Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is a timeless board game that captivates players worldwide, and it's easy to see why. It's not just about winning; chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. The surge in interest following Netflix's The Queen's Gambit only underscores its enduring appeal. The game's simple rules belie its profound strategic depth, making it a lifelong pursuit for many. It's no surprise that chess sets are cherished home decor items, often displayed on sideboards or coffee tables, inviting players to engage in a game at any moment.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking one off the shelf. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, these may lack the satisfaction and durability of higher-quality sets. A good chess set should have weighted pieces, which you'll find in better-quality plastic and wood sets, ideally triple-rated. The contrast between piece colors is also crucial; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board, so choosing colors with good contrast is essential.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets available to help you find the perfect match.

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 you're looking for a basic yet quality chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set stands out. It's the kind of set you'd find in schools and chess clubs, offering a familiar and comfortable playing experience. The added weights enhance stability and feel, while the roll-up vinyl board with green and white squares provides excellent visual contrast, making it the world's most popular plastic chess set, according to the manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide range of options. For a classic wooden set, look for weighted pieces and good contrast. For a truly luxurious experience, consider the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad pieces and beloved by legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original set is slated for release in 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall offers the same craftsmanship and quality. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, crafted from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, provides an authentic and satisfying playing 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 chess sets, despite their fragility, are prized for their stunning appearance and affordability. The clear and frosted distinction between squares and pieces adds a modern touch, and the way they catch the light is truly enchanting. Our top pick from Gamie offers larger, well-designed pieces with felt feet to protect surfaces and a storage box for convenience. It's a beautiful display piece that's a joy to play on, provided you handle it with care.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

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The Italfama marble chess set is the epitome of luxury, though the ideal black and pink color combination isn't currently available in the U.S. Marble sets, while visually appealing, can be delicate and the veining may sometimes detract from gameplay. However, the U.K. version in pink and black avoids these issues, offering a warm yet distinct look that's perfect for play.

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 be hit or miss, but the Lego Traditional Chess Set stands out. It's the standard chess set built from Lego bricks, offering a unique and enjoyable building and playing experience. It's the only Lego chess set that remains in production, making it a great choice for Lego and chess enthusiasts alike.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

Harry Potter fans might envision sets with characters from the series, but these can be pricey and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess set inspired by the game from the first story. This durable plastic set captures the iconic film design, allowing you to relive the movie's finale with every game. It's a fantastic gift for any Potter fan 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, with detailed, high-quality plastic pieces. Though currently out of stock, the Star Wars chess set inspired by The Force Awakens is a more affordable and equally engaging alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set

3See it

While chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's books, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. This set, crafted by a British artisan, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, approved by the Tolkien estate. It's a perfect gift for fans of both the series and the game.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those looking for a collector's item, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is an epic choice, though it comes with a nearly $500 price tag.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets come in various forms, but a magnetic set like the ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers both practicality and enjoyment. Its standard format, albeit smaller, is easy to carry and store, with strong magnets ensuring the pieces stay in place during travel or when paused.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is ideal. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's a practical choice for both outdoor and indoor play, easy to store and set up.

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. Understanding the setup, piece movements, special rules, and basic strategies is crucial. Practice is key to mastery.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To set up your chess board:

1. Position the board with a white square in the bottom right corner.
2. Place a line of pawns on the second row from each side.
3. Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns.
4. Place knights next to the rooks.
5. Bishops go next to the knights.
6. The queen goes on the square matching her color, and the king goes next to her.

Now you're ready to enjoy the game with your new set.

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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!