Top 11 Chess Sets for Immediate Purchase
Chess stands as one of the world's most beloved board games, and for compelling reasons. It transcends mere competition, embodying an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. The surge in interest following the success of Netflix's The Queen's Gambit a few years back only added to its enduring appeal. Chess captivates because its basic rules are easy to learn, yet the strategic depth is vast enough to challenge players throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, not just for occasional play but also as an elegant piece of decor that invites one to engage with the game.
Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking the cheapest option from a toy store. A quality set enhances the playing experience and offers durability. For an optimal feel, chess pieces should have added weight, typically found in higher-quality plastic and wood sets (ideally, you'd want a triple-rated set). It's also crucial to select pieces with colors that contrast well with the board to avoid confusion during play.
No matter your budget or preference in material or theme, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets available to cater to every need.
Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty
Best Basic Chess Set
--------------------Weighted Gambit Plastic Set
### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set
3$26.98 at chess.co.ukEven if you're looking for a basic set, it's worth investing a bit more for quality. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, so a substantial set like the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a wise choice. Commonly seen in schools and chess clubs, this set's weighted pieces ensure stability and a comfortable playing experience. The roll-up vinyl board, featuring green and white squares, provides excellent visual contrast, making it a popular choice worldwide according to the manufacturer.
Best Wooden Chess Set
---------------------High-Quality & Hand-Carved
Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden SetWooden chess sets offer a traditional and timeless appeal. For a simple yet quality set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. For those seeking the pinnacle of wooden chess sets, luxury brands offer exquisite options. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad, is hailed as the "best chessmen ever" by its maker. Although the original set won't be available until 2025, Royal Chess Mall provides an accessible alternative with the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, crafted from light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces for an authentic touch.
### Best Wooden Chess Set
11See it
Best Glass Chess Set
--------------------For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance
### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set
3See itWhile glass might seem an unconventional choice for a chess set due to its fragility, its aesthetic appeal and affordability make it a popular option. The Gamie glass set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, elegant design, and added features like felt feet and a storage box, making it not only a pleasure to play with but also a striking display piece.
Best Marble Chess Set
---------------------For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget
### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set
10See itThe Italfama marble set is the epitome of luxury, though the ideal black and pink color palette is currently unavailable in the U.S. Marble's rich colors and veining add to its allure but can also make the pieces blend into the board. For those in the U.K., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted solution that enhances playability.
### Italfama Marble Chess Set
1Free Standard UK Delivery on all orders over £50See it
Best 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 build and play with a set made entirely of LEGO bricks. Unlike other themed LEGO chess sets, this one retains the beloved LEGO aesthetic and is the only current LEGO chess set still in production.
Best Harry Potter Chess Set
---------------------------Fit for a Wizard
### Best Harry Potter Chess Set
7See itHarry Potter fans might envision sets with characters from the series, but these can be costly and confusing. The wizard chess pieces, inspired by the iconic game from the first story, offer a more recognizable and affordable option. This durable plastic set captures the film's distinctive design, making it a great choice for fans and a perfect gift for 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 holochess set from the Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets featuring iconic characters. The Saga Edition, focusing on the original trilogy, offers high-quality sculpts of beloved figures like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Though currently out of stock, the Star Wars chess set based on Star Wars film and TV releases remains a solid and more affordable alternative.
Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets
-------------------------------------### HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set
3See itChess in Tolkien's Middle-earth, though not directly mentioned, fits seamlessly into its medieval-inspired culture. This set, crafted by a British artisan and approved by the Tolkien estate, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, making it a perfect gift for fans of the series.
Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)
For a more luxurious option, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth offers an authentic epic The Lord of the Rings chess set experience, albeit at a near $500 price point.
Best Travel Chess Set
---------------------ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set
### Best Travel Chess Set
6See itTravel chess sets offer portability, but a quality set enhances playability. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set is both practical and stylish, with a standard-format board and magnetized pieces that maintain position, perfect for on-the-go gaming.
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 outdoor enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's ideal for casual outdoor play or indoor use and easy to store.
How to Play Chess
-----------------The Queen's Gambit, Beth Harmon (Played by Anya Taylor-Joy)For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including video tutorials. Mastering chess involves understanding:
- How to set up the chess board
- The pieces and their movements
- Special rules
- How to win
- Basic strategies
Practice is key to improvement.
How to Set Up a Chess Board
Before playing with your new set, learn to arrange the pieces correctly:
Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty
- Place the board with a white square in the bottom right corner.
- Arrange pawns on the second row of each side.
- Place rooks in the corners, knights next to rooks, and bishops next to knights.
- Position the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining space next to the queen.
You're now ready to enjoy the game of chess!
For more games to play and consider adding to your collection, check out our picks for:
Best Classic Board GamesBest War Games and Strategy GamesBest Family Board Games…and board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!
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