What Types of Chess Equipment Can You Buy at US Chess Sales?

Updated

US Chess Sales (uscfsales.com) is the official chess shop of the US Chess Federation, and it sells across the full range of chess equipment: pieces, boards, sets, clocks, software, bags, boxes, and chess computers. The right category depends on what you're outfitting — a tournament player needs a clock and a roll-up or weighted set, a collector needs a fitted wooden box, and a student needs software. Prices on the site range from about $5.95 for a drawstring bag to $583.95 for a premium software package.

The Main Product Categories

The homepage organizes shopping into eight featured categories. Each serves a distinct purpose:

Category What it covers Typical buyer
Chess Pieces Standalone sets of pieces, including the Zagreb '59 Series (3.875" king, $259.00) Players replacing or upgrading pieces
Chess Boards Boards sold separately from pieces Players matching a board to existing pieces
Chess Sets Complete pieces-and-board combinations, such as The Green Magnetic Chess Set ($69.95) Beginners and gift buyers
Chess Clocks Digital and analog clocks, such as the DGT North American Digital Chess Clock ($59.95) Tournament and club players
Chess Software Downloadable training and analysis packages, including ChessBase '26 tiers and Komodo Dragon 3.2 ($109.95) Players studying at home
Chess Bags Carrying bags, from a $5.95 drawstring bag to a $49.95 board carrying bag Players transporting equipment
Chess Boxes Wooden storage boxes, including fitted coffers and slide-top styles Collectors and owners of fine wooden pieces
Chess Computers Standalone playing computers, such as The Millennium King Competition Chess Computer ($449.95) Players wanting an opponent without a screen

How the Categories Differ in Use

The categories are not interchangeable, and the distinctions matter when choosing:

  • Sets vs. pieces and boards separately. A set is the simplest entry point — one purchase, everything included. Buying pieces and a board separately lets you match a specific piece style to a board size, which matters if you already own one half of the pair.
  • Clocks are a competition requirement. If you plan to play rated or club games, a digital clock like the DGT North American is the practical purchase; casual home play rarely needs one.
  • Software is download-only in the listings shown. The ChessBase '26 packages and Komodo Dragon 3.2 are marked "DOWNLOAD," so there is no physical shipment for those items.
  • Boxes are storage, not playing surfaces. The chess box category covers wooden boxes for storing pieces — fitted coffers, slide-top boxes, and premium styles — not boards.
  • Chess computers are self-contained opponents. They differ from software in that they are physical units you play against directly, without a computer or app.

Price Points and Trending Items

The "Now Trending" section gives a useful snapshot of what other shoppers are buying and at what price:

  • The Zagreb '59 Series Chess Pieces — $259.00
  • The Green Magnetic Chess Set — $69.95
  • US Chess Women Deluxe Chess Bag — $24.95
  • DGT North American Digital Chess Clock — $59.95
  • The Millennium King Competition Chess Computer — $449.95
  • Chess 2027 Day-to-Day Calendar — $17.95
  • Karsten Muller – Endgame Training — $27.95
  • ChessBase '26 Mega Package (download) — $408.95

Software is tiered by package: Starter at $291.95, Mega at $408.95, and Premium at $583.95. Chess boxes span a wide range, from the Frank Camaratta Signature Black Slide Top at $89.95 to the Signature Premium Macassar Ebony at $395.00 and the fitted Bird's Eye Maple coffer at $359.95.

How to Choose Based on Your Need

Use these decision rules to narrow the catalog:

  1. Playing in tournaments or at a club? Start with a digital clock and a set with a standard-size king (the Zagreb '59 uses a 3.875" king). Add a carrying bag if you transport equipment regularly.
  2. Buying a first set for home? A complete set such as the magnetic set at $69.95 covers pieces and board in one purchase; add a bag only if it will travel.
  3. Studying seriously? Choose software by tier — Starter if you're beginning structured analysis, Mega or Premium if you want larger databases and engines. Komodo Dragon 3.2 at $109.95 is a standalone engine option.
  4. Storing fine wooden pieces? Match the box style to the pieces: fitted coffers hold specific set dimensions, while slide-top boxes are more general. Premium woods like Macassar ebony and Bird's Eye Maple sit at the top of the price range.
  5. Want to play without a screen? A chess computer is the category to browse; the Millennium King Competition is the example listed at $449.95.

Practical Notes Before Ordering

  • Several items are flagged Free Worldwide Shipping on the homepage, including the Zagreb '59 pieces, the magnetic set, the fitted coffer box, the Camaratta slide-top box, and the mahogany premium box. Check the individual product page to confirm the flag applies to your item.
  • The site states it accepts purchase orders, which is relevant for schools and clubs buying in bulk.
  • Some products are listed as "View details" and others as "Add to cart," so availability and options may vary by item — confirm on the product page before checkout.
  • All purchases are described as benefiting the United States Chess Federation, which is the shop's stated purpose as the official US Chess retailer.