Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess is one of the most popular board games worldwide, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers a lifetime of learning. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago highlighted its enduring appeal. Chess is easy to learn yet offers profound strategic depth, making it a game you can enjoy and improve at throughout your life. It's no surprise that many people choose to keep a chess set at home, whether they play regularly or simply appreciate its aesthetic appeal as a centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table.

Choosing the right chess set, however, requires more consideration than you might think. While you can find inexpensive sets at any toy store, they often lack the durability and satisfaction of higher-quality options. A good set should have weighted pieces for stability and comfort during play, ideally a triple-rated set. Color choice is also crucial; plain black and white pieces can blend into the board, so opting for contrasting colors enhances visibility.

No matter your budget or preferred material, we have curated a selection of the best chess sets available today to help you find the perfect match.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukWhen looking for a basic yet quality chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set stands out. It's the classic set you might have encountered in schools and chess clubs, designed with added weights for stability and smooth play. The set comes with a convenient roll-up vinyl board, perfect for travel and storage. The use of green and white squares instead of black and white provides better contrast, making it easier to distinguish pieces during play. It's no wonder it's touted as the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wood is the traditional material for chess sets, offering a wide range of choices. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces with good board contrast. For a luxury option, consider the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, hailed as the "best chessmen ever" by its maker. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set is cherished by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. Though the original set is slated for release in 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall provides the same craftsmanship with the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, featuring light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces for an authentic look, with slightly increased base weighting for a more satisfying play experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itBest Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass chess sets may seem fragile, but they are favored for their stunning appearance and modern aesthetic. The clear and frosted distinctions on squares and pieces create a clean, contemporary look. The Gamie set is our top pick, offering larger, well-designed pieces with added features like felt feet to prevent damage and a storage box, making it a beautiful display piece as well as a functional set.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itThe Italfama marble chess set is the epitome of luxury. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available for U.S. shoppers, the set remains a worthwhile investment for serious enthusiasts. Marble's rich colors and veining add to its appeal, though they can sometimes blend the pieces with the board. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers excellent contrast and visual distinction.

### 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 LEGOThe LEGO Traditional Chess Set is unique in its construction and play. Unlike other themed Lego sets, this one allows you to build and enjoy a standard chess set with the beloved Lego aesthetic. It's the only currently available LEGO chess set, offering a fun, family-friendly option.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter fans might envision sets featuring characters from the books and films, but these can be costly and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess set inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. This durable plastic set reflects the iconic film design, offering a cost-effective and recognizable option. It's a perfect 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 itWhile there are no official rules for holochess from the Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets. 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, blending classic and newer characters.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itChess is implied to exist in Middle-earth, reflecting its ancient origins. The LOTR chess set from Hoyle's of Oxford, featuring iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, has the official approval of the Tolkien estate. Its cold-cast sculpts and antique wash enhance its medieval appeal. For a higher-end option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth offers an authentic, though pricier, experience.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

In case the top pick is unavailable, The Noble Collection's set remains an excellent choice for LOTR fans and collectors, priced at nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets vary widely, but the ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set stands out for its practicality and quality. Its standard-format, magnetized pieces ensure they stay in place, and the included pouch makes for easy storage and transport. For alternative travel options, consider sets under $50, $40, or $30.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonFor those interested in giant chess, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's suitable for outdoor or indoor play and easy to store.

How to Play Chess

For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide to playing chess, broken down into seven steps, including a video tutorial. Key points to learn include:

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

Practice is essential to mastering the game.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before playing, you must correctly set up the board:

- Position the board with a white square in the bottom right corner.

• Place pawns on the second row of each side.
• Arrange rooks in the corners, knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights.
• Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.

With your board set, you're ready to enjoy the timeless game of chess.

For more gaming options and to enhance your collection, explore our selections of:

Best Classic Board Games, Best War Games and Strategy Games, Best Family Board Games, as well as board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!