Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is a timeless board game that captivates players worldwide, and for compelling reasons. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only reinforced its enduring appeal. Chess is easy to learn yet offers a profound depth of strategy that keeps players engaged and improving throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many people cherish having a chess set at home, even if they play sporadically or not at all. A well-crafted set can serve as an elegant centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting you to engage in the game.

However, selecting a quality chess set involves more than a casual purchase. While you can find inexpensive sets at any toy store, they often lack the durability and satisfaction of higher-quality options. A superior set of chess pieces requires a certain weight for optimal play, which is why better-quality plastic and wood pieces are often weighted (ideally, you want a triple-rated set). Additionally, choosing colors with good contrast is essential; plain black and white pieces can be difficult to distinguish on a similarly colored board.

Whether you're on a tight budget or seeking a luxurious themed set, our curated selection of the best chess sets caters to all preferences and budgets.

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 simple yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Chess is a game you can devote a lifetime to, so investing in a durable set makes sense. This classic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and a smooth, comfortable feel. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, with its green and white squares, enhances visibility during play, making this set not only functional but also the manufacturer's claim to fame as the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wood remains the quintessential material for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward yet quality set, look for weighted pieces with good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden chess experience, luxury brands stand out, with the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia leading the pack. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set is celebrated for its timeless design, cherished by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the Dubrovnik II set won't be available until 2025, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall offers a similarly crafted alternative in light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, with added weight for a satisfying feel.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itFor those desiring a luxurious wooden chess set in the iconic Dubrovnik style, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall is an accessible and affordable option. This set maintains the authentic feel with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, with a modern touch of increased base weight for enhanced play.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass may not be the first choice for a chess set due to its fragility, but its stunning appearance and modern aesthetic make it a popular choice. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out for its larger-than-standard pieces and thoughtful design, including felt feet to protect surfaces and a storage box. Its clear and frosted distinction enhances the visual appeal, making it an elegant display piece as well as a pleasure to play on.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itThe Italfama Marble Chess Set is a top-tier choice for those seeking luxury. While the preferred black and pink color palette is currently unavailable in the U.S., the set's elegance and quality make it a worthwhile investment. Marble's rich colors and veining can sometimes distract from gameplay, but the set's craftsmanship and visual appeal are undeniable.

Best Option for Those in the U.K.:

If you're located in the U.K., consider the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set, which offers a warm look with enough contrast for easy play.

### Italfama Marble Chess Set

1Free Standard UK Delivery on all orders over £50See itBest Lego Chess Set

Fun for the Whole Family

### LEGO Traditional Chess Set

1See it at LEGOThemed Lego chess sets may not always capture the full Lego experience, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out. This set allows you to build and play with standard chess pieces made from Lego, offering a unique yet familiar gaming experience. It's the only Lego chess set currently in production, making it a great choice for Lego enthusiasts and chess players alike.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itFor Harry Potter fans, a themed chess set can be a magical addition to their collection. While sets featuring characters can be pricey and confusing, the wizard chess set inspired by the film's iconic game offers a more recognizable and budget-friendly option. This durable plastic set captures the essence of the movie's chess scene, making it a delightful gift for Potter fans 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 enjoy themed chess sets that celebrate various aspects of the franchise. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring 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 with high-quality sculpts.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itFor fans of The Lord of the Rings, a themed chess set can be a delightful addition. The set by Hoyle's of Oxford, featuring cold-cast sculpts with an antique finish, showcases iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. Approved by the Tolkien estate, this set is a perfect gift for fans of the series and chess enthusiasts alike.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those looking for a premium option, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth offers a collector's item at a higher price point of nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itWhen it comes to travel chess sets, the ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set stands out for its practicality and elegance. This standard-format set is compact and comes with a pouch for easy storage. The strong magnets ensure the pieces stay in place, making it ideal for on-the-go play.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonFor those who enjoy playing chess outdoors, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's suitable for both casual yard games and indoor play, easy to store when not in use.

How to Play Chess

For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including video tutorials. Key points to learn include:

• How to set up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Special rules
• How to win
• Basic strategies

Mastery comes with practice, so keep playing to improve.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

To start playing with your new set, you need to correctly arrange the pieces:

1. Orient the board with a white square on the bottom right. 2. Place a line of pawns on the second row of each side. 3. Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights. 4. Place 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 and your guests are ready to enjoy the game of chess.

For more gaming inspiration, explore our selections of:

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