So as promised, here’s my collection. Firstly, a group shot!
Other angle:
I started learning chess fairly late (38 years old – earlier this year, to be exact). It all began with this set that my stepfather gave me. He bought it during a vacation when I was a kid, so it has more sentimental than practical value. Since it was lying around at home, I figured I might as well finally learn the rules. Little did I know how deep the obsession would go. Playing on it isn’t exactly pleasant – the board is cramped, the pieces aren’t weighted, and they tip over easily. But it’s what sparked my journey into chess. Here’s that very first set:
After learning the basics, I started playing online and with friends and quickly became hooked. I knew I needed something better, so my first proper setup was this DGT non-electronic plastic set with a green roll-up vinyl board. Weighted, comfortable, and the classic tournament look:
Later I found out my in-laws had a chess set they never used. After a little hesitation, they passed it on to me so I could play with my kids. It turned out to be a Minsk Olympic Set – a beautiful design, weighted, and it plays wonderfully. This is also where I fell in love with Soviet-era chess sets:
At this point I had two plastic sets and one wooden but unplayable set. I wanted a true Staunton. After some research, I picked up this weighted Reykjavik-style set with a DGT non-electronic board and the DGT 3000 clock:
Satisfied for a while, I didn’t buy much for a couple of months. Then I realized my kid would be starting school in September, and I’d be spending time traveling back and forth. That got me thinking about a good travel set. I wanted something magnetic, which led me to my current favorite – a leather board with magnetic wooden pieces. The pieces come in a small bag that fits neatly into another bag with the board. It now permanently lives in my backpack and goes everywhere with me. With my daughter we play on it almost every day. Bought it from an Italian shop – it’s very similar to the one sold at Chesshouse:
Not long after, I stumbled across this tiny antique set being sold by someone cleaning out their attic. I couldn’t resist, especially for the price. It’s almost unplayable because of its size, but I love it – and so do my kids:
By then, the collector bug had bitten me. I started monitoring local classifieds, always on the lookout for hidden treasures. That’s how I scored this 1980s Czech Club set. The more common version has plastic knights, but this one is the earlier wooden-knight edition. Got it for a great price, in pristine condition. I refelted the pieces, and now they play like a dream on my DGT board. The original vinyl roll-up board had been folded for 30+ years and was in rough shape, but I managed to flatten it enough to make it usable:
The next one is technically my daughter’s. We joined a chess club together, and I hope she’ll grow to love the game too. She now carries this little magnetic set in her backpack to play with her friends after school:
And finally, my most recent addition: another Czech Club set – this time in plastic. These are surprisingly rare; I’ve only seen one old listing where they sold for around $200. Back in early 1980s Czechoslovakia, they were a cheaper alternative to the wooden versions. The pieces are made from an old type of plastic, probably carbolite or bakelite. Unlike modern plastic sets, they don’t have visible seams – instead, they’re made from molded blocks glued together. They’re weighted too, though a few weights are loose and rattle a bit. It came with the original 42cm vinyl roll-up board. Unfortunately, two pieces broke during shipping, but a quick dab of glue fixed them instantly. No original box, though.
So that’s it – my collection so far. In the future, I’d love to track down more Soviet-era sets (especially Mordovian and Latvian designs). And maybe, one day, I’ll get my hands on an original Jaques. But for now, I’m happy – and focused on learning and playing more.
Looking forward to seeing your collections too!
Hey everyone,
I know there are quite a few of us here who collect chess sets, whether it’s vintage wood, plastic club sets, exotic themed sets, Staunton variations, or even handmade DIY boards and pieces.
I thought it would be fun to start a thread where collectors can share their entire collections in one place. Doesn’t matter if you have 3 sets or 300, if they’re luxury wood or humble plastic – if you love them, let’s see them!
👉 Post photos of your sets
👉 Share a little background (where you got them, what makes them special, any history behind them)
👉 Bonus points for group shots of all your sets together!
I’ll start by posting mine below, and I’d love to see what other collectors here have gathered over the years.
Who’s in?