Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess is one of the most beloved board games worldwide, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. Even after the surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, chess continues to captivate players both in and out of these trends. The game's appeal lies in its accessibility—simple to learn yet offering deep strategic complexity that allows for lifelong improvement. It's no surprise that many people keep a chess set at home, even if they only play occasionally or not at all. A quality set not only serves as a beautiful centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also acts as a subtle invitation to engage with the game.

Choosing a good chess set, however, involves more consideration than you might expect. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, they might not offer the satisfaction or durability of higher-quality sets. A well-crafted set of chess pieces should have a certain weight to enhance playability, with better-quality plastic and wood pieces often featuring added weights (aiming for a triple-rated set is ideal). The colors of the pieces and board should be chosen with care to ensure good contrast; surprisingly, plain black and white can become indistinguishable on a black-and-white board.

No matter your budget or the material and theme you prefer, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets available today.

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 it comes to basic sets, "cheap and cheerful" doesn't have to mean low quality. If you're after a simple yet reliable set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a solid choice. Chess is a game you can dedicate a lifetime to, so investing a bit more for quality is worthwhile. This classic plastic set, commonly seen in schools and chess clubs, is enhanced with weights for stability and smooth play. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board is perfect for travel and storage, and its green and white squares provide excellent contrast, making it reportedly the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets are traditional and plentiful. For a straightforward yet quality set, look for weighted pieces with good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden set, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia is touted by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set has been a favorite among champions, including Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II won't be available until 2025, a comparable set from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers similar craftsmanship. Made from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, it maintains the iconic style with a slightly increased weight for enhanced play.

#### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

#### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass might not be the first choice for durability, but its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Glass sets look stunning and are surprisingly affordable. The clear and frosted distinctions enhance the modern look, and with care, they offer a delightful playing experience. Our top pick from Gamie stands out with larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to prevent damage, and a storage box. Its elegance makes it an attractive display piece, reducing the need for storage.

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 luxurious investment, though the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S. Marble's rich colors and veining add luxury, but also present challenges. It's more fragile than it looks, and the veining can sometimes distract from gameplay by blending the pieces with the board. For U.K. buyers, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a solution with well-contrasted colors and thick veins, balancing aesthetics with 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

Lego-themed chess sets can feel like a compromise, often using minifigs and lacking the classic Lego appeal. For a true Lego experience, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set is the best choice. It offers the fun of building and the unique look of Lego pieces, making it the only non-retired LEGO chess set available.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

While Harry Potter-themed sets featuring characters from the series exist, they can be pricey and confusing. The wizard chess set, inspired by the game in the first story, offers a more recognizable and iconic design. This durable plastic set captures the film's aesthetic without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for fans and a great gift 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

Although there's no official holochess set from the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy various themed sets. The Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. While currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains a cost-effective alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Though not directly mentioned in Tolkien’s works, chess exists in Middle-earth, echoing the culture of the Anglo-Saxons. Themed sets inspired by the medieval Lewis chessmen offer a unique allure. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, officially approved by the Tolkien estate. It's a perfect gift for fans of both chess and the series. If sold out, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, an authentic collector's item at around $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

#### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets vary widely, but flat sets can be less satisfying and harder to strategize with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard-format board in a smaller size, complete with a pouch for easy storage. Its strong magnets keep pieces 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 Amazon

For outdoor chess, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is practical and fun. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's easy to store and suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.

How to Play Chess

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

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 setting up the board, understanding piece movements, special rules, winning strategies, and the importance of practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before diving into your new chess set, learn how to arrange the pieces:

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

• Orient the board so a white square is in the bottom right corner.
• Place a row of pawns on the second row for both sides.
• Position rooks in the corners, knights next to the rooks, bishops next to the knights, leaving two spaces between them.
• Place the queen on the square matching her color, with the king next to her.

With your board set up, you're ready to enjoy the game of chess!

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!