Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is one of the most popular board games worldwide, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. Even with the surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, chess continues to captivate players both within and beyond these trends. Its appeal lies in the simplicity of its rules coupled with the profound depth of strategy, allowing players to continually improve throughout their lives. Many enjoy having a chess set at home as a decorative piece or a gentle nudge to play, even if it's only occasionally.

Choosing a good chess set, however, involves more than just picking one off the shelf. While you can find affordable options in most toy stores, they might not offer the satisfaction or durability you're looking for. A quality set of chess pieces should have a certain weight, often achieved by adding weights to high-quality plastic or wooden pieces (a triple-rated set is ideal). Additionally, selecting colors with good contrast is essential, as plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, our curated list of the best chess sets available now has something for everyone.

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 cheap or low quality. If you're seeking a simple yet reliable set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, so investing in a quality set can enhance your experience. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and a comfortable playing experience. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, while the green and white squares provide better visual contrast with the pieces. It's no surprise that this is reportedly the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood is the traditional choice for chess sets, offering a wide variety of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces with good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad pieces, is renowned for its craftsmanship and has been praised by legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II set won't be available until 2025, you can find a similar handcrafted set from Royal Chess Mall. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, made from light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, offers the same iconic style with a modern touch of increased weight for a more satisfying play experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass might not be the first material you think of for a chess set due to its fragility, but glass sets are popular for their stunning appearance and affordability. They beautifully capture light, and the clear and frosted distinction between squares and pieces offers a clean, modern look. The Gamie set stands out for its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added features like felt feet to prevent damage and a storage box, making it both a functional and decorative choice.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama marble chess set is the epitome of luxury. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile investment for serious players. Marble's luxurious feel and appearance are well-loved, though its fragility and potential for the pieces to blend with the board due to color and veining are considerations. For U.K. buyers, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design that enhances playability.

### 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 chess sets offer a unique twist, but many don't fully capture the joy of building and playing. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out as it allows you to build the pieces from standard Lego bricks, offering a distinctive look and the pleasure of assembly. It's the only currently available LEGO chess set that isn't retired.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

When envisioning a Harry Potter chess set, you might picture pieces resembling characters from the books and films. While such sets exist, they can be expensive and confusing in terms of piece identification. A more practical option is a set inspired by the wizard chess from the first story, featuring standard chessmen with the iconic film design. This durable plastic set is both affordable and visually appealing, making it a great choice for fans.

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 are no official rules for holochess from the Star Wars universe, fans can enjoy themed chess sets featuring characters from the series. The Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, showcasing 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.

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. This set, inspired by the medieval Lewis chessmen, features sculpts of iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, officially approved by the Tolkien estate. It's a perfect gift for Lord of the Rings fans who enjoy chess.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

If the top pick is unavailable, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item priced at nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets vary widely, but flat sets can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard format in a smaller size, with a pouch for easy storage and strong magnets to keep pieces in place during travel.

Best Giant Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For giant chess enthusiasts, the MegaChess set is an excellent choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's suitable for outdoor play and easy to store.

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 a video breakdown. Key points include:

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

Practice is crucial for mastering the game.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

To prepare your new chess set for play:

• Place the board with a white square in the bottom right corner.
• Position 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.
• Leave two spaces open behind the pawns for the queen (on her color) and the king next to her.

Now you're ready to enjoy the game of chess!

For more games to consider, explore our picks for:

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