Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is one of the most popular board games in the world, and with good reason. It's not just about winning; chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers a lifetime of learning. Even after a surge in interest spurred by the popularity of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago, chess continues to captivate enthusiasts both in and out of the spotlight. Why? The rules are simple enough to grasp, yet the strategic depth is profound, allowing players to continually improve. It’s no surprise that many people enjoy having a chess set at home, even if they play only occasionally—or not at all. A well-chosen set can serve as an elegant centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting players to engage in this timeless game.

Purchasing a quality chess set, however, involves more than you might think. While you can easily find an affordable set at any toy store, it might not provide the satisfaction or durability you desire. A good set of chess pieces should have a certain weight for a satisfying play experience, which is why better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights (ideally, look for a triple-rated set). The colors should also be selected carefully to ensure good contrast; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

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

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

While "basic" can imply cheap and cheerful, if you're seeking simplicity without compromising quality, this set is a reliable choice. Chess is a game you can dedicate a lifetime to, so investing a little more for a substantial set makes sense. The Weighted Gambit set is the classic plastic set you're likely familiar with from schools and chess clubs nationwide.

The added weights enhance stability and provide a smooth, comfortable playing experience. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage. Additionally, the green and white squares offer better visual contrast with the pieces during play, which is why it's reportedly the world's most popular plastic chess set, according to the manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood is the traditional material for chess sets, offering a wide variety to choose from. For a straightforward set, look for one with weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands.

The most remarkable option is the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, hailed by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." Inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this design quickly became a classic, beloved by chess champions like the legendary Bobby Fischer. The Dubrovnik II set offers a slightly modern twist while preserving the original styling. However, it's not available until 2025, so we've found an alternative that matches its craftsmanship and quality.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

For a luxurious wooden chess set in this iconic style, consider the more affordable and accessible 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall. Made of light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces for an authentic feel, it includes slightly increased weighting in the base for a more satisfying movement.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

While glass might not be the first choice for a gaming set due to its fragility, glass sets are popular for their stunning appearance and affordability. They beautifully capture light, and the clear and frosted distinction used on squares and pieces lends a clean, modern look. As long as you handle it with care, playing on a glass set is a delightful experience.

Our top pick, the set from Gamie, offers exceptional value. The pieces are larger than standard, well-designed, and come with felt feet to prevent damage and a storage box, though its aesthetic appeal makes it unlikely you'll need to store it away.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The stunning set from Italfama is the premier choice for a top-of-the-line marble chess set. Although the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S., this set remains a worthwhile investment for serious players and collectors.

Marble is a favored material for its luxurious look and feel, but it comes with caveats. It's more fragile than it seems, requiring careful handling. Additionally, the rich colors and veining that make marble attractive can be distracting on a chess set, as they may cause the pieces to blend with the board due to insufficient color contrast and disruptive veining.

Best Option for Those in the U.K.:

For those outside the U.S., particularly in the U.K., our favorite set mitigates these issues with well-contrasted pink and black stone featuring thick veins, offering both a warm aesthetic and clear visual distinction for play. U.K. residents can purchase the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set here:

### 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

While there are various themed Lego chess sets, some don't fully capture the joy of building or the distinctive Lego aesthetic. If you're after a themed set, traditional options might offer more variety.

Our top choice is the aptly named Lego Traditional Chess Set. This standard set is built from Lego bricks, giving it a unique look while retaining the beloved Lego experience of assembly and play. It's the only Lego chess set currently in production.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

When envisioning a Harry Potter chess set, you might picture one with pieces resembling characters from the books and films. While such sets exist, they can be costly and confusing, making it challenging to remember which character represents which piece.

Fortunately, fans of the series will recall wizard chess, the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. These pieces resemble traditional chessmen but with the iconic design from the film. This durable plastic set retains the film's visual appeal without breaking the bank, allowing you to feel like you're part of the movie's climax every time you play. It's an excellent Harry Potter gift for 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

Although there are no official rules for holochess as seen in the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy various themed chess sets based on the franchise. Recent sets often blend characters from newer Star Wars film and TV releases with classic figures. The Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. The pieces are well-sculpted and made of high-quality hard plastic.

Unfortunately, they're currently out of stock. However, you can opt for the more affordable Star Wars chess set as a solid alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Although chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien’s books, references suggest its presence in Middle-earth, reflecting the ancient game's history among the Anglo-Saxon culture that inspired Tolkien's Rohirrim. While many character-based Lord of the Rings chess sets are available, there's a charm in choosing one reminiscent of medieval sets like the Lewis chessmen.

This set, crafted by a renowned British artisan, features cold-cast pieces with an antique wash to highlight details. Each side represents iconic characters, with Aragorn and Galadriel as king and queen for the free peoples, facing Sauron and Shelob from Mordor. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a perfect gift for fans of both the series and chess.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

If our top pick is sold out, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth. For those seeking a collector's item, this epic The Lord of the Rings chess set from The Noble Collection comes with a substantial price tag of nearly $500!

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Similar to basic chess sets, travel sets offer numerous options. While a simple folding sleeve with flat pieces is practical for storage, it may not provide the best playing experience or strategic visibility. We've selected a more upscale option that's both practical and enjoyable.

This standard-format set is smaller for easy portability and comes with a pouch for quick packing. The board and pieces are strongly magnetized, ensuring they stay in place during travel or when set aside.

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

If you're interested in playing giant chess outdoors, there are several large sets available. For a practical choice, the MegaChess set from Amazon is ideal. The largest pieces are about 12 inches tall, and the mat measures approximately 4x4 feet, making it manageable for storage and suitable for both outdoor and indoor play.

How to Play Chess

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

If you're a beginner or aiming to master chess, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide divided into seven steps, including a video tutorial. Key points to learn include:

• How to set up the chess board (see below)
• What the pieces are, and how to move them
• What the special rules are
• How to win
• Basic strategies

After that, it comes down to practice, practice, practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before playing with your new chess set, you'll need to arrange the pieces correctly.

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

• First, orient the board so there’s a white square on the bottom right.
• Put a line of pawns on the second row of squares on each side (that’s half the pieces down already).
• Rooks (the castle-shaped pieces) go in each corner behind the pawns.
• Then, put your two knights (the horse-shaped pieces) on the open squares next to each rook.
• Two bishops, each with a mitre-like topping, go on the open squares next to each knight.
• There should be two empty squares left behind the rank of pawns.
• The queen goes on the space matching her color, and the king goes on the remaining space next to the queen.

You and your guests are now ready to enjoy a game of chess!

For more games to add to your collection, explore our picks for:

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