuses on value pricing and offers competitive prices on chess materials for schools, chess clubs, and parents.

They offer a bulk discount on sets, boards, and clocks. 

However, for those making individual purchases, there is a lot to benefit from their competitive pricing.

9. ChessBaron

ChessBaron specializes in artistic and collectible chess sets from around the world. 

It is the go-to website for themed sets, including medieval, culturally specific, and modern designs.

All the products featured on ChessBaron are of premium quality and also feature top-of-the-line craftsmanship.

From clocks to boards and even an E-board, ChessBaron houses every essential chess material. 

10. Forward Chess (Digital)

For modern players, Forward Chess offers interactive digital chess books that can be read on various devices.

In contrast to traditional chess books, these allow you to play through variations on a digital board, making them easy to read and study.

Their libraries include books on Openings, endgame studies, and even game collections from top publishers.

Conclusion

The world of online chess shopping is for everyone. 

You can’t go wrong using any of these ten websites, whether you are a beginner or a Grandmaster-level player seeking a luxury purchase or a World Championship-quality chess set.

With a reliable track record, these ten websites are the crème de la crème of chess shopping and provide quality products.