Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is one of the world's most beloved board games, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that you can spend a lifetime learning and mastering. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only reaffirmed its timeless appeal. Chess captivates players because its rules are easy to learn, yet it offers profound strategic depth that keeps enthusiasts engaged and improving over time. Many enjoy having a chess set at home, not just for regular play, but also as a striking centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting them to engage in a game.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking one off the shelf. While you can find affordable sets at any toy store, they may not provide the satisfaction or durability you're looking for. Quality sets, whether made of plastic or wood, often have added weights to enhance the feel and stability during play, with triple-rated sets being ideal. Also, consider the color contrast; black and white pieces can sometimes blend into the board, so selecting a set with good contrast, such as green and white, can enhance visibility and gameplay.

No matter your budget or preferred material, 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

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" might suffice, but for a set that lasts and feels substantial, investing a bit more is worthwhile. Chess is a game you can dedicate a lifetime to, so why not start with a reliable set? The Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a classic choice, commonly found in schools and chess clubs. The added weights enhance stability and comfort during play, while the roll-up vinyl board's green and white squares offer better contrast than traditional black and white, making it a favorite for its practicality and playability.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood is the quintessential material for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For those seeking a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. However, if you're after the crème de la crème of wooden sets, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad, is a masterpiece loved by champions like Bobby Fischer. While you might have to wait until 2025 for this set, Royal Chess Mall offers an accessible alternative with the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set. Made from light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, it retains the iconic style with added modern weighting for a satisfying gameplay experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass may not be the first choice for durability, but its elegance and affordability make it a popular choice. Glass sets capture light beautifully, with clear and frosted pieces offering a modern look. The Gamie set stands out with larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to protect surfaces, and a storage box, making it a stylish display piece and a joy to play with.

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 top-tier choice for those seeking luxury. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available for U.S. shoppers, the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's rich colors and veining add to its allure, but also present challenges. The material can be fragile, and its vibrant patterns might distract from gameplay. However, for U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted option that combines elegance 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

Themed Lego chess sets can feel like a compromise, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out. It retains the classic chess piece design while being built from Lego, offering a unique and enjoyable building and playing experience. This set is the only non-retired Lego chess set currently available.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

Harry Potter fans might imagine chess sets with characters from the books and films, but such sets can be costly and confusing. The wizard chess set, inspired by the game played by Harry and Ron in the series, offers a more recognizable and affordable option. This durable plastic set, designed after the iconic film version, adds a magical touch to your gameplay without breaking the bank, making it a great gift for Potter enthusiasts 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

While there's no official holochess set from the Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets featuring characters from the saga. 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 chess set inspired by Star Wars film and TV releases remains a great, more affordable option.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien’s works, but its presence in Middle-earth is implied. The allure of a Lord of the Rings chess set lies in its connection to the medieval Lewis chessmen, inspiring sets like this one crafted by a renowned British artisan. Featuring iconic characters from the story, this set has been officially approved by the Tolkien estate, making it a perfect gift for fans of both the series and chess.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those looking for a more luxurious option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is an epic The Lord of the Rings chess set that comes with a higher price tag of nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets vary widely, but for a satisfying and practical option, the ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set stands out. This standard-format set is smaller for portability, yet the 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 those interested in giant chess for outdoor play, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's easy to store and suitable for both casual outdoor games and indoor play.

How to Play Chess

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

For beginners or those looking to master chess, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide divided into seven steps, including video tutorials. Key elements to learn include:

How to set up the chess board
The pieces and their movements
Special rules
How to win
Basic strategies

Practice is essential to improve your skills.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

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

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

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

Now, you and your guests are ready to play chess!

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