Top 11 Chess Sets for Immediate Purchase

Chess stands out as one of the most beloved board games worldwide, and its appeal is clear. It's not just about winning; chess is an intricate blend of art, science, and sport that offers endless opportunities for learning. The surge in interest sparked by Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years back only reinforced its enduring popularity. Why does it remain a favorite? The game's rules are accessible, yet it offers a depth of strategy that allows for lifelong learning and improvement. It's no surprise that many choose to have a chess set at home, even if they play sporadically or not at all. A quality set not only serves as a stylish centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also acts as a subtle invitation to engage with this timeless game.

However, selecting the right chess set involves more than you might expect. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, these may not offer the satisfying play experience or durability you seek. A high-quality set should have weighted pieces, which you can find in better plastic or wood sets (aim for a triple-rated set). The choice of colors is crucial for ensuring good contrast; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preference for material or theme, our curated selection of the best chess sets available today will meet your needs.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukWhen you think of a basic set, you might picture something cheap and cheerful. Yet, if you're after simplicity without compromising on quality, this Weighted Gambit set is a reliable choice. Chess is a game you could spend a lifetime mastering, so investing in a solid set is wise. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted plastic pieces for stability and a comfortable playing experience. The roll-up vinyl board, with its green and white squares, provides better contrast than traditional black and white, enhancing visibility during play. It's no surprise that the manufacturer claims it to be the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

The standout option is the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, which the maker claims to be the "best chessmen ever." Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set has become a classic, admired by chess champions like Bobby Fischer. Though the original Dubrovnik II set won't be available until 2025, we've identified a similar high-quality alternative from Royal Chess Mall. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, crafted from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, maintains the authentic feel while adding a modern touch with increased weighting for a more satisfying play experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itFor those who desire a luxurious wooden chess set in the iconic style, this alternative from Royal Chess Mall offers affordability and accessibility without sacrificing craftsmanship or quality.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass might not be the first choice for a chess set due to its fragility, but its aesthetic appeal and affordability make it a popular choice. Glass sets beautifully capture light, with clear and frosted pieces and squares providing a modern, clean look. With careful handling, these sets offer a delightful playing experience.

Our top pick from Gamie stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and added features like felt feet to protect surfaces and a storage box. It's an attractive display piece that you'll likely want to keep out rather than store away.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itThis exquisite set from Italfama represents the pinnacle of marble chess sets. While the ideal black and pink color palette is currently unavailable for U.S. shoppers, this set remains a worthy investment for serious enthusiasts.

Marble's luxurious appearance makes it a popular choice for chess sets, but it requires careful handling due to its fragility. The rich colors and veining can also distract from the game by blending pieces with the board.

Best Option for Those in the U.K.:

For those outside the U.S., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a solution with its well-contrasted colors and thick veins, ensuring both a warm aesthetic and clear visibility during play. U.K. shoppers can find it here:

### 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 feel like they don't fully satisfy as either Lego or chess experiences. For those seeking a themed set, a traditional chess set might offer more variety.

Our recommendation is the LEGO Traditional Chess Set, which combines the joy of building with the classic chess experience. This set stands out as the only currently available LEGO chess set that isn't retired.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter-themed chess sets often feature characters from the books and films, which can be both expensive and confusing to play with. A more practical option is the wizard chess set inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. These pieces resemble traditional chessmen but retain the iconic film design. This durable plastic set offers a cost-effective way to enjoy the magical theme without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for Harry 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 are no official rules for holochess from the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy a range of themed chess sets. Recent sets often blend characters from new Star Wars film and TV releases with classic figures. The Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Though currently out of stock, there's a more affordable Star Wars chess set available.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itAlthough chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's books, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. This set, inspired by the medieval Lewis chessmen, features sculpts by a renowned British craftsman, with an antique wash enhancing the details. Iconic characters like Aragorn and Galadriel face off against Sauron and Shelob, and the set has the official approval of the Tolkien estate. It's an ideal gift for fans of the series who also enjoy chess.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

If our top pick is sold out, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth. This epic The Lord of the Rings chess set comes with a price tag of nearly $500, making it a collector's item for dedicated fans.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets vary widely, but flat sets can be less satisfying to play with and harder to see strategic patterns. Our choice is a more upscale option that combines practicality with an enjoyable playing experience. This standard-format set is smaller for easy portability and comes with a pouch for quick storage. The strong magnetization ensures pieces stay in place, even if the board is moved.

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 chess enthusiasts, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's a manageable size for outdoor play and easy to store. Ideal for casual yard games or indoor play.

How to Play Chess

• Setting up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Learning special rules
• Knowing how to win
• Basic strategies

Practice is essential to improve your skills.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

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

• Place a line of pawns on the second row of squares on each side.
• Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to each rook, and bishops next to each knight.
• The queen goes on the space matching her color, and the king occupies the remaining space next to the queen.

Now you're ready to play chess with your guests!

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!