Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is not just a game; it's an art, a science, and a sport that captivates millions worldwide. Its enduring appeal was highlighted by the surge in interest following Netflix's hit series, The Queen’s Gambit. Chess offers a perfect blend of accessibility and complexity, making it a beloved pastime for all skill levels. The game's depth ensures a lifetime of learning and improvement, and many enjoy having a chess set at home as both a decorative piece and a constant invitation to play.

Choosing the right chess set, however, requires more consideration than one might think. While you can find inexpensive sets in most toy stores, they often lack the durability and quality needed for a satisfying experience. High-quality sets, whether made of plastic or wood, often include weighted pieces for better stability and playability. Opting for a triple-rated set is ideal, and selecting colors with good contrast enhances visibility and enjoyment.

Our curated list of the best chess sets caters to various budgets, materials, and themes, ensuring you find the perfect set for your needs.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukFor those seeking a reliable, basic chess set without compromising on quality, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Chess is a game that can engage you for a lifetime, so investing in a solid set is worthwhile. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and comfort. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, with its green and white squares, provides superior contrast, making it easier to distinguish the pieces during play. It's no surprise that this set is considered the most popular plastic chess set globally.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets are a timeless choice, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good contrast with the board. For the ultimate wooden chess experience, consider luxury brands like the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set is celebrated for its classic design, beloved by chess champions like Bobby Fischer. The modernized Dubrovnik II set maintains its iconic styling but won't be available until 2025. However, an affordable and accessible alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers the same craftsmanship with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces for an authentic feel.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass chess sets, while delicate, add a touch of elegance and modernity to any space. Their ability to capture and reflect light makes them a popular choice. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces and thoughtful design details like felt feet and a storage box. It's not only a pleasure to play on but also a striking display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itMarble chess sets exude luxury but require careful handling due to their fragility. The rich colors and veining of marble can sometimes make pieces blend into the board. The Italfama Marble Chess Set, while currently unavailable in the ideal black and pink color palette for U.S. shoppers, remains a top choice for its quality and appeal. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers excellent contrast and visual distinction, enhancing the playing experience.

### 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 LEGOThe LEGO Traditional Chess Set offers a unique twist on the classic game, combining the joy of building with the strategic challenge of chess. Unlike other themed Lego sets, this one retains the standard chess piece design, providing a familiar yet distinctive experience. It's the only LEGO chess set still available and not retired.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter fans can enjoy the magic of wizard chess, inspired by the iconic game from the series. This set features durable plastic pieces designed to resemble the film's distinctive and iconic chessmen, making it both affordable and visually appealing. It's an excellent 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 itStar Wars fans can immerse themselves in the galaxy far, far away with themed chess sets. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring detailed sculpts of beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a more affordable alternative that still captures the essence of the franchise.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itLord of the Rings enthusiasts can appreciate this chess set crafted by a renowned British craftsman, featuring iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. The set's cold-cast finish and antique wash enhance its detailed design, making it a perfect gift for fans of both the series and the game. If this set is sold out, consider The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item priced at nearly $500.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets need to balance portability with playability. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a compact, standard-format set with strong magnets to keep pieces in place. The included pouch allows for easy packing, making it an ideal choice for chess on the go.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonFor outdoor chess enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is perfect for backyard games. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's practical for storage and suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.

How to Play Chess

For those new to chess or looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive seven-step guide, complete with video tutorials. Key points include:

• How to set up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Learning special rules
• Strategies for winning
• The importance of practice

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before diving into a game, ensure the board is set up correctly:

1. Position the board so that a white square is in the bottom right corner. 2. Place pawns on the second row of both sides. 3. Arrange rooks in the corners, followed by knights next to them. 4. Place bishops next to knights. 5. Position the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.

With your board set up, you're ready to enjoy the strategic depths of chess.

For more gaming options, explore our recommendations for:

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