Best Chess Sets 2021: Top 14 Reviewed in 2025
Find the best chess sets 2021 offers, with unique designs and materials to enhance your strategic battles.
Welcome to our top list of the best chess sets 2021 inspired board games! We focus on games that balance strategy and fun, making sure each one brings a unique twist to the classic game of chess. Whether you’re looking for something fast-paced, a game with a bit of luck, or a deep strategic puzzle, we’ve found something exciting for everyone. Our list is perfect for both casual players and those who want a brain-boggling challenge. Grab your friends, settle in, and let’s find your next favorite game!
On this list:
14 Onitama
Onitama stands out as a simple yet strategic chess-like game. The unique movement cards add a twist to regular chess, making it fresh and engaging. The board is smaller, which makes games quicker and full of tension. Our game nights often switch between laughter and silence as friends concentrate on planning their next move. This one is also great for new players who might find classic chess daunting.
13 The Duke
The Duke is like chess on a trampoline. The pieces flip after each move! This unique mechanic keeps everyone guessing and adjusting strategies on the fly. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a surprise element while still requiring deep thought. We love it because every game feels different – sometimes our strategies even work! The Duke can keep both chess lovers and newbies entertained with its unpredictable nature.
12 PÜNCT
PÜNCT is part of the GIPF project, but it stands alone as a fantastic abstract strategy game. This one makes you think about connections and positions in a way unlike chess. It’s the mental workout we all love to hate. But trust us, once you find the PÜNCT, you’re hooked. Great for two players who enjoy plotting long-term tactics.
11 Hive
Imagine chess meets a bug’s life; that’s Hive! No board required; create it as you play. The beauty lies in its simplicity, yet it’s challenging to master, much like chess. It’s the perfect game for coffee shop outings or casual evenings. Our group quickly fell in love with trying to trap the Queen Bee, often resulting in gleeful shouts and some friendly gloating.
10 Santorini
Santorini brings the gods to a beautiful 3D island. Each player has workers building towers to reach the top first. It’s visually stunning and tricky, but in a good way! We find ourselves trying to outsmart each other while gazing at the board’s beauty – who knew overthrowing gods could look so good?
9 YINSH
YINSH is another GIPF project gem with simplicity masking a deep strategy. Rings and markers dance across the board, sparking many ‘aha!’ moments as we try to outmaneuver each other. It’s a great way to challenge the mind without the intimidation of chess. YINSH keeps tensions high as the board fills up.
8 Kamisado
Kamisado is an abstract strategy game that’s similar to chess. The goal is to reach your opponent’s starting line. Each piece can move in a straight line, and its movement is determined by the color of the square it lands on. It’s a great choice if you like strategic games with a simple twist.
7 Tak
Inspired by a fantasy novel, Tak is simple yet elegant. It’s like a dance on a grid, where subtlety wins. The rules are easy, making it accessible to everyone, yet achieving victory is a whole other story. Our friendly rivalries have grown fierce over Tak sessions. It’s a modern classic in the making.
6 Battle Sheep
Who knew sheep could be so strategic? Battle Sheep is playful yet skill-demanding. You’ll split your flock and occupy as much pasture as possible. Kids and adults alike find it delightful, often leading to a chaotic race to claim territory. We always end up with more laughs than wool left on the board!
5 Blokus
Blokus offers a colorful take on tactical gameplay. Each player places pieces on a grid, aiming to block opponents. It’s fast, fun, and frenzied. Trying to predict moves keeps us all on the edge of our seats. A family favorite, Blokus is easy to learn but delightfully challenging to master.
4 Hey, That’s My Fish!
Fish and icebergs might not scream chess, but this game has all the strategic depth. Collect fish, avoid isolation, and solve the puzzle of travels. It’s a short game with big fun, always a hit in our group. Who knew fishing could be so cerebral!
3 Azul
Azul is a work of art that demands precision. You’ll draft tiles and create patterns — it’s more than just a pretty face. Our competitive sides come out as we struggle to complete our palace walls while sabotaging others. Azul is all about beauty and brains.
2 Tsuro
Tsuro’s path-building mechanic is simple but enthralling. Players navigate paths on a board, avoiding collisions. It’s a great quick filler that often ends with bursts of laughter when paths inevitably cross. Our group loves to play it as a warm-up or a cool-down from more intense games.
1 Chess
Chess takes the top spot for its timeless appeal and brain-teasing complexity. Whether we’re learning new openings or crafting clever traps, every match is a fresh challenge. We love the social aspect; chess connects generations and skill levels. It is the classic benchmark for strategic board games. You feel like a genius when a plan works!
