The 10 Best Chess Accessories Every Player Needs

Beyond the board and pieces, a handful of well-chosen accessories can dramatically improve your chess experience. From keeping your games recorded to protecting your equipment during travel, the right gear saves time, money, and frustration. We've rounded up the ten best chess accessories every player should consider adding to their collection in 2026.

Already have the basics covered? Make sure you also check out our best chess clocks guide and our best chess bags and cases roundup for more essential gear.

Best Complete Starter Kit

If you're building a chess setup from scratch, the WE Games Deluxe Tournament Combo gives you the best head start. It bundles triple-weighted pieces, a regulation vinyl board, and a sturdy canvas carry bag at a price lower than buying each component separately. The only thing missing is a clock, which you can add from our clock guide. For club organizers buying multiple sets, this combo is an unbeatable value.

Best Scorekeeping Accessories

Recording your games is one of the fastest paths to improvement, and a quality scorebook makes it painless. The House of Staunton Deluxe Scorebook features 100 game pages with clearly printed algebraic notation grids on paper that resists pen smearing even during long games. The spiral binding lays flat on any surface, and the durable cover holds up to being tossed in a chess bag week after week.

For digitally-minded players, the ChessUp Stylus Pen Set connects with compatible electronic boards and analysis apps, letting you annotate positions and record notes directly in your digital chess library.

Best Storage and Protection

Your chess pieces deserve better than rattling around loose in a drawer. The Chess Armory Velvet Storage Bag is the simplest solution at under $10, offering a soft drawstring pouch that keeps pieces from scratching each other. Available in multiple colors, it's great for color-coding different sets.

For wooden or collector-grade pieces, the WE Games Natural Wood Storage Box provides individual felt-lined compartments that cradle each piece separately. The magnetic closure keeps everything secure, and the handsome wood construction looks good on a shelf. It's a worthwhile investment for anyone who owns pieces valued at over $50.

The Chronos Padded Neoprene Clock Case solves the common problem of chess clocks getting dinged in transit. It fits most standard tournament clocks and attaches to your chess bag with a convenient belt loop.

Best Board Accessory

The US Chess Federation Regulation Vinyl Board is the workhorse of American chess tournaments. At under $9, it's the most affordable way to get a proper 2.25-inch square board that rolls flat quickly and resists staining. Every tournament player should own at least one as a reliable backup.

Best Study and Training Tools

The Ultimate Chess Strategy Flash Cards offer 150 tactical puzzles on durable card stock, organized by difficulty. They're perfect for screen-free study during commutes or while waiting for tournament pairings. Each card presents a position on the front and the solution on the back, covering forks, pins, skewers, mating patterns, and endgame techniques.

For ongoing chess education and community connection, a Chess Life Magazine subscription keeps you current with tournament news, instructional articles, and game analysis from top players.

Best Electronic Board Accessories

If you own a DGT electronic board, the DGT Peg Wooden Pieces are an essential upgrade. These pieces feature precisely sized pegs that the board's sensors detect reliably, and the wooden construction feels far better than the basic plastic sets many boards ship with. They transform the electronic board experience from functional to genuinely enjoyable.

How to Choose Chess Accessories

Prioritize by playing style: Tournament players need a scorebook, regulation board, and quality carry bag first. Home players benefit most from piece storage and a good clock. Improvers should focus on training tools and study materials.

Buy quality storage early: Protecting your pieces and clock extends their life significantly. A $10 velvet bag or $30 wooden box can prevent hundreds of dollars in damage over time.

Consider bundles first: Combo kits like the WE Games set save money and ensure compatibility between components. Buy individual accessories to fill gaps after.

Think about transport: If you carry your set to clubs or tournaments, invest in a proper bag with compartments. Loose gear in a backpack leads to scratched boards, lost pieces, and damaged clocks.

Need a complete set to go with these accessories? Browse our best chess sets guide or our budget-focused best chess sets under $50 roundup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accessories do I need for my first chess tournament?

At minimum, bring a chess set (pieces and board), a clock, a scorebook with pen, and a bag to carry it all. Most tournaments require you to record your moves, and having your own clock ensures you're never waiting for equipment. A water bottle and snacks also help during long rounds.

Do I need a special board for tournament play?

Tournaments typically accept any board with 2.25-inch squares and appropriate coloring (light and dark squares without distracting patterns). A regulation vinyl board meets all requirements and costs under $10. Some events provide boards, but it's good practice to bring your own.

How should I organize my chess equipment at home?

Designate a shelf or cabinet for your chess gear. Store pieces in a velvet bag or wooden box to prevent damage. Keep your board rolled (not folded) to avoid permanent creases. Store your clock with batteries removed if you won't use it for extended periods.

Are chess training tools worth the investment?

Quality training tools like tactical flash cards and scorebooks that encourage game review are among the best investments for improvement. They complement online study and keep your chess thinking sharp even away from a screen.

Our Verdict

Start with the WE Games Tournament Combo if you need a complete kit, then add the House of Staunton Scorebook for game recording and a Chess Armory Velvet Bag for piece protection. These three accessories cover the essentials for any player. From there, add specialized items based on your playing style and needs.