Top 11 Chess Sets to Buy Now

Chess is one of the most popular board games globally, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. Despite the surge in interest following the success of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, chess has always been a beloved pastime, transcending trends. The game's appeal lies in its simple rules yet profound strategic depth, which invites players to continually learn and improve throughout their lives. Many enjoy having a chess set at home, even if they play sporadically, as it serves not only as a beautiful centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also as a gentle nudge to engage in this timeless game.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking any option off the shelf. While you can find inexpensive sets at most toy stores, they often lack the satisfaction and durability of higher-quality sets. A superior chess set features weighted pieces, enhancing playability and stability. This is why better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights, ideally in a triple-rated set. Additionally, selecting colors with good contrast is crucial—surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can be hard to distinguish on a black-and-white board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we have curated a selection of the best chess sets currently available to suit your needs.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukWhen looking for a basic set, you don't have to compromise on quality. The Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice for those seeking a straightforward yet substantial set. This classic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, is designed for durability and playability. The weighted pieces provide stability and a comfortable feel during play. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, featuring green and white squares, enhances visual contrast, making it easier to focus on the game. It's no surprise that this set is reportedly the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a range of options. For a straightforward yet quality set, look for one with weighted pieces and good board contrast. For those seeking the ultimate wooden chess set, luxury brands offer exceptional craftsmanship. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia stands out as the "best chessmen ever," according to its maker. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set combines classic design with a modern touch and has been celebrated by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original set won't be available until 2025, a similarly crafted alternative can be found at Royal Chess Mall. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, made of light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, offers an authentic experience with added weight for enhanced play.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itBest Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass may seem an unusual choice for a chess set due to its fragility, but its aesthetic appeal and affordability make it a popular option. Glass sets beautifully capture light and often feature clear and frosted pieces that lend a modern look. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out for its value and design. The larger-than-standard pieces and thoughtful details, such as felt feet for protection and a storage box, make it both a pleasure to play with and a stunning display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itMarble chess sets are prized for their luxurious appearance and feel. However, they require careful handling due to their fragility, and their rich colors and veining can sometimes distract from gameplay. The Italfama Marble Chess Set is a top-of-the-line option, though the ideal black and pink color palette is currently unavailable for U.S. shoppers. For those in the U.K., a well-contrasted pink and black set with thick veins offers both a warm aesthetic and clear visibility during play.

### 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 LEGOThemed Lego chess sets can be hit or miss, often lacking the full Lego building experience or authentic look. For a true Lego experience, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set is the perfect choice. This set, built from standard Lego pieces, offers a unique aesthetic and the joy of assembly before enjoying the game. It's the only LEGO chess set currently available that hasn't been retired.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter-themed chess sets often feature characters from the series, but these can be costly and confusing. A more practical choice is a set inspired by the wizard chess from the books and films, resembling standard chessmen but with the iconic film design. This durable plastic set captures the magic of the series without breaking the bank, making it a great gift for Harry 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 itWhile there are no official rules for holochess from the Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy various themed chess sets from the franchise. 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: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a more affordable alternative with quality sculpts and detailed pieces.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itThough chess isn't mentioned directly in Tolkien's works, its presence is implied in Middle-earth. Themed sets often feature characters from the series, but a set reminiscent of medieval chessmen adds historical charm. This set by a renowned British craftsman features iconic LOTR characters like Aragorn and Sauron, officially approved by the Tolkien estate. For a higher-end option, The Noble Collection offers the Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item with a price tag near $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 flat sets can be less satisfying and harder to strategize with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a premium alternative. Its compact size and strong magnetization keep pieces in place during travel, while the leather pouch allows for easy storage. For other travel options within different price ranges, consider sets under $50, $40, and $30.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonFor outdoor enthusiasts, giant chess sets are ideal for casual yard games or indoor play. The MegaChess Large Chess Set, with pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, offers a practical size for storage and play.

How to Play Chess

For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com provides a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including a video tutorial. Key areas include:

• Setting up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Learning special rules
• Discovering how to win
• Grasping basic strategies

Mastery comes with practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before diving into your first game, ensure you know how to set up the board correctly.

To set up:

1. Position the board so a white square is at the bottom right.
2. Place a row of pawns on the second rank on both sides.
3. Position rooks in the corners, followed by knights next to them, then bishops.
4. Place the queen 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 games to consider adding to your collection, explore our picks for:

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