Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess stands as one of the world's most cherished board games, captivating players with its blend of art, science, and sport. The surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only underscores its timeless appeal. Chess is accessible yet profoundly deep, offering endless strategic challenges that keep players engaged and improving throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many choose to keep a chess set at home, not only for occasional play but also as an elegant centerpiece that invites one to engage with the game.

However, selecting the right chess set involves more than just picking one off the shelf. While affordable options are plentiful in toy stores, they often lack the durability and satisfaction of higher-quality sets. A quality chess set, whether made from plastic or wood, should have weighted pieces for a better playing experience. Opting for a triple-rated set ensures the right balance. Additionally, choosing colors that offer good contrast, such as green and white instead of traditional black and white, enhances visibility on the board.

No matter your budget or preference in material and theme, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets currently available to suit your needs.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

The term "basic" doesn't have to mean low quality. If you're seeking a straightforward yet reliable chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. This classic set is commonly found in schools and chess clubs, offering a familiar and comfortable playing experience. The addition of weights enhances stability and playability, while the roll-up vinyl board's green and white squares provide better contrast with the pieces. According to the manufacturer, it's the most popular plastic chess set globally.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets, steeped in tradition, come in various styles. For a simple yet effective set, look for weighted pieces with good board contrast. For those seeking the ultimate in wooden chess sets, luxury options abound. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia stands out, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik and beloved by champions like Bobby Fischer. While you'll need to wait until 2025 for this masterpiece, Royal Chess Mall offers an accessible alternative: the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, crafted from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces for an authentic feel, and slightly heavier bases for enhanced play.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass chess sets may seem fragile, but their elegant appearance and affordability make them a popular choice. The clear and frosted distinction adds a modern touch, and when handled with care, they offer a delightful playing experience. The Gamie set stands out with larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to protect surfaces, and a storage box, making it a worthy display piece as well as a functional set.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama marble chess set epitomizes luxury, though the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available for U.S. shoppers. Marble's rich colors and veining, while beautiful, can sometimes blend with the board, reducing visibility. However, the set's craftsmanship and quality justify the investment for serious players.

Best Option for Those in the U.K.:

For those outside the U.S., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design that enhances playability while maintaining a luxurious aesthetic. U.K. residents can find it here:

### 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-themed chess sets offer a unique twist, though some may not fully capture the essence of Lego or chess. The Lego Traditional Chess Set, however, stands out by combining the classic chess experience with the joy of building, making it a fun choice for the whole family. It's the only Lego chess set currently in production.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

Harry Potter fans might envision sets featuring beloved characters, but these can be costly and confusing in play. Instead, the wizard chess set inspired by the film version offers iconic designs that are easy to recognize and play with. This durable plastic set adds a magical touch to your game without breaking the bank, making it a fantastic gift for Potter enthusiasts 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's no official holochess set from the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed sets focusing on the saga's beloved characters. The Star Wars Saga Edition centers on the original trilogy, featuring detailed sculpts of iconic figures like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Though currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Though not explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's works, chess fits well within the world of Middle-earth. This set, inspired by the medieval Lewis chessmen, features cold-cast sculpts with an antique wash, depicting iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a perfect gift for fans of both chess and Lord of the Rings.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For a premium option, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item that commands a hefty price of nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets vary widely, but the ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a premium experience. Its standard format is compact and easy to carry, with a pouch for quick storage. The magnetized board and pieces ensure they stay 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, the MegaChess Large Chess Set provides a practical giant chess experience. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's easy to store and perfect for both indoor and outdoor play.

How to Play Chess

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 elements include:

• Setting up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Learning special rules
• Knowing how to win
• Grasping basic strategies

Practice is key to mastering the game.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To prepare for play, position the board so a white square is at the bottom right. Place pawns on the second row of each side, followed by rooks in the corners, knights next to rooks, bishops next to knights, and finally, the queen on her color and the king beside her. Now you're ready to play!

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