Chess, Backgammon & Draughts

Most children take to chess from around age six or seven, when they can follow sequential rules and think a move ahead. Younger children often start with simpler board games first. A standard Staunton chess set is perfectly usable by a confident eight-year-old and will still serve them well at eighty, so buying a proper set early is never wasted.

Draughts is one of the most accessible strategy games available. Children from around five years old can grasp the basic rules, and the game scales well as they grow because the tactics deepen considerably with experience. It is a genuinely good first strategy game before moving on to chess, and adults enjoy it just as much.

Wooden sets feel substantial in the hand, which matters more than it sounds: players handle pieces constantly, and weight and texture affect enjoyment. Solid wood and weighted pieces also hold their position better mid-game. Beyond feel, a well-made wooden set does not crack, yellow or warp the way plastic does, so it remains presentable for generations rather than years.

Match the king height to your board square size. The king should ideally be roughly 78 percent of the square width. A 3.75 inch king suits a board with squares around 2 inches across, which is standard tournament size and comfortable for home use. Smaller travel sets are fine for occasional games but less satisfying for serious play or display.

Keep wooden sets away from direct heat sources and prolonged sunlight, both of which can dry out and crack the wood over time. Wipe boards and pieces with a dry or very lightly damp cloth. Occasional treatment with a small amount of beeswax or furniture polish keeps the wood nourished. Store pieces in their box or bag to prevent chips and scratches.

Both make genuinely lasting gifts because they are used rather than displayed, and they suit a wide age range. A wooden set signals that you have bought something considered rather than convenient. For children, chess or draughts from around age seven onwards is a gift that grows with them. For adults, backgammon is particularly well received because many people played it earlier in life and welcome a reason to return to it.

Staunton refers to the design standard agreed in 1849, which gave each piece a distinct, recognisable silhouette. Jaques of London produced the original Staunton sets, and Howard Staunton, the leading player of the day, endorsed them. All serious competitive chess uses Staunton-pattern pieces. Non-Staunton sets can be decorative but are often harder to play with because pieces look similar and cause confusion mid-game.