Chess stands as one of the world's most beloved board games, and for compelling reasons. It's not just about winning; chess embodies an art, a science, and a sport that continuously offers lessons. The surge in interest following the success of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only solidified its status, yet chess has always been a timeless favorite, transcending trends. Why does it captivate so many? The game's rules are accessible, yet its strategic depth is endless, allowing players to refine their skills throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many cherish having a chess set at home, even if they play sporadically or not at all. A quality set not only serves as an elegant centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also subtly encourages you to dive in and play.
However, selecting the perfect chess set involves more than you might expect. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, these may lack the satisfaction and durability of a higher-quality set. A well-crafted set of chess pieces should have a certain weight to enhance the playing experience, which is why better-quality plastic and wooden sets often include added weights (aim for a triple-rated set). Color choices are crucial too; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board, so opt for colors that offer good contrast.
No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we've curated a selection of the finest chess sets currently available to suit 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.uk
The term "basic" doesn't have to mean low quality. If you're seeking a simple yet reliable set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Chess is a game you can dedicate a lifetime to, so investing in a substantial set is wise. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and comfort during play. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and its green and white squares provide superior visual contrast with the pieces. It's no wonder it's touted as the world's most popular plastic chess set by its manufacturer.
Best Wooden Chess Set
High-Quality & Hand-Carved
Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set
Wood is the quintessential material for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward set, look for one with weighted pieces and good board contrast. However, for the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia is particularly noteworthy, claimed by its maker to be the "best chessmen ever." Its design, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, became an instant classic, adored by champions like Bobby Fischer. While this set won't be available until 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall offers the same iconic style and craftsmanship. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set uses light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, with a modern touch of increased base weight for a more satisfying feel.
#### Best Wooden Chess Set
11See it
Best Glass Chess Set
For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance
#### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set
3See it
Glass might seem an unconventional choice for a chess set due to its fragility, but its aesthetic appeal and affordability make it a popular option. Glass sets catch the light beautifully, and the clear and frosted distinction on squares and pieces lends a clean, modern look. As long as you handle it with care, playing on a glass set is a delight. Our top pick from Gamie stands out for its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added features like felt feet and a storage box, making it a striking display piece.
Best Marble Chess Set
For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget
#### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set
10See it
The Italfama marble chess set is a luxurious choice for those willing to invest. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile purchase. Marble's luxurious look and feel are highly sought after, though it does come with challenges. Marble sets are more fragile than they appear and the rich colors and veining can distract from gameplay by blending the pieces into the board. For U.K. shoppers, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers well-contrasted colors with thick veins, enhancing both the aesthetic and 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 LEGO
While themed Lego chess sets exist, they often miss the mark, either lacking the joy of building or the authentic Lego feel. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set, however, stands out. It offers the standard chess pieces built from Lego, providing a unique and familiar appearance. This set allows you to enjoy both the construction and the gameplay, making it the only non-retired LEGO chess set currently available.
Best Harry Potter Chess Set
Fit for a Wizard
#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set
7See it
Harry Potter fans might envision a set with characters from the books and films, but these can be costly and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess pieces from the series, similar to standard chessmen but with the iconic film design. This durable plastic set captures the essence of the movie without breaking the bank, making it a perfect addition to any Harry Potter enthusiast's collection 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 it
Although there's no official holochess set from the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets focusing on various parts of the franchise. The Star Wars Saga Edition centers on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. These sets boast high-quality sculpts made of durable plastic. While currently out of stock, a more affordable option from the Star Wars: The Force Awakens series remains a solid choice.
Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets
#### HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set
3See it
Though chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's works, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. The allure of a Lord of the Rings chess set lies in its connection to medieval themes, reminiscent of the Lewis chessmen. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist and officially endorsed by the Tolkien estate, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Galadriel facing off against Sauron and Shelob. For those seeking a collector's item, The Noble Collection's The Lord of the Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is an expensive yet stunning choice.
Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)
In case the top pick is sold out, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, priced at nearly $500, a true collector's item.
Best Travel Chess Set
ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set
#### Best Travel Chess Set
6See it
When choosing a travel chess set, you have many options. While simple folding sets are practical, they can lack the satisfaction of playing with 3D pieces. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a premium experience. It's a standard-format set in a smaller size, perfect for portability, and comes with a handy pouch. The strong magnets ensure pieces stay in place, making it ideal 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 Amazon
If you're interested in playing giant chess outdoors, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With the largest pieces reaching 12 inches and a 4x4 ft mat, it's a manageable size for outdoor fun or indoor play. It's perfect for casual yard games or larger indoor spaces.
How to Play Chess
The Queen's Gambit, Beth Harmon (Played by Anya Taylor-Joy)
For beginners or those looking to master chess, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including a video breakdown. Key points include:
- How to set up the chess board
- Understanding the pieces and their movements
- Special rules
- Winning strategies
- The importance of practice
How to Set Up a Chess Board
Before playing with your new set, you'll need to know how to arrange the pieces:
Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty
- Ensure the board has a white square on the bottom right.
- Place pawns on the second row of each side.
- Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights.
- Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.
Now, you're all set to enjoy a game of chess with your guests!
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