If you’ve been playing chess for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered whether upgrading to a premium set is actually worth it. Maybe you’ve been making do with a plastic tournament set or a travel board that folds in half. It gets the job done, sure, but it doesn’t exactly inspire awe every time you sit down to play.
That’s where something like the World Chess Premium Set comes into play. This isn’t your average chess set. It’s the official design used in World Chess Championship matches. Bryce, who recently reviewed it, has handled dozens of boards in his time as a chess coach, content creator, and lifelong player, and even he was impressed when this set arrived.
You’ll notice it right away. The unboxing experience sets the tone. Each piece is individually wrapped, snug in its own compartment, and packed with obvious care. You don’t just rip it open. You take your time. The feel of the wood, the subtle scent of polish, the layout of the box. It all lets you know this isn’t just a set. It’s an experience.
What makes it unique is the design by Daniel Weil. It’s a modern twist on the Staunton style, keeping all the classical elements while sharpening the look for a cleaner, more elegant presence on the board. There’s no flashiness, no distractions, just smooth precision that makes every move feel deliberate. The same style has been used by players like Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi at the highest levels of competition. That’s not just a fun fact. It makes you feel a little closer to the game at its peak.
The king stands at 3.75 inches, triple weighted and well balanced. When you move it, there’s a satisfying thud. Every piece is weighted and felted. The knights, especially, show the craftsmanship with their deep carving and serious expressions. You won’t find cartoonish horses or uneven details here. Everything looks and feels like it was made for players who care.
And then there’s the board. You’re working with a 50-centimeter wooden board made from ebony and maple. The squares measure five centimeters, giving each piece enough space to breathe. It’s not cramped, but it’s not oversized either. It’s functional, simple, and professional. The World Chess hexagon logo in the corner is subtle enough to keep things classy while still giving a nod to the set’s championship heritage.
So how does it play? In short, beautifully. Whether you’re studying openings, playing a long classical game, or blitzing with a friend, the set delivers. The pieces stay upright even when the clock’s ticking down and your hands are flying. They glide smoothly but stay in place when needed. Everything about the design encourages focused, intentional chess. Nothing feels clunky or rushed.
Now here’s the honest part... this set isn’t cheap. It’s around $700. That’s not pocket change. But if you’re serious about chess, it starts to make sense. This isn’t your first chess set. It’s the one you graduate to. The one you use when you’ve studied enough games, played in enough tournaments, and built a life around the sixty-four squares.
Bryce made a point of saying that this is the kind of set that becomes part of your daily rhythm. You don’t just pull it out for special occasions. You play on it. You study on it. You film content with it, or you teach others using it. It’s professional in both form and function. If you spend hours each week working on your game, this board is going to feel like home.
There’s also a subtle confidence that comes from playing on the same design used in the championship cycle. It gives the game weight. You sit up straighter. You calculate more carefully. You stop playing silly moves “just to see what happens” because the set demands respect. And when you do find that brilliant combination or finally grind out a long endgame, it just feels better when it happens on a board like this.
That said, it isn’t perfect. Bryce mentioned that some buyers online have reported minor flaws, slight carving inconsistencies, small finish issues, or dents during shipping. His set arrived in excellent condition, but with handcrafted pieces, a few imperfections might sneak through. Thankfully, World Chess has a responsive customer service, so if anything goes wrong, you’re not on your own.
The big question is whether this set is right for you. If you’re brand new to chess or still figuring out how en passant works, this probably isn’t your first purchase. There are plenty of great wooden sets under $150 that will serve you well which have been reviewed on the Chess-U-See YouTube channel. But if chess has become a long-term part of your life, if you study tactics at night, watch tournament coverage on weekends, and talk about games like they’re art, then yes, this might be the perfect next step.
It’s not just a display piece, either. It’s functional. You can use it at home, bring it to your club, or set it up during lessons if you’re teaching others. And yes, it looks great in a video or a livestream. Bryce uses it all the time for his YouTube content, and it adds that layer of professionalism that sets the tone before a single word is spoken.
If you’ve been eyeing it, there’s a way to save a bit on the price. Bryce has a 10 percent discount through his affiliate link. Just use the code chessusee10 at checkout or follow this link: https://bit.ly/wc-premium. It’s a nice bonus, and it helps support his channel and reviews.
At the end of the day, the World Chess Premium Set isn’t trying to be flashy. It’s not a collector’s novelty. It’s a serious set for serious players. The kind of board that feels right at home in a deep think tank session or a friendly but competitive game over coffee. It reminds you why you fell in love with chess in the first place.
And if you ever blunder a piece or fall into a trap, at least you’ll look good doing it. That alone might be worth the price.
BUY THIS CHESS SET
World Chess Championship Premium Set
🛒 World Chess Shop
Note: This article is based on personal experience and available information at the time of writing. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to the official World Chess website.