Electronic chess sets combine the traditional tabletop game with modern technology, providing players with a versatile and engaging experience. These innovative sets offer a wide range of programmable features and playing modes that cater to both casual and serious chess enthusiasts.
The popularity of electronic chess sets can be attributed to their ability to simulate the interaction with a human opponent, making solo practice sessions more productive and enjoyable. Additionally, electronic chess sets often have teaching functions and adjustable difficulty levels, allowing players to develop their skills and knowledge at their own pace.
When looking for the best electronic chess set, consider factors such as the quality of the board and pieces, ease of use, and variety of features, such as game modes and levels. Additional elements to evaluate include battery life, connectivity options – some sets allow for online gameplay with opponents from around the world – and portability.
After carefully evaluating numerous electronic chess sets based on these essential criteria, we have identified the ones that strike the perfect balance between functionality, user experience, and value for your money. Join us as we dive into our top picks to help you find the ideal electronic chess set to suit your needs and preferences.
Best Electronic Chess Sets
In this article, we present a comprehensive list of the top electronic chess sets available on the market, carefully selected for diverse preferences and skill levels.
DGT Centaur – New Revolutionary Chess Computer
The DGT Centaur is an excellent choice for chess enthusiasts looking for an adaptable and engaging electronic chess set experience.
Pros
- Adjusts to player’s skill level
- Impressive design with weighted pieces and on-board lighting
- Provides educational and enjoyable gameplay
Cons
- May not be suitable for younger children
- Some customers reportedmissing accessories in the package
- Difficulty setting might still be challenging for absolute beginners
The DGT Centaur electronic chess set offers a unique and immersive chess experience, adjusting to your level of play as you improve your skills. The impressive design features weighted pieces and on-board lighting, giving you a fully contained and tactical game experience that keeps you engaged for hours.
One of the standout features of the Centaur is its adaptability to each player’s skill level. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chess player, the Centaur adjusts its playing strength to provide a challenging and educational experience. This is particularly helpful for those looking to improve their gameplay through practice and analysis.
The e-Paper display is a valuable addition, offering information on previous moves, hints, scores, and more at any angle in various lighting conditions. Although the display is small, it is clear and easy to read. Moreover, the Centaur’s compatibility with Stockfish offers potential for advanced players to connect the set to computers or online chess portals.
Please note that the DGT Centaur is designed primarily for ages 12 and up. Younger children might find it difficult to handle the exposed components underneath the board. Therefore, parents should consider this factor before purchasing.
Overall, the DGT Centaur electronic chess set is a great investment for those interested in enhancing their chess gameplay. The adaptability to each player’s skill level, along with the engaging design and e-Paper display, make this a worthwhile addition to any chess enthusiast’s collection.
Square Off Grand Kingdom Set
Square Off Grand Kingdom Set is the ideal electronic chess set for players seeking an interactive and smart gaming experience.
Pros
- Interactive, automated chess experience
- Engaging online play against global opponents
- In-built rechargeable battery for 30 games per charge
Cons
- Expensive compared to traditional chess sets
- Some users experienced mechanical issues
- Chess pieces could be higher quality
I recently tried out the Square Off Grand Kingdom Set, and it indeed lived up to its reputation as the world’s smartest electronic chess board. The experience of watching the pieces move on their own during online matches was remarkable. The wooden chess set has a handcrafted and sleek design, making it not only fun to play with but also a great addition to any room.
Playing against opponents globally on Square Off’s app provided a challenging and engaging experience. As someone who enjoys playing chess, it helped me improve my skills by instantly analyzing my matches. The feature to challenge millions of players across various skill levels ensures that there is always an opportunity for growth.
However, it’s essential to be aware that the Square Off Grand Set does come with a higher price tag compared to many traditional chess sets. Some customers experienced mechanical issues such as loud motors and malfunctions with the automated pieces. Additionally, the chess pieces’ quality could have been better for the price point.
In conclusion, the Square Off Grand Kingdom Set is an excellent and interactive choice for avid chess players who are willing to invest in an electronic set. With its automation features and app integration for online matches, it provides an exciting chess experience that constantly challenges and improves your skills.
Femuey Electronic Chess Set
The Femuey Electronic Chess Set is a solid option for beginners and kids looking to improve their chess skills, with its talking voice system and range of skill levels.
Pros
- Fun levels designed for beginners
- Offers teaching voice system and 100 preset exercises
- Compact and foldable for easy storage and transport
Cons
- Board and pieces maybe too small for some users
- Not suitable for advanced players
- Voice announcements can be unhelpful at times
The Femuey Electronic Chess Set provides a fun and educational experience for those who are new to chess or want to practice and improve their skills. The electronic board game offers 16 chess modes and 30 skill levels to choose from, making it adaptable to the user’s level of expertise. Moreover, with 100 preset chess exercises, players can work on various aspects of their gameplay and gain confidence.
One of the standout features of this electronic chess set is the talking voice system. Serving as a chess tutor, the voice system warns players when a threat is posed to their pieces and announces legal moves. This built-in tutorial can be highly beneficial for children learning to play chess as it guides them through the game seamlessly.
However, the compact and foldable design of the chess set might not be ideal for everyone. Users keen on playing with larger or more traditional sized chess pieces may find the set’s miniaturized pieces a drawback. Additionally, while this set is great for beginners, it may not cater to the needs of more advanced players.
In conclusion, the Femuey Electronic Chess Set is an engaging and fun way for beginners, especially children, to learn and develop their chess skills. The board is easy to store and transport, and the talking voice system helps guide players in making smart moves. While it may not be the perfect fit for advanced players or those seeking a larger board, it’s a solid choice for those starting their chess journey.
Chessnut Air Electronic Chess Set
A must-have for chess enthusiasts with advanced features, adaptive AI, and elegant design.
Pros
- Full piece recognition and compatibility with third-party software
- Globally connected gameplay with millions of players
- Adaptive AI with 20 levels of intensity for training
Cons
- App connectivity issues on some devices
- Lack of a carrying case
- Might require some time to set up and explore features
The Chessnut Air Electronic Chess Set is an innovative and beautifully designed chess board, perfect for both beginners and seasoned players. Its handcrafted wooden design and embedded LED lights create an elegant playing experience, while the inclusion of extra queens ensures you’re always ready for any situation on the board.
What sets this chess set apart from others is the advanced AI technology, which automatically adjusts to your skill level. With 20 different levels of intensity, you can always find a challenging opponent, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. The Chessnut Air Electronic Chess Set is also compatible with numerous third-party software, allowing you to analyze your games and improve your skills further.
Playing online has never been easier, as this high-tech chess set allows you to connect with millions of players from all around the world, using popular platforms like Chess.com and Lichess. You can also participate in weekly puzzles, leagues, and revisit past games, to keep your mind sharp and up-to-date on the latest tactics and strategies.
While the Chessnut Air Electronic Chess Set offers a fantastic playing experience, it does have a few drawbacks. Some users have reported connectivity issues with the app on certain devices, making it difficult to enjoy the full range of features. Additionally, the package does not include a carrying case, which can make it challenging to transport or store the set safely. Finally, setting up and getting familiar with all of the advanced features might take some initial effort, but it’s well worth it once you’ve explored its capabilities.
In conclusion, the Chessnut Air Electronic Chess Set is a fantastic investment for any chess enthusiast looking to improve their skills and enjoy an engaging and sophisticated playing experience. Despite a few minor drawbacks, this chess set delivers exceptional value and will surely impress both new and seasoned players alike.
Millennium Supreme Tournament 55 Electronic Chess Board Set
An ideal choice for chess enthusiasts seeking a high-quality electronic board with advanced features and excellent aesthetics.
Pros
- Luxury electronic chess board with tournament size
- Immersive experience with integrated LED lights
- Lightning-fast RFID piece recognition
Cons
- Requires separate purchase of Millennium module
- ChessLink for online play not included
- Some durability concerns
The Millennium Supreme Tournament 55 Electronic Chess Board Set offers the ultimate chess experience for passionate players. With its tournament size and immersive experience, this electronic chess board allows you to focus entirely on the game.
The integrated LED lights, adjustable in brightness, add to the atmosphere and deepen the immersion for players. Additionally, the lightning-fast RFID piece recognition ensures smooth and accurate moves, making setup and play a breeze.
However, it’s worth noting that the Millennium Supreme Tournament 55 Electronic Chess Board Set requires an additional purchase of a Millennium module to function fully. The ChessLink module for online play is also not included, which could be seen as a drawback for those who want to play against opponents around the world.
Some users have reported durability concerns. Keep in mind that customer service might be needed for warranty claims or support. Nonetheless, the Millennium Supreme Tournament 55 Electronic Chess Board Set remains a luxurious and high-quality option for chess enthusiasts to enjoy immersive gameplay.
Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
When choosing the best electronic chess set, consider the design and build quality. Look for a set made with durable materials such as wood or high-quality plastic to ensure it will last for years. The pieces should be well-crafted and weighted, so they stay in place on the board.
Electronic Features
Consider the electronic features of the chess set. Some sets come with pre-loaded chess engines, which can help you improve your skills by providing tailored challenges. Additionally, look for sets that have teaching and training modes, as well as adjustable difficulty levels to cater to varying skill levels.
Portability
If you plan to travel with your electronic chess set, prioritize portability. Look for sets with a compact design and foldable boards that can easily fit into a bag or suitcase. Lightweight sets are preferable for easy transportation.
Battery Life
Long battery life is an essential feature, as you don’t want your electronic chess set to die in the middle of a game. Consider sets with long-lasting battery life, or those that offer the option to plug into an electrical outlet to ensure uninterrupted gameplay.
Display and Sound
An easy-to-read display and clear sound are critical for an enjoyable gaming experience. Look for sets with bright and sharp displays, making it easy to distinguish between pieces and read game statistics. Adjustable sound settings, such as volume control and the option to turn off audio, are also worth considering.
Compatibility
For those planning to use their electronic chess set with other devices, such as computers or smartphones, make sure the set is compatible. Some sets can be connected via Bluetooth or USB, allowing players to access online resources, download more advanced chess engines, or compete against players worldwide.
Price
Lastly, factor in your budget when selecting the best electronic chess set. There is a wide range of prices available, so consider your desired features and the overall value of the set when making a decision.