Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess is one of the world's most beloved board games, celebrated for its depth and complexity. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that encourages lifelong learning. The surge in popularity from Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only underscored its timeless appeal. Chess offers a balance of simple rules and profound strategic possibilities, making it a game that captivates players of all ages. Many enjoy having a chess set at home, not just for play but as an elegant centerpiece that beckons them to engage in this intellectual challenge.

However, selecting a high-quality chess set involves more than a casual purchase. While budget options are readily available, they often lack the durability and tactile satisfaction of premium sets. Quality chess pieces should have added weight for stability and a smooth feel during play, often found in triple-rated sets. Choosing colors with good contrast is also crucial, as plain black and white pieces can blend into the board, hindering visibility.

Whether you're looking for a basic, wooden, glass, marble, or themed set, we have curated the best chess sets available to suit various budgets and preferences.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukWhen seeking a basic yet quality chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Ideal for those who want a simple set without compromising on quality, this set is perfect for lifelong enthusiasts. Commonly seen in schools and chess clubs, its weighted pieces provide stability and comfort during play. The included roll-up vinyl board, featuring green and white squares, enhances visibility and is convenient for travel and storage. It's no surprise that the manufacturer claims it to be the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets, steeped in tradition, offer a wide range of options. For a straightforward yet quality set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden set, consider luxury brands like the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia. Praised as the "best chessmen ever," this set echoes the design used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, beloved by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original set is slated for release in 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers similar craftsmanship with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded pieces, enhanced with modern weighting for a satisfying play experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itBest Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass chess sets, while delicate, are prized for their aesthetic appeal and affordability. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out with its larger, well-designed pieces and additional features like felt feet and a storage box. Its clear and frosted design captures light beautifully, making it not only a pleasure to play on but also a striking display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itMarble chess sets, though luxurious, require careful handling due to their fragility. The Italfama Marble Chess Set, while not currently available in the U.S. in the ideal black and pink palette, remains a top choice for its rich appearance. Marble's veining can sometimes distract from the game, but the U.K. version with well-contrasted pink and black stone mitigates this issue.

### 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 LEGOLego chess sets offer a unique twist, but themed sets often compromise the building experience. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out as it retains the classic Lego appeal while providing the satisfaction of assembly and play. It's the only LEGO chess set currently available and not retired.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter-themed chess sets can be expensive and confusing. Instead, opt for a set inspired by the wizard chess from the series, featuring recognizable standard chessmen with a distinctive film-inspired design. This durable plastic set is a great choice for fans, offering both affordability and a touch of movie magic.

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 have a variety of chess sets to choose from, focusing on different aspects of the franchise. The Saga Edition, centered on the original trilogy, features high-quality sculpts of iconic characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains a solid, more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itWhile chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's works, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. Themed sets often draw inspiration from the medieval Lewis chessmen, and this set from Hoyle's of Oxford features cold-cast sculpts with an antique wash, depicting iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a perfect gift for fans of both the series and the game.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those looking for a more expensive option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is a collector's item that combines the epic world of LOTR with the classic game of chess.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets vary widely, but a simple folding sleeve often lacks the satisfaction of play. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a compact, standard-format set with strong magnets to keep pieces in place during travel. Its leather pouch makes it easy to pack away, ensuring you can enjoy chess wherever you 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 those interested in giant chess, the MegaChess Large Chess Set from Amazon is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's ideal for outdoor play and easy to store. It's perfect for casual games in the yard or indoors.

How to Play Chess

Chess beginners can master the game by visiting Chess.com, which offers a comprehensive seven-step guide, including a video breakdown. Key points include:

How to set up the chess board (see below)What the pieces are, and how to move themWhat the special rules areHow to winBasic strategiesPractice is key to improving your chess skills.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before playing, you need to arrange the pieces correctly.

Start by ensuring a white square is at the bottom right of the board.Place a row of pawns on the second row from the bottom on both sides.Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights.Leave the two middle squares open for the queen and king, with the queen on her color and the king next to her.Your chess board is now set up and ready for play.

For more gaming options to enhance your collection, explore our recommendations for:

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