Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess stands as one of the world's most beloved board games, and for compelling reasons. It transcends mere competition, embodying an art, a science, and a sport that encourages continuous learning. The surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years back only underscored its enduring appeal. Chess captivates because it's easy to learn yet offers infinite strategic depth, allowing players to hone their skills over a lifetime. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, even if they play sporadically or not at all. A well-crafted set not only serves as a striking centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also subtly invites players to engage with the game.

However, selecting a quality chess set involves more consideration than one might expect. While budget options are readily available at toy stores, they may lack the satisfaction and durability of higher-end sets. A good set of chess pieces should have a certain heft, achieved through weighted plastic or wood pieces, ideally a triple-rated set. Additionally, choosing colors that contrast well with the board is crucial, as traditional black and white pieces can sometimes blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, our curated list of the best chess sets currently available caters to all needs.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess 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 stands out. Ideal for those who wish to invest in a set that promises longevity, this classic plastic set is commonly found in schools and chess clubs nationwide. The added weights enhance stability and comfort during play, while the roll-up vinyl board offers portability and ease of storage. Opting for green and white squares instead of black and white improves visibility, making it reportedly the world's most popular plastic chess set, according to its manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood, the traditional material for chess sets, offers a vast selection. For those desiring a straightforward set, weighted pieces with good board contrast are essential. For the ultimate wooden chess experience, luxury brands present exquisite options. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad pieces, is hailed by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." This set, beloved by chess legends like Bobby Fischer, combines a modern touch with classic styling. Although you'll need to wait until 2025 for this set, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers similar craftsmanship with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, slightly heavier for enhanced play.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass, though fragile, is a popular choice for its stunning aesthetic appeal and affordability. The clear and frosted designs enhance the visual experience, and careful handling ensures a delightful playing experience. The Gamie set stands out with its larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to prevent damage, and a storage box, making it an excellent choice for both play and display.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama marble set epitomizes luxury, though the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available for U.S. shoppers. Marble's allure lies in its rich colors and veining, but these can sometimes distract from gameplay due to insufficient color contrast. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set, with its well-contrasted colors and thick veins, offers a warm yet distinguishable playing experience.

### Italfama Marble Chess Set

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

Best Lego Chess Set

### LEGO Traditional Chess Set

1See it at LEGO

Themed Lego chess sets can sometimes feel like a compromise, lacking the full Lego building experience or traditional chess aesthetics. However, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out by offering the joy of construction alongside the classic chess gameplay, making it the only non-retired LEGO chess set.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

While Harry Potter-themed sets featuring characters can be pricey and confusing, the wizard chess set inspired by the film's iconic game offers a more recognizable and cost-effective option. This durable plastic set captures the essence of the movie's dramatic chess scene, making it an excellent gift for fans in 2025.

Best Star Wars Chess Sets

### Best Star Wars Chess Set

6See it

### Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set

1$59.99 See it

While there are no official rules for holochess from the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy various themed sets. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the beloved original trilogy characters, offering high-quality sculpts. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars chess set inspired by Star Wars film and TV releases remains a solid and more affordable choice.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Despite chess not being directly mentioned in Tolkien's works, its presence in Middle-earth is confirmed. This set, crafted by a renowned British artisan, features cold-cast pieces with an antique wash, depicting iconic characters from the story. Officially licensed by the Tolkien estate, it's an ideal gift for fans of the series and chess enthusiasts alike.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those seeking a collector's item, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth offers an epic The Lord of the Rings chess set at a premium price of nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets vary widely, but flat, folding sets may lack the tactile satisfaction of playing. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set, a standard-format set in a smaller size, comes with a pouch for easy storage and strong magnets to keep pieces in place during travel.

Best Giant Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor or indoor giant chess play, the MegaChess set from Amazon is practical and easy to store. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's perfect for casual yard games or indoor play.

How to Play Chess

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

For beginners or those looking to master chess, Chess.com offers a comprehensive seven-step guide, including a video breakdown. Key aspects include setting up the board, understanding piece movements, special rules, winning conditions, and basic strategies. Mastery comes with practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To prepare for a game, orient the board with a white square in the bottom right corner. Place pawns on the second row, then position rooks in the corners, knights next to rooks, bishops next to knights, leaving the two middle squares for the queen (on her color) and king.

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Best Classic Board GamesBest War Games and Strategy GamesBest Family Board Games ...and find board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!