Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess, one of the world's most beloved board games, is cherished not just for its competitive edge but for its profound depth as an art, a science, and a sport. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only reaffirmed its timeless appeal. Chess captivates players with its simple rules yet infinite strategic possibilities, making it a lifelong journey of learning and improvement. It's no surprise that many cherish a chess set as a decorative centerpiece at home, subtly inviting them to engage in this intellectual challenge whenever they pass by.

Selecting the perfect chess set, however, involves more than just picking up the cheapest option from a toy store. A quality set enhances the playing experience and durability. Higher-end plastic and wood pieces often include added weights for a more satisfying gameplay feel (consider a triple-rated set for the best experience). Choosing pieces with distinct colors against the board is crucial—surprisingly, traditional black and white can blend into the board, diminishing visibility.

Whatever your budget or preference in materials and themes, our curated list of the finest chess sets on the market caters to every need.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukWhen you think of a basic chess set, you might imagine a cheap, disposable one. But this Weighted Gambit Plastic Set proves that basic doesn't mean low quality. Ideal for those who appreciate the game's lifetime learning curve, this set offers substantial pieces that are weighted for stability and comfort during play. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, featuring green and white squares, ensures excellent contrast for an enhanced gaming experience. It's no wonder this set is renowned as the most popular plastic chess set worldwide, according to its manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide array of choices. For a straightforward yet quality set, look for weighted pieces with good board contrast. For luxury, consider the exceptional hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the iconic pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik—beloved by legends like Bobby Fischer. This modern yet faithful reproduction boasts a slightly increased base weight for enhanced play. However, with availability only from 2025, a similar set from Royal Chess Mall's 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set offers immediate access to this classic style, featuring light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itWhile glass may not seem the most practical material for a chess set due to its fragility, its aesthetic appeal and affordability make it a popular choice. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, elegant design, and thoughtful touches like felt feet and a storage box, making it both a functional game and a stunning display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itThe Italfama Marble Chess Set epitomizes luxury, though the desired black and pink color palette is currently unavailable in the U.S. Marble sets, while luxurious, require careful handling due to their fragility and can present challenges with color contrast and piece visibility due to the material's veining. However, for those in the U.K., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a striking solution, balancing elegance with 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 offers a unique twist on the classic game, allowing you to build and play with standard chess pieces crafted from LEGO bricks. This engaging set stands out as the only LEGO chess set still in production, offering endless fun for families and LEGO enthusiasts alike.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter fans often envision chess sets featuring beloved characters, but such sets can be pricey and confusing. The wizard chess set, inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first book, offers a more recognizable and affordable alternative. This durable plastic set, modeled after the iconic film version, adds a magical touch to your gaming table, making every game feel like a scene from the movie.

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 without official holochess rules. The Saga Edition, focusing on the original trilogy, features high-quality sculpts of beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a compelling and more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itThough not directly mentioned in Tolkien's works, chess's historical presence in Middle-earth is evident. The Hoyle's of Oxford LOTR Chess Set captures this with beautifully crafted pieces inspired by the story's iconic characters, receiving the Tolkien estate's official approval. For a more premium option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth offers a collector's piece, albeit at a higher price point.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

In case the top pick is unavailable, consider The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a near-$500 investment for avid collectors and fans.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets offer convenience, but flat sets can detract from the gaming experience. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set elevates the standard with its compact design, strong magnets to keep pieces in place, and a stylish pouch for easy storage, ensuring a premium feel on the go.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonFor those looking to enjoy giant chess outdoors, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's perfect for casual yard games or indoor play, and easy to store when not in use.

How to Play Chess

For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, complete with video tutorials. Key aspects include setting up the board, understanding piece movements, special rules, winning strategies, and the importance of practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before diving into your first game, you'll need to arrange the pieces correctly:

Start with a white square at the bottom right. Place pawns on the second row of each side. Position rooks in the corners, knights next to them, and bishops next to the knights. The queen goes on the square matching her color, with the king on the remaining space next to her. Now you're ready to play!

For more gaming inspiration, explore our selections of the Best Classic Board Games, Best War Games and Strategy Games, Best Family Board Games, along with board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!