Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess, one of the most beloved board games globally, captivates players with its blend of art, science, and sport. The surge in popularity following Netflix's The Queen's Gambit has only reinforced its enduring appeal. Chess is accessible yet profoundly strategic, offering a lifetime of learning and improvement. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, whether they play frequently or simply appreciate it as a decorative piece that encourages them to dive into the game whenever they feel inspired.

Choosing the right chess set involves more than just picking up the cheapest option from a toy store. A quality set enhances the playing experience and adds a touch of elegance to your home. High-quality sets, whether made from plastic or wood, often include weighted pieces for a more satisfying feel during play. Selecting pieces with good color contrast against the board, such as avoiding plain black and white on a similar board, can also improve visibility and enjoyment.

No matter your budget or preferred style, here are our top picks for the best chess sets currently available.

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 reliable basic set without compromising on quality, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Ideal for schools and chess clubs, this set offers stability and comfort with its weighted pieces. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares provide better visual contrast, making it easier to distinguish the pieces during play. It's no wonder it's considered the world's most popular plastic chess set by its manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide range of options. For a luxurious experience, the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia stands out. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad, this set boasts a design beloved by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II won't be available until 2025, Royal Chess Mall offers a 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, crafted from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, providing an authentic and slightly more modern feel.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itFor those who appreciate the iconic style of the Dubrovnik set but are looking for something more accessible, this alternative from Royal Chess Mall is a perfect choice.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass chess sets, while fragile, offer a stunning aesthetic appeal that can elevate any room. The Gamie Glass Chess Set is our top pick for its larger, well-designed pieces and thoughtful details like felt feet and a storage box. It's an elegant display piece that also provides a delightful playing experience.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itMarble sets from Italfama are the epitome of luxury, although the ideal black and pink color palette is currently unavailable for U.S. shoppers. Marble sets can be delicate and the veining may affect visibility, but the well-contrasted pink and black Italfama set available in the U.K. offers both warmth and clear distinction for gameplay.

### 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 is a unique and engaging option, allowing players to build and then play with a standard set of pieces made entirely from LEGO bricks. Unlike other themed sets, this one retains the classic LEGO charm and functionality.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itFor Harry Potter fans, the wizard chess set inspired by the game played by Harry and Ron in the first story is a fantastic choice. This set combines the iconic film design with standard chess pieces for easy recognition, making it both a durable and affordable option.

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 that celebrate the saga, particularly the original trilogy. The Saga Edition features beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader, crafted with detailed and durable hard plastic. While 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 itLord of the Rings-themed chess sets evoke the epic battles of Middle-earth, with this set featuring iconic characters and an antique finish. Officially licensed by the Tolkien estate, it's an ideal gift for fans who also enjoy chess. For a more luxurious option, The Noble Collection offers The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item priced at nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets need to be portable yet enjoyable to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set is a perfect blend of practicality and elegance. Its strong magnets keep pieces in place, and the compact design fits easily into a travel pouch, making it ideal for on-the-go gaming.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonFor outdoor or large-scale indoor play, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's easy to store and perfect for casual games in your yard or living space.

How to Play Chess

Learning to play chess is straightforward with resources like Chess.com, which offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including video tutorials. Key elements include understanding the board setup, piece movements, special rules, and basic strategies. Mastery comes with practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before you can enjoy your new chess set, you'll need to know how to set it up correctly.

Start by placing a white square on the bottom right of the board. Place pawns on the second row of each side. Arrange rooks in the corners, knights next to them, bishops beside the knights, and leave the center squares empty for the queen and king, which are placed on their color-coordinated squares. 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 check out board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!