Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess is one of the most beloved board games globally, and for excellent reason. It's not just about winning; chess is an intricate blend of art, science, and sport that offers endless learning opportunities. The surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit has only reinforced its status as a timeless favorite. The game's appeal lies in its accessibility—easy to learn yet profoundly deep in strategy, ensuring a lifetime of growth and enjoyment. It's no surprise that many people cherish having a chess set at home, even if it's used sporadically or simply admired as decor. A quality set not only enhances a room's aesthetic but also serves as a gentle nudge to engage with this captivating game.

Selecting the right chess set, however, can be more complex than it seems. While inexpensive sets are readily available, they may not provide the best playing experience or durability. A superior set of chess pieces should have a certain heft, which is why better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights (aim for a triple-rated set). The choice of colors is also crucial; opting for pieces with good contrast, such as green and white, can enhance visibility on the board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we've curated a list of the finest chess sets currently on the market.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukBasic doesn't have to mean low quality. If you're seeking a simple yet reliable set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Designed for durability and comfort, this set is perfect for those who wish to invest in a game they can enjoy for a lifetime. Often seen in schools and chess clubs, this set features weighted pieces for stability and a roll-up vinyl board for portability. The green and white squares provide excellent contrast, making it one of the most popular plastic chess sets worldwide, according to the manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wood is the traditional choice for chess sets, offering a vast selection. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces with good board contrast. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of wooden chess sets, luxury options abound. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad, is hailed by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." Its design, beloved by chess legends like Bobby Fischer, offers a modern twist on a classic style. While the original set won't be available until 2025, a comparable alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, is readily accessible. Made from light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, it retains the iconic look with a touch of modern weighting for enhanced play.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itBest Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itWhile glass might seem an unconventional choice for chess due to its fragility, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Glass sets offer a modern look and beautifully capture light, making them a stylish addition to any home. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added features like felt feet and a storage box, making it a practical and elegant choice.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itMarble chess sets epitomize luxury, yet they require careful handling due to their delicate nature. The rich colors and veining of marble can sometimes blend with the board, making it challenging to distinguish pieces. The Italfama Marble Chess Set, despite not being available in the ideal black and pink color palette for U.S. shoppers, remains a worthwhile investment for its quality and elegance. For those in the U.K., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design, enhancing both playability and visual appeal.

### 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 LEGOThemed Lego chess sets can be hit or miss, often lacking the full Lego building experience or the traditional chess feel. However, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set strikes the perfect balance. It allows you to build and play with standard chess pieces made from Lego bricks, offering a unique and engaging experience that's currently the only non-retired LEGO chess set.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itFor Harry Potter enthusiasts, themed chess sets featuring characters can be enticing but often pricey and confusing. A more practical choice is a set inspired by the wizard chess from the series, reminiscent of the iconic game played by Harry and Ron. This durable plastic set captures the film's distinctive design, offering an affordable and recognizable option that's perfect for fans and a great addition to any Harry Potter-themed collection 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 various themed chess sets. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the beloved original trilogy, featuring iconic characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a more affordable and still impressive alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itAlthough chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's works, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. Sets inspired by the medieval Lewis chessmen offer a fitting homage to the series. The HOYLE'S OF OXFORD LOTR Chess Set, crafted by a renowned British artist and approved by the Tolkien estate, features iconic characters and a detailed, antique finish. For those seeking a higher-end option, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, priced at nearly $500, is a collector's dream.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets vary widely, but flat pieces often lack the satisfying feel of a standard set. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a compact, yet high-quality solution with a strong magnetic board and pieces, ensuring they stay in place during travel. It's perfect for on-the-go gaming and comes with a handy pouch for easy storage.

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 AmazonFor outdoor enthusiasts, giant chess sets provide a fun and engaging experience. The MegaChess Large Chess Set from Amazon strikes a balance between size and practicality, with 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat. It's ideal for casual yard games 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 with video explanations. Key aspects include:

• How to set up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Learning special rules
• Knowing how to win
• Basic strategies

Mastery comes with practice, so keep playing and learning.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before diving into your new chess set, you'll need to know how to arrange the pieces correctly.

Start by positioning the board so a white square is in the bottom right corner. Place a row of pawns on the second row for both sides. Rooks go in the corners, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops beside the knights. The queen goes on her color, and the king takes the remaining spot next to the queen. Now, you're all set to play!

For more gaming inspiration, 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!