Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess is a beloved board game worldwide, and it's easy to see why. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless opportunities for learning. Even with the surge in popularity from Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, chess has maintained its charm beyond these trends. The game is accessible enough for beginners to understand the basic rules, yet it offers profound strategic depth that keeps players engaged for a lifetime. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, whether they play regularly or use it as an elegant decor piece. A well-chosen chess set can enhance a room's aesthetic and serve as a subtle invitation to play.

Selecting a quality chess set involves more than you might expect. While you can find inexpensive sets at any toy store, they often lack the durability and satisfaction of a higher-quality set. Good chess pieces should have a certain weight to them, which is why better plastic and wood sets often include weights (aim for a triple-rated set). It's also crucial to select colors that provide a clear contrast, as traditional black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preference in material and theme, we have curated a selection of the finest 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 talk about basic, it doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality. The Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice for those seeking a straightforward yet durable set. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, so investing in a quality set is worthwhile. This set, commonly seen 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 enhance visibility of the pieces. It's no wonder this set is touted as the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets are traditional, offering a wide range of options. For a simple yet effective set, look for weighted pieces and good contrast with the board. For a truly exceptional wooden set, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, is considered by its maker to be the "best chessmen ever." This set, beloved by chess champions like Bobby Fischer, offers a modern twist on the classic design. However, due to its exclusivity, you'll need to wait until 2025 to acquire it. In the meantime, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall provides a similar craftsmanship and quality, with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, and enhanced base weighting for a satisfying play experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass might seem an unconventional choice for chess due to its fragility, yet it's popular for its stunning aesthetic appeal. Glass sets capture light beautifully and often feature clear and frosted distinctions for a modern look. The Gamie set stands out for its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added touches like felt feet and a storage box, making it both a pleasure to play with and a striking display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama marble set is the epitome of luxury for those with a higher budget. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't available for U.S. shoppers at the moment, the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble, though luxurious, requires careful handling due to its fragility, and its rich colors and veining can sometimes distract from the gameplay. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted look 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

Themed Lego chess sets can feel like a compromise, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out. It offers the joy of building and playing with a set that retains the classic Lego aesthetic. Unlike other themed sets, this one isn't retired, making it a unique and enjoyable option for families.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

Harry Potter fans might envision sets with characters as pieces, but such sets can be costly and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess set inspired by the film, which uses more recognizable standard chessmen with a distinctive design. This durable plastic set is both affordable and visually appealing, perfect for fans who want to relive the movie's chess scene.

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 universe, fans can enjoy themed sets focusing on various aspects of the saga. The Saga Edition, centered on the original trilogy, features high-quality sculpts of beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, a more affordable Star Wars chess set remains a great alternative.

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 in Middle-earth is confirmed. This set, inspired by medieval designs like the Lewis chessmen, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, officially approved by the Tolkien estate. It's a perfect gift for fans who appreciate both chess and the Lord of the Rings.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

If the top pick is unavailable, consider The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item with a price tag of nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets vary widely, but flat sets can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a practical yet elegant solution. Its standard-format pieces are smaller for portability, and the strong magnets keep everything in place, making it perfect for on-the-go play.

Best Giant Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor or indoor giant chess, the MegaChess set is an excellent choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's sizable yet manageable for storage. It's ideal for casual yard games or indoor play.

How to Play Chess

For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive seven-step guide, including a video tutorial. Key points include:

• How to set up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Special rules
• Winning conditions
• Basic strategies

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To prepare for play, follow these steps:

• Place the board so a white square is in the bottom right corner.
• Position pawns on the second row of each side.
• Place rooks in the corners, knights next to them, bishops next to the knights, leaving two spaces.
• Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining space.

Now you're ready to enjoy your new chess set!

For more games to consider, explore our selections of:

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