Chess stands as one of the most beloved board games worldwide, and for compelling reasons. It transcends mere competition, blending art, science, and sport into a continuous learning journey. The surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit highlighted its timeless appeal, yet chess maintains its allure beyond fleeting trends. Its charm lies in its accessibility—easy to learn but with a depth of strategy that keeps players engaged for a lifetime. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, even if it's used sporadically. A quality set not only serves as an elegant centerpiece but also as a subtle invitation to engage in this intellectual pursuit.
However, selecting a superior chess set involves more than you might expect. While basic sets are readily available at toy stores, they may lack the durability and satisfaction of play that a higher-quality set provides. Ideal sets include weighted pieces, which enhance stability and comfort during play. Opting for a triple-rated set in materials like plastic or wood is advisable. Additionally, choosing colors with sufficient contrast is crucial, as traditional black and white pieces can blend into the board.
No matter your budget or preference for materials and themes, our curated selection of the best chess sets caters to every taste.
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 seeking a basic yet reliable chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. It embodies the essence of simplicity without compromising on quality, suitable for lifelong learning in chess. This set, commonly seen in schools and clubs, offers stability and comfort with its weighted pieces. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, featuring green and white squares, enhances visibility during play, making it the manufacturer's claimed most popular plastic set globally.
Best Wooden Chess Set
High-Quality & Hand-Carved
Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set
Wood epitomizes the classic chess set, offering a vast array of choices. For a straightforward yet quality wooden set, look for one with weighted pieces and good board contrast. However, for the pinnacle of wooden chess sets, consider luxury brands like the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia. Revered as the "best chessmen ever" by its maker, this set's design harks back to the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, cherished by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original is slated for 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, captures the same craftsmanship with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, featuring enhanced base weighting for a more satisfying play experience.
#### Best Wooden Chess Set
11See it
Best Glass Chess Set
For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance
#### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set
3See it
Though glass may seem an unconventional choice for chess sets due to its fragility, its aesthetic appeal and affordability make it popular. The Gamie set stands out with its larger, well-designed pieces, enhanced by felt feet for protection and a storage box, making it a beautiful display piece as well as functional for play.
Best Marble Chess Set
For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget
#### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set
10See it
Italfama's top-tier marble set is a luxurious choice, though the desired black and pink version isn't available in the U.S. currently. Marble sets, while visually stunning, require careful handling due to their fragility. Their rich colors and veining can sometimes blend into the board, affecting visibility. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set, with its well-contrasted colors, is an excellent option.
#### 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
The LEGO Traditional Chess Set offers a unique twist, allowing players to build and play with a standard set made from LEGO bricks. This set stands out as the only non-retired LEGO chess set, combining the joy of assembly with the strategic depth of chess.
Best Harry Potter Chess Set
Fit for a Wizard
#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set
7See it
Harry Potter fans can enjoy a chess set inspired by the wizard chess from the series. This set, featuring durable plastic pieces reminiscent of the film's iconic design, offers a cost-effective way to immerse oneself in the magical world of Harry Potter, making it a great gift for 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
Star Wars enthusiasts can choose from various themed chess sets, with the Saga Edition focusing on the original trilogy's beloved characters. Although currently out of stock, an alternative set from The Force Awakens offers a more affordable option, crafted with quality hard plastic and detailed sculpts.
Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets
#### HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set
3See it
While chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's works, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. This set, crafted by a British artisan and approved by the Tolkien estate, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, making it an ideal gift for LOTR fans who appreciate chess.
Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)
For those seeking a more luxurious option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, priced at nearly $500, offers an authentic and detailed representation of the epic battle.
Best Travel Chess Set
ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set
#### Best Travel Chess Set
6See it
Travel chess sets vary widely, but the ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set stands out for its practicality and quality. Its standard format and strong magnetization ensure pieces stay in place, making it perfect for on-the-go play.
Best Giant Chess Set
MegaChess Large Chess Set
#### MegaChess Large Chess Set
2See it at Amazon
For outdoor or indoor giant chess, the MegaChess set is practical and easy to store. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's ideal for casual play.
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 provides a comprehensive guide, covering setup, piece movements, special rules, winning strategies, and the importance of practice.
How to Set Up a Chess Board
Before enjoying your new set, learn how to arrange the pieces:
Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty
Start by positioning the board with a white square in the bottom right corner. Place pawns on the second row, followed by rooks in the corners, knights next to rooks, bishops next to knights, and finally, the queen on her color and the king beside her. Now, you're ready to play!
For more gaming options, explore our selections of Best Classic Board Games, Best War Games and Strategy Games, Best Family Board Games, along with board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!
