Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is one of the most beloved board games globally, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that invites continuous learning. The surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only reaffirmed its timeless appeal. Chess is accessible enough for beginners to grasp the basics quickly, yet its strategic depth is profound enough to challenge players for a lifetime. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, whether they play frequently or just appreciate it as a decorative centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table. The presence of a chess set often serves as a subtle invitation to engage in a game.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than you might expect. While you can find inexpensive options at toy stores, they may not offer the satisfaction or durability of higher-quality sets. A well-crafted set of chess pieces should have a substantial weight, often achieved by adding weights to better-quality plastic or wood pieces (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, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets currently available to help you find the perfect one.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

When we say "basic," we don't mean cheap or low quality. If you're looking for a simple yet reliable set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Chess is a game you can dedicate a lifetime to, so investing in a quality set is worthwhile. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and a smooth playing experience. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares provide better visual contrast than traditional black and white, enhancing gameplay. It's no wonder it's considered the world's most popular plastic chess set by its manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood is the classic material for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, is renowned for its quality and has been praised by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original set won't be available until 2025, a similar handcrafted set from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers the same iconic style with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, enhanced with slightly heavier bases for a more 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 choice for a chess set due to its fragility, but its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Glass sets are both affordable and visually striking, with clear and frosted pieces that catch the light beautifully. The Gamie set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added features like felt feet to protect surfaces and a storage box. It's an elegant display piece that you'll be proud to showcase.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

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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 in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's rich colors and veining add a luxurious feel, though they can sometimes distract from gameplay due to insufficient contrast. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design that enhances playability while maintaining its stunning appearance.

### 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 can be fun but often feel like a compromise between building and playing. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set, however, strikes the perfect balance. It's a standard set made entirely of Lego bricks, offering a unique and enjoyable building experience before you even start playing. This set is the only non-retired LEGO chess set currently available, making it a great choice for family fun.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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When envisioning a Harry Potter chess set, you might picture pieces resembling characters from the books and films. While such sets exist, they can be costly and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess set inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. This set features pieces similar to traditional chessmen but with the iconic design from the film. Made of durable plastic, it's both affordable and visually appealing, making it a great gift for Harry Potter 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 themed chess sets based on the franchise. 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 is a more affordable alternative, blending classic and newer characters for a comprehensive Star Wars experience.

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 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 artist, features cold-cast pieces with an antique wash, showcasing iconic characters such as Aragorn, Galadriel, Sauron, and Shelob. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a perfect gift for fans of the series who also enjoy chess. For those seeking a more expensive option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is a collector's item worth considering.

Best Travel Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

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 standard-format set in a smaller size, perfect for portability. It includes a handy pouch for quick storage and strong magnets to keep pieces in place, making it ideal for on-the-go gaming.

Best Giant Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor enthusiasts, giant chess sets are a fun option. The MegaChess Large Chess Set from Amazon is practical and easy to store, with 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat. It's perfect for casual outdoor play or indoor use, adding a unique touch to any gathering.

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 a video breakdown. Key points include:

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

Mastery comes with practice, so keep playing and learning.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

Before you can enjoy your new chess set, you need to know how to arrange the pieces:

Position the board so a white square is in the bottom right corner.
Place a line of pawns on the second row of squares on both sides.
Put rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to each rook.
Place bishops next to the knights, leaving two empty squares behind the pawns.
Position the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.

Now you're ready to play chess with your guests!

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