Top 11 Chess Sets to Buy Now

Chess is one of the most popular board games globally, celebrated for its blend of art, science, and sport. Its appeal has only grown since the surge in interest sparked by Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago. Chess captivates players because it's simple to learn yet endlessly complex to master, offering a lifetime of strategic exploration. It's no surprise that many people keep a chess set at home, whether for regular play or as an attractive centerpiece that subtly invites them to engage in the game.

Choosing a quality chess set, however, requires more thought than you might expect. While basic sets are widely available, they often lack the durability and satisfaction of higher-quality options. A good set should have weighted pieces for stability and comfort, and the colors should contrast well with the board to enhance visibility during play. Whether you're on a budget or seeking a luxurious set, our curated list of the best chess sets available today will help you make the perfect choice.

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 lifelong chess enthusiasts, this set offers the classic plastic pieces commonly found in schools and clubs, enhanced with weights for better stability and comfort. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and its green and white squares provide better contrast than traditional black and white, making it the manufacturer's claimed top-selling plastic chess set worldwide.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets are traditional and varied. For those desiring the best, consider the luxury of hand-carved sets. The Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad pieces loved by champions like Bobby Fischer, is a masterpiece. Though not available until 2025, a similar quality set from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers an affordable alternative with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark 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 stunning appearance and affordability. The Gamie set stands out for its larger-than-average pieces, elegant design, and practical features like felt feet and a storage box. It's a beautiful display piece that enhances any room while offering a delightful playing experience.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itMarble chess sets exude luxury, but they require careful handling due to their fragility. The Italfama set, while currently unavailable in the ideal black and pink color palette in the U.S., remains a worthwhile investment for its stunning appearance and quality. For those in the U.K., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design that combines elegance with 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 the perfect blend of classic chess and LEGO's iconic building experience. Unlike other themed sets, this one retains the standard chess piece design while allowing you to build and enjoy the game. It's the only LEGO chess set still in production, making it a unique and fun choice for families.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter fans can enjoy a chess set inspired by the wizard chess from the series. This durable plastic set, designed to resemble the film's iconic pieces, offers a cost-effective way to bring the magic of Hogwarts to your game table. It's an excellent gift for any Potter enthusiast in 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 itStar Wars fans can choose from various themed chess sets, with the Saga Edition focusing on the beloved original trilogy. While currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a more affordable alternative with quality sculpts and hard plastic pieces.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itLord of the Rings enthusiasts can enjoy a chess set inspired by the medieval Lewis chessmen, featuring iconic characters from the series. This set, officially approved by the Tolkien estate, is a perfect gift for fans who appreciate both chess and the epic tale of Middle-earth. For those looking for a collector's item, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is an exquisite, though pricier, option.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itThe ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set combines practicality with elegance, offering a standard-sized set that's easy to carry and store. Its magnetized pieces ensure they stay in place, making it ideal for on-the-go play. For those on a budget, alternative travel sets are available at various price points.

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 an excellent choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's perfect for casual outdoor play or indoor gatherings, easily stored in a shed or garage.

How to Play Chess

Beginners can learn the basics of chess at Chess.com, which offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, complete with video tutorials. Understanding how to set up the board, move the pieces, and apply basic strategies is essential for mastering the game.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before playing with your new set, you'll need to know how to arrange the pieces correctly.

Start by positioning the board with a white square at the bottom right. Place pawns on the second row of each side. Then, arrange the rooks in the corners, knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights. The queen goes on the square matching her color, with the king beside her. Now you're ready to play!

For more games to enhance your collection, explore our picks for:

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