Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess is one of the most beloved board games worldwide, celebrated not just for its competitive nature but for its deep strategic layers that offer endless learning opportunities. Its appeal has only grown, fueled by phenomena like Netflix's The Queen's Gambit, yet it remains a timeless classic. The game's charm lies in its accessibility—easy to learn yet challenging to master, offering a lifetime of strategic exploration. Many appreciate a chess set as a decorative piece for their home, serving as both an aesthetic centerpiece and a gentle nudge to engage in this intellectual pursuit.

However, selecting the perfect chess set involves more than just picking the first option you see. While budget-friendly sets are readily available, they might not provide the satisfying experience or durability you desire. A quality set often features weighted pieces, enhancing stability and feel during play. Opt for a triple-rated set if possible, and choose colors with good contrast to ensure the pieces stand out against the board.

No matter your budget or preference in materials and themes, our curated list of the best chess sets caters to all needs.

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 straightforward yet quality chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. It's the quintessential set found in schools and chess clubs, enhanced with added weights for stability and comfort. The roll-up vinyl board, featuring green and white squares, not only offers portability but also improves visibility of the pieces. It's no surprise that this set is heralded as the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets embody tradition, and the market offers a wide variety. For an exceptional experience, consider the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the iconic pieces from the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik. Celebrated by chess legends like Bobby Fischer, this set combines classic design with a modern touch. While the original is set to be available in 2025, a similar high-quality alternative from Royal Chess Mall is immediately accessible, featuring the same craftsmanship with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded pieces.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itFor those desiring a luxurious wooden chess set in the iconic Dubrovnik style, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall is an affordable and readily available option.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass chess sets offer a sleek and modern aesthetic, though they require careful handling due to their fragility. The Gamie set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added features like felt feet for protection and a storage box. It's not just a game but a beautiful display piece.

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, though the ideal black and pink palette isn't currently available for U.S. customers. Marble's allure lies in its rich colors and veining, yet this can sometimes distract from gameplay due to poor contrast. For those in the U.K., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers well-contrasted colors, enhancing both the visual appeal and the playability.

### 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 delightful option for families, offering the unique joy of building and then playing with a standard set of pieces made from LEGO. Unlike other themed sets, this one retains the classic LEGO charm and is the only non-retired LEGO chess set available.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itFor Harry Potter fans, a themed chess set can be enchanting, but character sets can be confusing and costly. Instead, opt for the wizard chess set inspired by the film version, offering recognizable pieces with a distinctive and iconic design. This durable plastic set is both affordable and a great addition to any fan's collection.

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 focused on the beloved original trilogy, featuring characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. While the Saga Edition is currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains a solid and more affordable choice.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itLord of the Rings-themed chess sets are a nod to the ancient game's presence in Middle-earth. The set by Hoyle's of Oxford features detailed sculpts of iconic characters, officially approved by the Tolkien estate. For a more luxurious option, The Noble Collection offers The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item with a higher price tag.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

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 itThe ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set is ideal for chess enthusiasts on the go. It's a compact, standard-format set with strong magnets to keep pieces in place, making it perfect for travel or casual play.

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 who enjoy playing chess outdoors, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's ideal for outdoor or indoor play and easy to store.

How to Play Chess

Beginners and seasoned players alike can benefit from the comprehensive guide at Chess.com, which breaks down the rules into seven steps, including video tutorials. 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 mastering the game.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before diving into a game, ensure your chess set is correctly arranged:

Start by placing the board so a white square is in the bottom right corner.Place a row of pawns on the second row for both sides.Position rooks in the corners, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights.Leave the center two squares empty behind the pawns.Place the queen on the square of her color, and the king on the remaining square.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 don't miss out on board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!