Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is renowned as one of the most popular board games worldwide, and for compelling reasons. It's not just about winning; chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. Its surge in popularity was notably boosted by Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago, yet chess endures as a beloved pastime beyond these trends. Why? The rules are simple enough to learn, yet the game's strategic depth allows for lifelong improvement. No wonder many people treasure a chess set at home, even if they play only occasionally—or not at all. A quality set not only serves as an elegant centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also subtly encourages you to pick it up and play.

Choosing the right chess set involves more than just picking the cheapest option from a toy store. A satisfying and durable set requires pieces with adequate weight, often achieved by adding weights to higher-quality plastic or wood pieces (ideally, you want a triple-rated set). Additionally, selecting colors with good contrast is crucial—surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, our curated selection of the best chess sets will help you find the perfect match.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

"Basic" doesn't mean substandard. If you're after a simple yet quality set, this Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, so investing a bit more for a substantial set is worthwhile. Commonly seen in schools and chess clubs, this set's weighted pieces enhance stability and comfort during play. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares offer better visual contrast than traditional black and white, making it the manufacturer's most popular plastic chess set worldwide.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wood remains the traditional choice for chess sets, offering a wide variety of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. However, for the ultimate wooden chess set, luxury brands stand out. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, is hailed as the "best chessmen ever." Its design, beloved by chess legends like Bobby Fischer, combines a modern touch with classic styling. Unfortunately, this top-tier set isn't available until 2025, but an alternative from Royal Chess Mall—the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set—offers similar craftsmanship and quality at a more accessible price.

Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

While glass might seem an unconventional choice due to its fragility, its stunning appearance and affordability make it a favorite. Glass sets beautifully capture light, and the clear and frosted distinction between squares and pieces adds a modern flair. The Gamie set, our top pick, offers larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to prevent damage, and a storage box, making it both a pleasure to play with and an attractive display piece.

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 pinnacle of luxury. Though the ideal black and pink color palette isn't available in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's rich colors and veining, while luxurious, can sometimes make the pieces blend into the board. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted solution, balancing warmth and 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

Lego-themed chess sets can feel like a compromise, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out. Made entirely of Lego, it retains the beloved Lego aesthetic and the joy of assembly. It's the only currently available Lego chess set, offering a unique and engaging experience for all ages.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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Harry Potter-themed chess sets often feature characters from the series, but these can be pricey and confusing. A more practical choice is a set inspired by the wizard chess from the first story, resembling traditional pieces but with the iconic film design. This durable plastic set is both visually appealing and budget-friendly, making it a great 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 original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets focused on various parts of the series. The Star Wars Saga Edition, centered on the beloved original trilogy, features detailed sculpts of characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Currently out of stock, a more affordable alternative remains a solid choice.

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 books, chess exists in Middle-earth, echoing the ancient game played by the Anglo-Saxons. Themed sets inspired by the Lewis chessmen are particularly appealing. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist, features iconic characters from the story, officially approved by the Tolkien estate. It's an ideal gift for fans of both the series and chess.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those seeking a premium option, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth offers a collector's item with a price tag nearing $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

Best Travel Chess Set

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Travel chess sets come in many forms, but a simple folding sleeve with flat pieces may not be ideal for strategic play. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard format in a compact size, complete with a handy pouch and strong magnets to keep pieces in place during travel.

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 Amazon

For those interested in giant outdoor chess, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's manageable for storage and versatile for both outdoor and indoor play.

How to Play Chess

If you're new to chess or looking to refine your skills, Chess.com provides a comprehensive seven-step guide, complete with video tutorials. Key points include:

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

Mastery comes with practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before enjoying your new set, you need to know how to arrange the pieces:

1. Orient the board so there’s a white square on the bottom right.
2. Place a line of pawns on the second row on each side.
3. Position rooks in each corner behind the pawns.
4. Place knights next to each rook.
5. Put bishops next to each knight.
6. The queen goes on the space matching her color, and the king goes on the remaining space next to the queen.

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

For more gaming options to add to your collection, explore our picks for:

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