Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess is a beloved board game worldwide, celebrated not just for the thrill of victory but for its blend of art, science, and sport. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit has only reaffirmed its timeless appeal. What makes chess so captivating is its accessibility combined with its endless strategic depth, encouraging lifelong learning and improvement. Many enthusiasts keep a chess set at home, whether for regular play or as a decorative piece that invites others to engage in this intellectual challenge.

Choosing the perfect chess set, however, involves more than a casual purchase. While you can find inexpensive sets at any toy store, they often lack the durability and tactile satisfaction of higher-quality options. A good set should have weighted pieces, which you'll find in premium plastic or wood sets (opt for triple-rated sets if possible). Additionally, selecting contrasting colors enhances visibility on the board, as simple black and white can sometimes blend into each other.

No matter your budget or aesthetic preference, we've curated a selection of the finest chess sets currently on the market.

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

Basic doesn't have to mean low quality. For those seeking a simple yet reliable set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Ideal for those who view chess as a lifelong pursuit, investing in a quality set pays off. Commonly found in schools and chess clubs, this set's weighted pieces ensure stability and a comfortable feel during play. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, featuring green and white squares, offers superior visual contrast, making it a top pick and reportedly the most popular plastic chess set globally.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets offer a classic appeal, and there's a wide range to choose from. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden set, consider luxury options like the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, touted as the "best chessmen ever." Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set, beloved by legends like Bobby Fischer, combines a modern touch with timeless design. However, availability is limited until 2025. For an immediate alternative, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall 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

Glass chess sets may seem fragile, but they're prized for their stunning appearance and modern aesthetic. The interplay of light through clear and frosted pieces creates a sleek, contemporary look. Our top recommendation, the Gamie Glass Chess Set, offers larger, well-designed pieces with added features like felt feet and a storage box, making it both a pleasure to play with and a beautiful display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama Marble Chess Set stands out for its luxurious appeal, though the ideal black and pink palette isn't currently available in the U.S. Marble sets are prized for their elegance but require careful handling due to their fragility. Their rich colors and veining can sometimes make it challenging to distinguish pieces on the board. For U.K. buyers, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted option that balances aesthetic appeal with 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

Themed Lego chess sets can feel a bit disjointed, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set strikes the perfect balance. It combines the joy of building with the classic game, offering a unique Lego aesthetic. This set is the only non-retired LEGO chess set, making it a must-have for enthusiasts.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

Harry Potter fans might envision sets featuring characters from the series, but these can be pricey and confusing. A better option is the wizard chess set inspired by the iconic game from the first story. This set, resembling standard chessmen but with the distinctive film design, offers both affordability and a fun, movie-like experience, making it 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 it

While there's no official holochess set from the Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets focusing on the franchise. The Saga Edition centers on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Though currently out of stock, a more affordable and still impressive Star Wars chess set is available.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Though chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's works, its presence is implied, fitting the medieval theme of Middle-earth. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist and approved by the Tolkien estate, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. It's a perfect gift for fans who appreciate both the series and the game.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For a more luxurious option, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item priced near $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets vary widely, but flat sets can be less satisfying. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard format in a compact size with a magnetic board, ensuring pieces stay in place during travel. It's both practical and enjoyable to play with.

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 outdoor chess enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is ideal. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's perfect for casual outdoor play or indoor use, easily storable in a shed or garage.

How to Play Chess

The Queen's Gambit, Beth Harmon (Played by Anya Taylor-Joy)

For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including video tutorials. You'll learn:

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

Mastery comes with practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before playing, you need to arrange the pieces correctly.

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

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

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

For more games to enhance your collection, 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!