The 11 Best Chess Sets to Buy Right Now

Chess is one of the most popular board games worldwide, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only reinforced its timeless appeal. Chess is easy to learn yet offers such depth of strategy that you can spend a lifetime mastering it. It's no surprise that many people keep a chess set at home, even if they play only occasionally. A well-crafted set not only serves as a beautiful centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also as a constant, gentle nudge to engage in this intellectual pursuit.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking the first option you see at a toy store. While you can find very affordable sets, they may not provide the satisfaction or durability you desire. A quality set of chess pieces should have a certain weight to enhance the playing experience, which is why better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights (ideally, you want a triple-rated set). Additionally, the colors should be chosen carefully to ensure good contrast, as plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets available today.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

When we say "basic," we don't mean cheap and flimsy. If you're looking for a simple yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Chess is a game you can dedicate your life to, so investing in a substantial set makes sense. This classic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and comfort during play. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares provide better visual contrast with the pieces. It's no wonder it's touted as the world's most popular plastic chess set by its manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood is the traditional choice for chess sets, 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 by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set has been cherished by chess champions, including Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II won't be available until 2025, you can find a similar, high-quality alternative from Royal Chess Mall. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, made of light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, offers an authentic feel with slightly increased weighting 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 it's popular for its stunning appearance and affordability. Glass sets capture light beautifully, and the clear and frosted distinction between squares and pieces adds a modern touch. Our top pick from Gamie offers larger, well-designed pieces with felt feet to prevent damage and a storage box, making it a great display piece as well as a functional set.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama marble chess set is the epitome of luxury, though the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available for U.S. shoppers. Marble's rich colors and veining make it a luxurious choice, but it requires careful handling due to its fragility. The veining can sometimes distract from the game, as it may blend the pieces with the board. For U.K. residents, 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

While themed Lego chess sets exist, they often don't fully satisfy as either a Lego build or a chess set. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set, however, offers the best of both worlds. It's a standard set built from Lego bricks, providing a unique and enjoyable building and playing experience. This is the only LEGO chess set currently in production.

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. However, these sets can be costly and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess set inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. This set, featuring durable plastic pieces with a design from the film, is both affordable and visually striking, making it a great addition to any Harry Potter fan's collection in 2025.

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 movie, fans can enjoy various themed chess sets. 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 is a more affordable alternative that still captures the essence of the franchise.

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 books, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist, features cold-cast pieces 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 both the series and chess. For a more expensive option, 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 come in many forms, but flat sets can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard-format set in a smaller size, complete with a pouch for easy storage. The strong magnetization ensures pieces stay in place, making it ideal for on-the-go play.

Best Giant Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor chess enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's perfect for casual outdoor play or indoor use, and easy to store in a shed or garage.

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

Mastery comes with practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To set up your chess board:

1. Ensure a white square is in the bottom right corner.
2. Place pawns on the second row of each side.
3. Position rooks in the corners, knights next to rooks, and bishops next to knights.
4. Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining space next to the queen.

Now you're ready to play!

For more gaming options, 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!