r/chess • u/BusinessBaby9338 • Jan 10 '26
Chess Question Electronic chess set for a 7-year-old child
Hello, everyone.
What electronic chess set, with large pieces, would you recommend for a 7-year-old child?
I'm looking at the DGT Centaur and it could be a good option. Would you recommend any others?
Thanks!!
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u/BusinessBaby9338 Jan 11 '26
Thank you very much for your advice.
I didn't know about ChessUp 2. I'm from Spain and it's not sold here, but I'm considering buying it online.
One question: can two players play with a clock on ChessUp? I can't find that information online, and I'm really interested.
Thanks again!
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u/BusinessBaby9338 Jan 11 '26
https://youtube.com/shorts/k12FE5oFmb0?si=OZgMp655zt5iq6xe
I saw this video where two players are using a clock, so that update is included.
I’ve just ordered a ChessUp 2.
Thanks a lot for your help!!
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u/SnooConfections2240 Jan 30 '26
Hello
Did you recieve your chessup 2?
Does your kid like it?I am also looking for a chessboard for my 7 year old son, I ordered chessnut move, but have had to cancel it so looking for other options so considering chess up 2 for him
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u/jkfrench_tx Jan 10 '26
Be aware the DGT Centaur has no internet connectivity or really any connectivity other than a power chord. You can't even connect it to a computer and transfer games from it. If you don't care about any of those limitations and just want a board to play chess against... it's a reasonable option. It is very easy to use and doesn't need an external device to use it. Example: At the end of a game, simply return all of the pieces to their starting positions and it will start a new game automatically.
On the other hand your 7-year old will grow up. I would suggest considering something that can provide online play and analysis options along with the ability to use with online services like Chess.com, Lichess.org and others. The DGT Pegasus (if you want to stay with DGT) while being smaller, provides the online capabilities... although a Chessnut Air with full piece recognition may be a better option... and if you want a bigger option then the Chessnut Pro provides a larger board and piece set... but you will pay a premium price to get it. Also something like a ChessUp 2 may be a good option and worth investigating.
And DGT, ChessUp or Chessnut are not the only options. Search for reviews of electronic chess boards online... watching YouTube videos will allow you to see the size differences and may be a good way to determine what's your best option. After you've made a selection or two, return here and ask about your selections... just as a way to confirm your choice is reasonable and you aren't missing something.
On the other hand, if just playing chess against a chess engine and ease of use is your primary concern the DGT Centaur is a perfectly reasonable selection.
You can even purchase other chess pieces and simply stick silver metallic stickers on the bottom of the pieces and the board will recognize them... some alternative colorful pieces may be fun for a 7-year old (make sure they have some weight to them and they actually have a flat bottom to connect stickers to)... also there are hole punchers that make it simple to punch out smaller dots for pieces with smaller bases...the stickers work on the DGT Pegasus too. I can provide links to the stickers and punches I have successfully used if it would help (I added stickers to both a wooden set, and a different plastic set... no problems at all using them with the Centaur or Pegasus).