Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess is one of the most popular board games in the world, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. The surge in interest following the success of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago has only reinforced its timeless appeal. The game's accessibility, combined with its profound strategic depth, means you can spend a lifetime honing your skills. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, whether they play frequently or just appreciate it as a decorative piece. A well-crafted set can serve as an elegant centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting you to engage with this classic game.

However, selecting a good chess set involves more than you might expect. While you can easily find inexpensive options at any toy store, these might not offer the satisfaction or durability you seek. A quality set of chess pieces should have a certain heft to them, which is why better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights (a triple-rated set is ideal). The color choices are also crucial for ensuring good contrast—surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets available right now.

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 we talk about a basic chess set, it doesn't have to mean low quality. If you're looking for a simple yet reliable set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Chess is a game you can dedicate your life to, so investing a little more for a set that feels substantial is worthwhile. This classic set, often found in schools and chess clubs, features added weights for stability and comfort during play. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares provide better visual contrast with the pieces, enhancing gameplay. It's no wonder the manufacturer claims it's the most popular plastic chess set worldwide.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and a board with good contrast. But if you're after the pinnacle of wooden chess sets, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia is hailed by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this design became a classic, beloved by champions like Bobby Fischer. While the original set won't be available until 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall offers the same craftsmanship and quality. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, made of light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, maintains the iconic style with a modern touch of increased 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 chess sets might seem an unusual choice due to their fragility, but they offer a stunning aesthetic without breaking the bank. The interplay of light on glass pieces is captivating, and the clear and frosted finishes create a modern, clean look. The Gamie set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added features like felt feet to protect surfaces and a storage box. It's such a beautiful display piece that you might not even need to pack it away.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

#### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama marble chess set is a top-of-the-line choice for those seeking luxury. Although the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S., this set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's rich colors and veining can be distracting on a chessboard, blending the pieces into the background. However, for U.K. buyers, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a solution with well-contrasted colors and thick veins, enhancing both the visual appeal 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 can feel like a compromise between building fun and chess play, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out. It's a standard set of pieces built from Lego, offering a unique and beloved aesthetic. The joy of assembly combines with the pleasure of playing, making it the only current LEGO chess set still in production.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

When envisioning a Harry Potter chess set, you might picture pieces resembling characters from the books and films. While such sets exist, they can be costly and confusing in terms of piece identification. A more practical choice is a set inspired by the wizard chess from the series, similar to standard chessmen but with the distinctive, iconic design from the films. This durable plastic set offers an affordable way to enjoy the game and relive the movie's thrilling moments, making it a perfect gift for any Harry 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 are no official rules for holochess from the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy a variety of themed chess sets. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the beloved original trilogy, featuring high-quality sculpts of characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, a more affordable option based on Star Wars film and TV releases remains a solid choice for fans.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Though chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien’s books, its presence in Middle-earth is implied, perhaps reflecting the game's ancient origins and the culture of the Rohirrim. The HOYLE'S OF OXFORD set features sculpts by a renowned British craftsman, inspired by the medieval Lewis chessmen. Each side represents iconic characters from the story, with Aragorn and Galadriel facing off against Sauron and Shelob. Approved by the Tolkien estate, this set is a perfect gift for fans of both Lord of the Rings and chess.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those seeking a more premium option, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is an epic The Lord of the Rings chess set that comes with a price tag of nearly $500, making it a collector's item as much as a functional chess set.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

#### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets come in many forms, but flat sets can be less satisfying to play with and harder to read strategically. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a more luxurious option. It's a standard-format set in a smaller size, complete with a pouch for easy packing. The strong magnetization ensures pieces stay in place, making it ideal for on-the-go play.

For alternative travel chess options around the same price, see:

Under $50 Under $40 Under $30

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

#### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

If you're looking to play giant chess outdoors, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's manageable in size and easy to store. It's perfect for casual outdoor play or indoor games.

How to Play Chess

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

For beginners or those looking to master chess, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including a video breakdown. Key points include:

• How to set up the chess board (see below)
• What the pieces are, and how to move them
• What the special rules are
• How to win
• Basic strategies

Practice is essential to improve your game.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before you can enjoy your new chess set, you need to know how to arrange the pieces.

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

• First, orient the board so there’s a white square on the bottom right.
• Place a line of pawns on the second row of squares on each side.
• Rooks go in each corner behind the pawns.
• Knights go on the open squares next to each rook.
• Bishops go on the open squares next to each knight.
• The queen goes on the space matching her color.
• The king goes on the remaining space next to the queen.

Now you and your guests are ready to play chess!

For more games to consider adding to your collection, check out our picks for:

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