Top 11 Chess Sets for Immediate Purchase

Chess is one of the most popular board games globally, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. Even after the surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, chess remains a beloved pastime, both within and beyond these trends. Why? The rules are easy to grasp, yet the game offers such strategic depth that players can continue to learn and improve throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, even if they only play occasionally. A quality set not only serves as an elegant centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also acts as a gentle nudge to engage in this timeless game.

Purchasing a good chess set, however, involves more than you might expect. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, these may not provide a satisfying playing experience or durability. A quality set of chess pieces should have sufficient weight for a smooth play experience, which is why better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights (ideally, you want a triple-rated set). The colors of the pieces should also be chosen carefully to ensure good contrast, as plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or the material and theme you prefer, we have curated a selection of the best chess sets available to meet your needs.

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

The term "basic" often suggests a cheap and cheerful product, but if you're after a simple yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, so investing in a substantial set is worthwhile. This classic 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 provide excellent contrast with the pieces, enhancing the playing experience. According to the manufacturer, it's the world's most popular plastic chess set.

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 of options. For a straightforward set, look for one with 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 pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set retains the original styling with a modern touch but is not available until 2025. However, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall offers a more accessible alternative with the same iconic style, crafted from light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces for an authentic feel, with slightly increased weighting for enhanced play.

#### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

#### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Although glass might not seem the most practical material for a chess set due to its fragility, it's popular for its stunning appearance and affordability. Glass sets beautifully capture light, and the common clear and frosted finishes add a modern touch. The Gamie set stands out for offering larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to prevent damage, and a storage box, making it both a functional and decorative choice.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

#### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama marble chess set is a top-tier choice for those seeking luxury. Although the ideal black and pink color palette isn't available for U.S. shoppers, the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble, while luxurious, requires careful handling due to its fragility, and its rich colors and veining can sometimes make pieces blend into the board. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted option that retains visual distinction for ease of play.

#### 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 themed Lego chess sets exist, they often lack the full Lego building experience or the traditional chess set feel. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set, however, offers the unique pleasure of building and playing with a standard set made entirely of Lego, making it a standout choice. It's the only current LEGO chess set that isn't retired.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

When thinking of a Harry Potter chess set, you might imagine sets with characters from the books and films, which can be expensive and confusing in terms of piece roles. However, the wizard chess set, inspired by the game played by Harry and Ron in the first story, offers a more recognizable and iconic design from the film. This durable plastic set is both affordable and visually appealing, making it a great choice for fans.

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

While there's no official holochess rules set from the Star Wars universe, fans can enjoy themed chess sets featuring classic and recent characters. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, with high-quality sculpts of beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Although chess isn't mentioned in Tolkien's books, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. Themed LOTR chess sets often feature characters, but this set by a renowned British craftsman, inspired by medieval designs, offers a unique appeal. With Aragorn and Galadriel as king and queen for the free peoples, and Sauron and Shelob for Mordor, this officially approved set is perfect for fans.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those looking for a more expensive option, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is an authentic collector's item, available at a price of nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

#### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets vary widely, but a simple folding set with flat pieces may not be the most enjoyable. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard format in a smaller, portable size with a pouch for easy storage. The strong magnets ensure pieces stay in place, making it ideal for on-the-go play.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

#### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor giant chess, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's suitable for both outdoor and indoor play, easy to store, and perfect for casual games.

How to Play Chess

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

For beginners or those looking to master chess, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including video breakdowns. Key points include:

• How to set up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Special rules
• Winning strategies
• The importance of practice

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To set up your chess board:

• Ensure the board has a white square in the bottom right corner.
• Place pawns on the second row on both sides.
• Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights.
• Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.

Now you and your guests are ready to play chess!

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!