What gift should I give to a blind or visually impaired person who loves chess?
To give a gift to a blind or visually impaired person who loves chess, the right choice depends on what they perceive: a tactile chessboard with raised pegs for a blind person, a large, highly contrasting wooden chessboard for a visually impaired person, or a clock readable by touch or ear for competition. Always ask what they already own.
Three questions to ask before buying
- What can the person see? Total blindness, light perception, blurred central vision, a narrowed visual field: their needs are not the same.
- What do they already have? A chessboard, a clock, software: it is better to complement than to duplicate.
- Where will they play? At home, at a club, in tournaments: FIDE rules accept only certain equipment for competitions.
Ideas by situation
| Profile | Idea | To check |
|---|---|---|
| Blind player | Tactile chessboard with pegs; clock readable by touch or talking | Square relief, marking of black pieces, tournament compatibility |
| Visually impaired player | Large wooden chessboard, tall pieces, good contrast | King height, true colours, matt board |
| Elderly visually impaired person | Large-format game, simple to handle | Weight of the pieces, lighting |
| Curious beginner | Audiobook about chess, access to Lichess in non-visual mode | Screen reader used |
A large chessboard for low vision
For a person who still has some sight, a beautiful wooden chessboard with wide squares remains a lasting gift. Browse the wooden chessboards with large squares at Le Palais des Échecs, comparing piece height and wood contrast. These sets are suitable for all players: Le Palais does not sell raised-relief or Braille equipment.
A clock to complement
If the person plays at a club, a suitable clock is a useful gift. Le Palais offers standard chess clocks; for a clock readable by touch, see the page talking chess clock.
Whatever the budget
Rather than comparing prices, look for the method for choosing a gift for a chess player, which also applies here: the player's level, their use, the quality of materials. Then adapt it to the person's visual needs.
Where to find out about specialist equipment
The Association Valentin Haüy (founded in 1889, recognised as being of public utility in 1891) offers services around specialist equipment. AccessiJeux, a association under the 1901 law, adapts board games with raised stickers and Braille labels, and runs an online shop. The Braille Chess Association, in the United Kingdom, serves visually impaired chess players. This guide is independent of these organisations and receives no commission from them.
Don't forget the essentials
The finest gift is also a game: offer to play together, call out the moves, be patient. To better understand the person, browse the guide's home page and the page AMD and seniors.
Frequently asked questions
What gift should I give to a blind person?
A game that can be read by touch or by ear: tactile chessboard, cards marked in Braille, talking game, audiobook. Check that it is compatible with what the person already uses (Braille display, screen reader).
What gift for a visually impaired person?
A large-format game with strong contrast: wooden chessboard with large squares, large-print cards, adjustable lamp, magnifier. Avoid pieces that are too small and glossy boards.
How do I choose a gift for an elderly visually impaired person?
Favour simplicity: a familiar game, in large format, with excellent contrast and easy handling. An overly complex gift risks ending up gathering dust in the cupboard.