Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess stands as one of the most cherished board games worldwide, and it's easy to see why. Beyond merely winning, chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. Its popularity surged following the release of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, yet chess continues to captivate players both during and beyond these trends. The game's appeal lies in its simple rules juxtaposed with the profound strategic depth that keeps players engaged and improving throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many choose to keep a chess set at home, not just for occasional play but also as an elegant centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table, inviting players to dive into the challenge whenever they please.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking the first option you see in a toy store. While budget options are readily available, they often lack the durability and playability of higher-quality sets. For a satisfying experience, a chess set should have weighted pieces, which are typically found in better-quality plastic and wood sets (aim for a triple-rated set). The choice of colors is also crucial for ensuring good contrast; surprisingly, simple black and white pieces can blend into the board, making it hard to distinguish them.

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious set, our curated selection of the best chess sets caters to every preference and budget.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

When opting for a basic set, you don't have to compromise on quality. The Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice for those seeking simplicity without sacrificing durability. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, so investing in a set that feels substantial can enhance your experience. This set, often seen in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and smooth play. The roll-up vinyl board adds portability and convenience, while the green and white squares offer better visual contrast than traditional black and white, making it the world's most popular plastic chess set, according to the manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets epitomize tradition, offering a wide range of options. For a simple yet effective set, look for weighted pieces and a board with good contrast. For those seeking the pinnacle of wooden chess sets, luxury brands offer exquisite craftsmanship. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, is hailed by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." While you'll need to wait until 2025 for this masterpiece, a more accessible alternative is available.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

For an iconic wooden set with craftsmanship akin to the Dubrovnik II, consider the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall. Made of light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, this set retains the authentic feel of the original while adding a modern touch with slightly increased weights for a more satisfying play experience.

Best Glass Chess Set

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

While glass may seem an unconventional choice due to its fragility, glass chess sets are admired for their stunning aesthetic appeal and affordability. The clear and frosted distinction used in these sets adds a clean, modern look that captures light beautifully. The Gamie set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added touches like felt feet and a storage box, making it not only a joy to play with but also a striking display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama Marble Chess Set is a luxurious choice for those with a higher budget. Although the ideal black and pink color palette isn't available for U.S. shoppers at the moment, the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble sets are prized for their luxurious feel and look, but they require careful handling due to their fragility. The rich colors and veining of marble can sometimes blend the pieces into the board, which can be a challenge.

For those in the U.K., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a solution with its well-contrasted colors and thick veins, maintaining both visual appeal and playability.

### 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

Lego chess sets offer a fun, family-friendly option, though some may not fully satisfy as either a Lego build or a chess set. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out by offering the classic chess pieces built from Lego bricks, providing both the joy of construction and the pleasure of play. It's the only current LEGO chess set still in production.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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Harry Potter fans might envision sets with characters from the books and films, but these can be costly and confusing. A more practical choice is the wizard chess set inspired by the game played by Harry and Ron, which resembles traditional chessmen but with a distinctive, iconic design from the films. This durable plastic set is both affordable and visually appealing, making it a great addition to any fan's collection 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 Star Wars universe, fans can enjoy themed chess sets featuring characters from the saga. 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.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Though chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's works, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. The allure of a Lord of the Rings chess set lies in its connection to medieval themes, like the Lewis chessmen. This set, crafted by a renowned British artisan, features iconic characters such as Aragorn and Galadriel opposing Sauron and Shelob, and has been officially approved by the Tolkien estate. It's a perfect gift for fans of both the series and the game.

For a higher-end option, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item priced at nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

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Travel chess sets come in various forms, but flat sets can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a more premium experience with its standard-format, smaller-sized pieces and a magnetized board for secure play on the go. It comes with a convenient pouch for easy storage and transport.

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

Under $50 Under $40 Under $30

Best Giant Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall 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

If you're new to chess or looking to refine your skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including video tutorials. Key points 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.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To set up your chess board:

1. Place a white square in the bottom right corner.
2. Arrange pawns on the second row of each side.
3. Place rooks in the corners behind the pawns.
4. Position knights next to the rooks.
5. Place bishops next to the knights.
6. The queen goes on the square matching her color.
7. The king goes on the remaining square next to the queen.

Now you're ready to play!

For more gaming options, explore 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!