The 11 Best Chess Sets to Buy Right Now

Chess is one of the most beloved 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 strategic depth 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 acts as a subtle invitation to engage in this intellectual pursuit.

However, choosing the right chess set involves more than just picking the first option you see at a toy store. A quality set should be durable and satisfying to play with. Better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights for stability and a more enjoyable playing experience (ideally, you want a triple-rated set). The colors of the pieces should provide good contrast against the board; surprisingly, plain black and white can blend into the board, making it harder to distinguish the pieces.

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

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukFor those seeking 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 is worthwhile. 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 enhance visibility of the pieces. It's no wonder this set is touted as the world's most popular plastic chess set by its manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

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 as the "best chessmen ever" by its maker. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set has been cherished by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II set won't be available until 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall offers similar craftsmanship and quality. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, made of light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, provides an authentic experience with a modern touch of increased base weighting.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itIf you're after a luxurious wooden set in this iconic style, the more affordable and accessible 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall is an excellent choice.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass may not be the first material you think of for a chess set due to its fragility, but its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Glass sets capture light beautifully, and the clear and frosted distinction between squares and pieces offers a clean, modern look. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out for its larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to prevent damage, and a storage box. It's a stunning display piece that you'll be proud to showcase.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itThe Italfama Marble Chess Set is the epitome of luxury for those with a higher budget. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's rich colors and veining can be distracting, but the well-contrasted pink and black stone in the U.K. version offers both warmth and visual distinction for ease of play.

Best Option for Those in the U.K.:

If you're in the U.K., you can enjoy the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set, which avoids the common issues of marble sets.

### 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 LEGOThemed Lego chess sets can feel like a compromise, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out. It's a standard set built from Lego bricks, offering a unique and enjoyable building and playing experience. This is the only LEGO chess set currently in production.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter-themed chess sets often feature characters from the books and films, but they can be pricey and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess set inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. This set, with its iconic film design, is both recognizable and affordable, making it a great addition to any Harry Potter fan's collection.

This set is one of our top Harry Potter gifts for 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 itWhile 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 chess set inspired by Star Wars film and TV releases is a solid and more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itChess may not be mentioned directly in Tolkien's books, but its presence in Middle-earth is implied. The allure of a Lord of the Rings chess set lies in its connection to medieval culture, reminiscent of the Lewis chessmen. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Galadriel opposing Sauron and Shelob. 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 the top pick is sold out, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth. This epic The Lord of the Rings chess set is a collector's item with a price tag of nearly $500.

The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth Authentic LOTR Chess Set Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel 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, perfect for portability. The strong magnets keep pieces in place, and the included pouch makes it easy to pack up and go.

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 AmazonFor outdoor chess enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's easy to store and suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.

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

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

To set up the board:

• Place a white square on the bottom right.
• Position pawns on the second row of each side.
• Place rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights.
• The queen goes on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.

Now you're ready to play!

For more games to add to 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!