How to Build and Play with the KiwiCo Chess Set
By Seriously fun hands-on learning for curious kids of all ages | KiwiCo | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to assemble the mechanical chessboard, organize pieces, and play your first game with the KiwiCo Build & Play Chess Set. Step-by-step guide for kids and families.
Quick answer
Assemble the mechanical chessboard, customize the wooden pieces, then use the illustrated book to play your first game. The hidden geared drawers keep everything organized.
What makes this chess set different
The KiwiCo Build & Play Chess Set is not just a game—it's a build project. You construct a mechanical board with swinging drawers, then carve and paint your own wooden pieces. This hands-on process teaches basic mechanics and woodcraft before you even start playing.
Who will enjoy this set most
Children ages 6–12 who love building and crafting will get the most out of this kit. Younger kids may need help with assembly, while older ones can work independently. If your child already knows chess, the build adds a fresh creative layer.
Step-by-step build and play guide
- 1. Assemble the mechanical board: Follow the instructions to snap together the wooden board frame and attach the geared drawer mechanism. Make sure the gears align so the drawers open smoothly. Check that the drawers swing freely before moving on.
- 2. Customize your chess pieces: Use the provided wooden blanks and paints to create your own set of pieces. You can follow the suggested designs or invent your own—just make sure each player can tell their pieces apart. Let the paint dry completely before handling to avoid smudges.
- 3. Learn the basics with the book: Open the “Ready, Set, Chess!” book and read the first few pages together. It covers piece movements, the goal of checkmate, and how to set up the board. Practice moving each piece a few times on the board before playing a real game.
- 4. Play your first game: Set up the pieces in their starting positions. Use the book’s guided first game to walk through moves step by step. Don’t worry about winning—focus on understanding how each piece moves. If you get stuck, re-read the move descriptions in the book rather than guessing.
- 5. Store and reuse: After playing, swing out the drawers, place each piece type in its own compartment, and close the board. The compact design stores easily on a shelf. Label the outside of the drawers with stickers or marker so you remember where each piece goes.
What you get in the box
- Build & Play Chess Set: Construct a mechanical chessboard with hidden drawers and advance your game! Built-in geared drawers swing out to store your customizable all-wood pieces. The geared mechanism makes storage fun and teaches how simple gears work, while the drawers keep all pieces tidy.
Build & Play Chess Set - Build & Play Chess Set: Get your game on with an illustrated “Ready, Set, Chess!” book that guides players through a first game and beyond. The book explains chess rules and strategies in a kid-friendly way, so no prior chess knowledge is needed.
