The 11 Best Chess Sets to Buy Right Now

Chess is one of the most beloved board games worldwide, and for excellent reason. It's not just about winning; chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers a lifetime of learning. The surge in popularity following Netflix's The Queen's Gambit has only reinforced its status as a timeless favorite. Why does chess captivate so many? The rules are simple enough to learn, yet the strategic depth is profound, allowing players to continually improve and refine their skills. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, whether they play frequently or just appreciate it as a stylish decor piece on a sideboard or coffee table. A well-placed chess set serves as a subtle invitation to engage in this enriching game.

However, choosing the right chess set involves more than you might think. While cheap options are readily available at toy stores, they often lack the satisfaction and durability of higher-quality sets. A quality set of chess pieces should have a certain weight to them, which is why better plastic and wood sets often include weights (aim for a triple-rated set for the best experience). Additionally, the choice of colors is crucial; traditional black and white pieces can blend into the board, so selecting colors with good contrast enhances visibility and playability.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets currently available to suit every taste and need.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukFor those seeking a basic yet quality chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Chess is a game you can dedicate a lifetime to, so investing in a set that feels substantial is worthwhile. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and a smooth playing experience. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, with its green and white squares, provides better visual contrast than traditional black and white, making it easier to distinguish the pieces during play. It's no wonder this set is touted as the world's most popular plastic chess set by its manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, 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 like the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, hailed as the "best chessmen ever" by its maker. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set has been cherished by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II won't be available until 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers similar craftsmanship and quality. Made from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, it retains the iconic style with a modern touch of increased base weighting for a more satisfying play experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itBest Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass chess sets, though fragile, are prized for their stunning appearance and affordability. They beautifully capture light, and the common clear and frosted distinction between squares and pieces lends a clean, modern look. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added features like felt feet to prevent damage and a storage box. It's an elegant display piece that you'll be proud to showcase.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itMarble chess sets exude luxury, but they require careful handling due to their fragility. The rich colors and veining of marble can sometimes distract from gameplay by blending the pieces with the board. The Italfama Marble Chess Set, while not available in the ideal black and pink color palette for U.S. shoppers, remains a top choice for those seeking a high-end set. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers well-contrasted colors and thick veins, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and playability.

### Italfama Marble Chess Set

1Free Standard UK Delivery on all orders over £50See itBest Lego Chess Set

Fun for the Whole Family

### LEGO Traditional Chess Set

1See it at LEGOThe LEGO Traditional Chess Set is a unique choice for families, offering the joy of building and playing with a standard set of pieces made from LEGO bricks. Unlike other themed LEGO sets that may use minifigs and lack the classic LEGO feel, this set retains the beloved LEGO aesthetic and is the only LEGO chess set currently in production.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itFor Harry Potter enthusiasts, a chess set featuring characters from the series can be a delightful addition. However, sets with characters as pieces can be costly and confusing. A more practical choice is a set inspired by the wizard chess from the first story, featuring durable plastic pieces that resemble standard chessmen but with the iconic film design. This set is both affordable and a great gift for Potter fans 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 itStar Wars fans can enjoy themed chess sets that celebrate the franchise's iconic characters. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring detailed sculpts of beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a more affordable alternative with its own charm.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itThe allure of a Lord of the Rings chess set lies in its connection to the ancient game's history, reminiscent of the medieval Lewis chessmen. The set from Hoyle's of Oxford features cold-cast sculpts with an antique wash, showcasing iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. 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 luxurious option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is a collector's item, albeit with a higher price tag of nearly $500.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets come in various forms, but for a satisfying experience, the ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set is a top choice. Its standard-format pieces are smaller for portability, and the strong magnetization ensures they stay in place during travel. The set comes with a convenient pouch for easy storage and transport.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonFor those interested in giant chess, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's suitable for both outdoor and indoor play, and easy to store when not in use.

How to Play Chess

For beginners or those looking to master chess, 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
• Grasping basic strategies

Practice is essential to improve your skills.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before playing with your new set, you need to arrange the pieces correctly.

To set up the board:

• Place a white square in the bottom right corner.
• Position a line of pawns on the second row of each side.
• Place rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights.
• The queen goes on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.

Now you're ready to play!

For more gaming options, explore our picks for:

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