Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is one of the most popular board games globally, 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 with the surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago, chess remains a timeless favorite, both in and out of fleeting trends. Why? The game is easy enough to learn, yet offers such depth of strategy that players can continue to improve throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many people enjoy having a chess set at home, even if they play only occasionally or not at all. A well-crafted set serves as an elegant centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting players to engage in the game.

Choosing the right chess set, however, requires more consideration than one might think. While you can find inexpensive options at most toy stores, these may not be as satisfying or durable for regular play. A quality set of chess pieces should have added weight for stability and comfort, typically found in better-quality plastic and wooden sets (aim for a triple-rated set). Additionally, selecting colors with good contrast is crucial, as plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, our curated selection of the best chess sets available right now caters to all needs.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

When it comes to basic chess sets, you don't have to compromise on quality for simplicity. The Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice for those seeking an affordable yet durable option. This classic set, commonly seen in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and comfort, enhancing your playing experience. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, with its green and white squares, provides better visual contrast than traditional black and white, making gameplay smoother. It's no wonder this set is touted as the most popular plastic chess set worldwide by its manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood is the traditional choice for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For those seeking simplicity, look for sets with weighted pieces and good board contrast. However, if you're after the finest wooden chess set, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, is considered by its maker to be the "best chessmen ever." This set, beloved by chess champions like Bobby Fischer, offers a modern twist on the classic design. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until 2025 for this set, but an alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers similar craftsmanship and quality. Made from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, this set maintains the authenticity of the original while adding slightly more weight for a satisfying play experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass might not be the first material that comes to mind for chess sets due to its fragility, but it's popular for its stunning appearance and affordability. Glass sets beautifully capture light, and the common use of clear and frosted distinctions adds a modern touch. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out for its larger-than-standard pieces, elegant design, and thoughtful touches like felt feet to prevent damage and a storage box. It's not just a pleasure to play with; it's also a striking display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama Marble Chess Set is the epitome of luxury for those with a higher budget. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available for U.S. shoppers, this set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's rich colors and veining make it a luxurious choice, though it requires careful handling due to its fragility. The vibrant patterns can sometimes distract from gameplay, but the Italfama set in pink and black stone offers good contrast and warm aesthetics, making it ideal for play and display, especially for U.K. customers.

### 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

While there are several themed Lego chess sets, many don't capture the full Lego experience. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out as it combines the joy of building with the classic chess gameplay. Unlike other sets that use minifigs, this set features standard chess pieces made from Lego, offering a unique and beloved aesthetic. It's the only LEGO chess set currently available, making it a fun choice for the whole family.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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When envisioning a Harry Potter chess set, one might picture pieces resembling characters from the books and films. However, these sets can be costly and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess pieces inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. These pieces, similar to standard chessmen, are easier to recognize and feature the iconic design from the film. This durable plastic set offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy the magic of Harry Potter while playing chess, making it a perfect gift for fans 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 original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy various themed chess sets. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the beloved original trilogy, featuring iconic characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Made of high-quality hard plastic, these detailed sculpts are currently out of stock, but the more affordable Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains a solid choice, blending recent releases with classic characters.

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 books, its presence in Middle-earth is confirmed. Inspired by the medieval Lewis chessmen and Anglo-Saxon culture, the LOTR chess sets offer a unique appeal. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist, features cold-cast sculptures with an antique wash, depicting iconic characters like Aragorn, Galadriel, Sauron, and Shelob. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's an excellent gift for fans who appreciate both the series and chess. For those seeking a higher-end option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, priced at nearly $500, offers an authentic and epic representation of the series.

Best Travel Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

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Travel chess sets come in many forms, but flat pieces in a folding sleeve can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a more luxurious experience. This standard-format set, though smaller, is easy to carry and comes with a pouch for quick packing. Strongly magnetized pieces and board ensure they stay in place, even if knocked around, making it ideal for resuming play later.

Best Giant Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For those interested in giant chess, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's reasonably sized for outdoor or indoor play and easy to store. It's perfect for casual yard games or larger indoor spaces.

How to Play Chess

If you're new to chess or looking to master its rules, Chess.com provides a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including a video breakdown. 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

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To set up your chess board for play:

• Orient the board with a white square in the bottom right corner.
• Place a line of pawns on the second row of squares on both sides.
• Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights.
• Leave two empty squares behind the pawns, placing the queen on the square matching her color and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.

Now you and your guests are ready to enjoy a game of chess!

For more gaming options, explore our picks for:

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