Top 11 Chess Sets for Purchase Now

Chess is a timeless board game that captivates millions worldwide, and it's easy to see why. It's not just about winning; chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. The surge in interest sparked by Netflix's *The Queen's Gambit* a few years ago only reinforced its enduring appeal. Chess is accessible enough for beginners to learn the rules quickly, yet its strategic depth ensures a lifetime of learning and improvement. It's no surprise that many people keep a chess set at home, whether they play frequently or just admire it as a decorative piece. A quality set can serve as an elegant centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting anyone to dive into the game.

However, selecting the perfect chess set involves more than a casual purchase. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, these may not provide the satisfying gameplay or durability you seek. High-quality chess pieces often include weights to enhance stability and comfort during play, with triple-rated sets being the gold standard. Additionally, choosing the right color contrast is crucial; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board, so opting for different hues like green and white can enhance visibility.

No matter your budget or preferred style, our curated selection of the best chess sets on the market caters to every taste.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukEven a basic chess set can be both affordable and high-quality. If you're looking for a straightforward set without compromising on durability, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Given that chess is a game you can engage with throughout your life, investing in a solid set makes sense. This classic plastic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, is enhanced with weights for added stability and comfort. The roll-up vinyl board, featuring green and white squares, not only offers better contrast but is also convenient for travel and storage. It's no wonder this set is considered the world's most popular plastic chess set by its manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itFor those desiring a luxurious wooden set in the iconic Dubrovnik style, this affordable and accessible option from Royal Chess Mall is an excellent choice.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itWhile glass might not be the first material you think of for a chess set due to its fragility, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Glass sets capture light beautifully, offering a modern and clean look. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and additional features like felt feet for protection and a storage box. It's an attractive display piece that you'll be proud to showcase.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itMarble chess sets exude luxury, though they require careful handling due to their fragility. The rich colors and veining of marble can sometimes blend with the board, but the Italfama Marble Chess Set offers a stunning solution. While the ideal black and pink color palette is currently unavailable for U.S. shoppers, the set remains a worthwhile investment for serious players. For U.K. buyers, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers well-contrasted colors and thick veins for a warm yet distinguishable look.

### 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 LEGOThemed Lego chess sets can be hit or miss, often lacking the beloved Lego feel. However, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set offers the best of both worlds: standard chess pieces built from Lego bricks. This set provides the joy of construction and the pleasure of play, making it a unique and fun option for the whole family.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter-themed chess sets can be pricey and confusing, with pieces resembling characters from the series. However, the wizard chess set inspired by the game from the first Harry Potter story offers a more recognizable and iconic design. This durable plastic set captures the essence of the film without breaking the bank, making it a perfect gift for Potter fans 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 itWhile there's no official rules set for holochess from the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy a variety of themed chess sets. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the beloved characters from the original trilogy, featuring high-quality sculpts of Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and more. Though currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set is a solid and more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itThough chess isn't mentioned in Tolkien's books, its presence is implied, resonating with the ancient game's history. This set, crafted by a renowned British artisan, features iconic characters from The Lord of the Rings with an antique wash. Approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a perfect gift for fans of the series who also enjoy chess. For those seeking a higher-end option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of the Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is a collector's item, though it comes with a hefty price tag of nearly $500.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

In case the top pick is sold out, another excellent choice is The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets range from simple folding sleeves to more sophisticated options. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard-format game in a compact size, complete with a handy pouch for easy storage. Strong magnets ensure the pieces stay in place, making it perfect for on-the-go 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 interested in giant chess, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's an ideal size for outdoor or indoor play and easy to store.

How to Play Chess

• How to set up the chess board
• The pieces and their movements
• Special rules
• How to win
• Basic strategies

Practice is key to improving your skills.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

To start playing with your new set, follow these steps to arrange the pieces:

• Place pawns on the second row on both sides.
• Place rooks in the corners behind the pawns.
• Position knights next to the rooks.
• Place bishops next to the knights.
• The queen goes on the square matching her color.
• The king goes on the remaining square next to the queen.

With the board set up, you're ready to play!

For more games to consider, explore our picks for:

• Best Classic Board Games
• Best War Games and Strategy Games
• Best Family Board Games
• Board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers