Chess is one of the most popular board games worldwide, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only reinforced its timeless appeal. Chess is easy to learn yet offers such depth of strategy that you can spend a lifetime mastering it. It's no surprise that many people keep a chess set at home, even if they play only occasionally. A well-crafted set not only serves as a beautiful centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also as a constant, gentle nudge to engage in this intellectual pursuit.
Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking the cheapest option from a toy store. A quality set should be durable and satisfying to play with. Better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights for stability and a more enjoyable playing experience (ideally, you want a triple-rated set). The colors of the pieces should provide good contrast against the board; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into a black-and-white board.
No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets available today.
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
When you think of a basic chess set, you might imagine something cheap and cheerful. However, if you're looking for a simple yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Chess is a game you can dedicate your life to, so investing in a substantial set makes sense. This classic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and comfort during play. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares offer better visual contrast with the pieces. It's no wonder it's claimed to be the world's most popular plastic chess set.
Best Wooden Chess Set
High-Quality & Hand-Carved
Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set
Wood is the traditional material for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands like the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, hailed as the "best chessmen ever" by its maker. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set has a modern twist while retaining its classic appeal, beloved by chess champions like Bobby Fischer. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait until 2025 for this set, but an alternative from Royal Chess Mall offers similar craftsmanship and quality.
#### Best Wooden Chess Set
11See it
For a luxurious wooden set in the iconic Dubrovnik style, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall is a more affordable and accessible choice. Made of light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, it maintains an authentic feel with slightly increased weighting for a more satisfying play experience.
Best Glass Chess Set
For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance
#### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set
3See it
Glass might not be the first choice for a chess set due to its fragility, but its stunning appearance and affordability make it a popular option. Glass sets capture light beautifully, and the clear and frosted distinction between squares and pieces adds a modern touch. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out with larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to prevent damage, and a storage box, making it a great display piece as well as a pleasure to play on.
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 the epitome of luxury for those with a higher budget. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't available for U.S. shoppers, the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's rich colors and veining can be distracting, and it's more fragile than it looks, but the right contrast can mitigate these issues. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design 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 LEGO
While themed Lego chess sets exist, they often lack the full Lego building experience and aesthetic. For a unique yet traditional look, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set is the perfect choice. It offers the joy of assembly and the fun of playing with a set that retains the beloved Lego style. This is the only LEGO chess set currently in production.
Best Harry Potter Chess Set
Fit for a Wizard
#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set
7See it
When envisioning a Harry Potter chess set, you might picture pieces resembling characters from the books and films. However, these sets can be costly and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess set inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. This set, with its film-inspired design, is both recognizable and iconic. Made of durable plastic, it's an affordable way to bring the magic of the movies to your table, making it a great gift 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 it
While there are no official rules for holochess from the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets based on the franchise. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set is a solid, more affordable alternative.
Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets
#### HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set
3See it
Although chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's books, its presence in Middle-earth is confirmed. The allure of a Lord of the Rings chess set lies in its connection to medieval culture, reminiscent of the Lewis chessmen. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Galadriel opposing Sauron and Shelob, and has the official approval of the Tolkien estate. It's an excellent gift for fans of the series who also enjoy chess.
Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)
If the top pick is sold out, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth. This collector's item, priced at nearly $500, is a stunning addition to any LOTR fan's collection.
Best Travel Chess Set
ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set
#### Best Travel Chess Set
6See it
Travel chess sets come in various forms, but flat sets can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard-format set in a smaller size, perfect for portability. The strong magnets keep pieces 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
For outdoor giant chess, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's easy to store and suitable for both outdoor and indoor play.
How to Play Chess
The Queen's Gambit, Beth Harmon (Played by Anya Taylor-Joy)
If you're new to chess or want to refine your skills, 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
- How to win
- Basic strategies
Mastery comes with practice.
How to Set Up a Chess Board
Before playing with your new set, learn how to arrange the pieces:
Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty
- Orient the board with a white square in the bottom right corner.
- Place a line of pawns on the second row of each side.
- Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to each rook, and bishops next to each knight.
- Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining space next to the queen.
Now you're ready to play!
For more games to add to your collection, explore 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!
