Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess stands as one of the most beloved board games worldwide, and for compelling reasons. It transcends mere competition, embodying art, science, and sport, offering endless opportunities for learning and growth. The surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only reinforced its timeless appeal. Chess's allure lies in its accessible rules contrasted with the profound strategic depth that allows players to continually refine their skills throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many cherish having a chess set at home, even if it's used sporadically or just for decoration. A quality set can serve as an elegant centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting players to engage with the game.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than a simple purchase. While cheap options abound in toy stores, they often lack the durability and satisfaction of higher-quality sets. A premium set should feature weighted pieces, which enhance stability and comfort during play. Opting for a triple-rated set is ideal. Additionally, selecting colors with good contrast is crucial, as plain black and white pieces can be difficult to distinguish on a similarly colored board.

No matter your budget or preference for material and theme, our curated selection of the best chess sets caters to every taste and need.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

When seeking a basic yet quality chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set from the London Chess Centre is an excellent choice. Chess is a game that can captivate you for a lifetime, so investing in a set that's both durable and enjoyable to use is wise. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and a comfortable feel. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, with its green and white squares, provides excellent contrast, making it easy to distinguish the pieces during play. It's no wonder it's reputed to be the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

For those who appreciate tradition, wood remains the quintessential material for chess sets. If you're after a straightforward set, look for one with weighted pieces and a board offering good contrast. For the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, is a masterpiece celebrated by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original is slated for release in 2025, an equally impressive alternative is available now from Royal Chess Mall. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set features light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, maintaining the iconic style with enhanced weighting for a more satisfying play experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass may seem an unconventional choice for chess sets due to its fragility, yet its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Glass sets not only look stunning but also offer a modern, clean look with their clear and frosted distinctions. Our top pick, the Gamie Glass Chess Set, offers larger, well-designed pieces with added touches like felt feet for protection and a storage box. It's a beautiful display piece that's equally enjoyable to play with.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama Marble Chess Set epitomizes luxury for those willing to invest in a top-tier set. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available for U.S. shoppers, this set remains a worthwhile purchase. Marble's rich colors and veining can be distracting, but the right contrast can mitigate this. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a perfect balance of elegance and playability.

### Italfama Marble Chess Set

1Free Standard UK Delivery on all orders over £50See it

Best Lego Chess Set

Fun for the Whole Family

### LEGO Traditional Chess Set

1See it at LEGO

Themed Lego chess sets often miss the mark, but the Lego Traditional Chess Set stands out. It combines the joy of building with the classic game, offering a unique aesthetic that aligns with Lego's beloved style. It's the only Lego chess set currently available that isn't retired, making it a great choice for family fun.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

Harry Potter fans might envision sets with characters from the series, but these can be costly and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess pieces reminiscent of the game played by Harry and Ron in the first story. This durable plastic set captures the iconic film design, offering a budget-friendly way to bring the magic to your table. It's a perfect gift for any Potter enthusiast in 2025.

Best Star Wars Chess Sets

Top Pick: Star Wars Saga Edition

### Best Star Wars Chess Set

6See it### Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set

1$59.99 See it

While there's no official holochess set from the Star Wars universe, themed chess sets abound. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Though currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains a solid, more affordable option.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

### HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set

3See it

Chess, though not explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's works, is part of the Middle-earth culture. This set by a renowned British craftsman, with its cold-cast and antique-washed pieces, captures the essence of the story with iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's an ideal gift for fans of both the series and the game.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

If our top pick is unavailable, consider The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item with a price tag nearing $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets vary widely, but for a satisfying experience, the ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set is a premium choice. Its standard-sized yet compact design, complete with a pouch and strong magnets, ensures pieces stay in place, making it perfect for on-the-go play.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set from Amazon is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's an ideal size for both outdoor and indoor play, easily stored in a shed or garage.

How to Play Chess

Beth Harmon (Played by Anya Taylor-Joy) in The Queen's Gambit

For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, complete with a video breakdown. Key areas include:

• Setting up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Learning special rules
• Mastering basic strategies
• Practicing regularly

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To set up your chess board:

• Position the board with a white square in the bottom right corner.
• Place pawns on the second row of each side.
• Arrange rooks in the corners, knights next to them, bishops beside the knights, leaving two empty squares.
• Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king next to her.

With your board set, you're ready to dive into the world of chess!

For more gaming options, explore our selections of:

Best Classic Board GamesBest War Games and Strategy GamesBest Family Board Games ...and don't miss out on board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!