The 11 Best Chess Sets to Buy Right Now

Chess stands as a timeless board game, cherished globally for its blend of art, science, and sport. Its enduring appeal, even beyond the surge in popularity sparked by Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, lies in its accessibility and profound strategic depth. Mastering chess is a lifelong journey, making it an ideal pastime for enthusiasts to continually refine their skills. A chess set not only serves as a functional game but also adds an elegant touch to any home, often encouraging players to engage with this classic challenge.

Choosing the right chess set, however, requires careful consideration. While budget options are readily available, they may lack the durability and playability of higher-quality sets. Optimal chess pieces should have added weight for a satisfying feel, and colors should be chosen to ensure clear visibility on the board. Whether you're looking for a simple or luxurious set, our curated selection of the best chess sets caters to various preferences and budgets.

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 yet basic chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, offers stability and comfort during play thanks to its weighted pieces. The set includes a convenient roll-up vinyl board with green and white squares, enhancing visibility and making it perfect for travel and storage. Its popularity is no surprise, as it is reportedly the world's most favored plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, and the Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia is a standout. Inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad, this set is celebrated for its craftsmanship and has been praised by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. Although the original set isn't available until 2025, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall offers a similar aesthetic with enhanced piece weight, blending tradition with modern playability.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass chess sets combine elegance with affordability, their transparency and frosted designs adding a modern flair. The Gamie set stands out with its larger, well-designed pieces and thoughtful additions like felt feet and a storage box, making it both a pleasure to play with and 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 offer a luxurious feel, though they require careful handling due to their fragility. The Italfama set, while not available in the ideal black and pink for U.S. buyers, remains a top choice for its quality. For those in the U.K., the black and pink marble set provides a visually appealing contrast, enhancing gameplay while maintaining a warm aesthetic.

### 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 offers a unique twist on the classic game, allowing players to enjoy both building and playing with the set. Unlike other themed LEGO sets, this one retains the beloved LEGO aesthetic while delivering a standard chess experience, making it a delightful choice for family fun.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itInspired by the iconic wizard chess from the Harry Potter series, this set captures the essence of the film's design without the high cost. Its durable plastic construction ensures longevity, while its recognizable pieces make it a fun and engaging choice for fans and chess players alike.

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 indulge in themed chess sets, with the Saga Edition focusing on the original trilogy's beloved characters. Though currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains a solid and more affordable alternative, blending classic and new characters for an engaging play experience.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itThis Lord of the Rings chess set, crafted by a renowned British artisan, brings the epic saga to life with detailed sculpts of iconic characters. Officially endorsed by the Tolkien estate, it's an ideal gift for fans who also appreciate the strategic depth of chess. For a more luxurious option, The Noble Collection's Battle for Middle-Earth set, priced at nearly $500, offers a collector's item that doubles as a functional chess set.

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, perfect for chess enthusiasts on the go. Its compact size and strong magnets ensure pieces stay in place, while the included pouch allows for easy storage. For other travel options, consider sets priced under $50, $40, and $30.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonThe MegaChess Large Chess Set is ideal for outdoor play, with pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat. Its size is manageable for storage, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment.

How to Play Chess

For beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide to the rules of chess. Key aspects include setting up the board, understanding piece movements, learning special rules, and mastering basic strategies. Practice is essential to improve your game.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

To set up your chess board, ensure the bottom right square is white. Place pawns on the second row, followed by rooks in the corners, knights next to rooks, bishops next to knights, and leave the two central squares for the queen (on her color) and the king. With your board ready, you're set to embark on your chess journey.

For more gaming options, explore our picks for Best Classic Board Games, Best War Games and Strategy Games, Best Family Board Games, as well as board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!