Chess and Backgammon Set

Chess suits children from around age six upwards, once they can follow sequential rules and think a move or two ahead. Backgammon is well within reach from age seven or eight. Both games grow with the player, so a good wooden set bought for a child will still be on the table when they are thirty.

Wood feels substantial in the hand, stays flat on the table, and does not crack or warp the way cheap plastic does over years of use. Weighted wooden pieces sit where you place them and make a satisfying sound when moved. A well-made wooden set also looks at home on a bookshelf rather than shoved in a drawer.

Keep it away from direct radiators and prolonged sunlight, both of which can cause splitting or fading. Wipe the board with a barely damp cloth if needed, then dry it straight away. A very light application of beeswax polish once or twice a year keeps the wood looking good. Store pieces in their box or bag to avoid chips.

Board size matters most for comfortable play: pieces should have room to sit clearly in each square or point without crowding. Check that the king height is proportionate to the square size. For backgammon, look for smooth playing points and a sturdy hinge on folding boards. Weighted chess pieces and a roll-up or rigid board both signal a set made to last.

It is one of the most reliably used gifts you can give, because it suits families, couples, and single players equally. A wooden set from an established maker arrives looking like a considered present rather than an afterthought. It works for birthdays, Christmas, and milestone occasions, and because both games are timeless, it never dates.

Yes. Combined sets fold so that one side of the board is a chess and draughts grid and the other is a backgammon field, with all pieces stored inside. This makes them practical for households that want both games without using twice the shelf space. Jaques sets are designed so neither game feels like a compromise.

Look at the joinery on hinged boards, the weight of the pieces, and whether the maker names the wood used. Sets made from solid walnut, maple, or mahogany with brass hardware and hand-finished pieces are built to be handed down. Jaques of London has been making sets since 1795, and many customers return with sets bought by their grandparents.