Top 11 Chess Sets for Immediate Purchase

Chess is a beloved board game worldwide, celebrated for its blend of art, science, and sport. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only reaffirmed its timeless appeal. Chess captivates with its simple rules yet profound strategic depth, offering a lifetime of learning and enjoyment. Many people cherish having a chess set at home, not just for occasional play but also as an elegant centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table, inspiring them to engage with the game.

Choosing the right chess set, however, can be more complex than one might think. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, they often lack the durability and satisfaction of higher-quality sets. A good set of chess pieces should have a substantial weight, often achieved by adding weights to better-quality plastic or wood pieces (a triple-rated set is ideal). Additionally, the colors should provide good contrast; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets currently available to suit 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 quality chess set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set stands out. Ideal for those who want a simple yet robust set, this is perfect for a lifetime of chess enjoyment. Commonly found in schools and chess clubs, this set's weighted pieces offer stability and a comfortable playing experience. The roll-up vinyl board adds convenience for travel and storage, while the green and white squares enhance visual contrast, making it the manufacturer's alleged top-selling plastic chess set worldwide.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets are traditional, offering numerous options. For a straightforward set, ensure it has weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden set, luxury brands like the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia are unmatched. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik and favored by legends like Bobby Fischer, this set combines modern touches with classic design. While the original won't be available until 2025, Royal Chess Mall offers an affordable alternative, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, crafted from light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces for authenticity.

#### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

#### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass chess sets, though fragile, are prized for their stunning aesthetics and affordability. They beautifully capture light, with clear and frosted distinctions adding a modern touch. Our top pick, the Gamie Glass Chess Set, offers larger, well-designed pieces with felt feet to prevent damage and a storage box, though its elegant design makes it a display-worthy piece you'll rarely need to store away.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

#### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

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The Italfama Marble Chess Set is a luxurious choice, though currently unavailable in the U.S. with the ideal black and pink color palette. Marble's rich colors and veining can be distracting and require careful handling due to its fragility. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design, combining warmth with 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

Themed Lego chess sets can feel disjointed, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set offers a unique twist on the classic game. Constructed entirely from Lego, it retains the beloved Lego aesthetic and the joy of building. This set is the only non-retired LEGO chess set currently available, perfect for family fun.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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Harry Potter-themed chess sets often feature characters from the series, but they can be costly and confusing. The wizard chess set, inspired by the iconic game from the films, offers a more recognizable design with a distinctive look. This durable plastic set is both affordable and evocative, making it a perfect gift for 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 Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets. 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 chess set inspired by Star Wars film and TV releases remains a solid, more affordable choice.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

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While chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's books, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist, features cold-cast sculptures with an antique finish, depicting iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's an ideal gift for Lord of the Rings enthusiasts.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those seeking a premium option, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth offers an authentic LOTR chess experience, albeit at a steep price of nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

#### Best Travel Chess Set

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Travel chess sets vary widely, but flat pieces in folding sleeves can be unsatisfying. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a compact, standard-format set with a magnetic board and pieces for stability, and a pouch for easy storage. For alternative options around the same price, consider sets under $50, $40, and $30.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

#### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor giant chess, the MegaChess Large Chess Set from Amazon is practical and reasonably sized, with 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat. Ideal for casual yard games or indoor play, it's easy to store and enjoy.

How to Play Chess

The Queen's Gambit, Beth Harmon (Played by Anya Taylor-Joy)

Beginners and those looking to master chess can find detailed instructions at Chess.com, covering setup, piece movements, special rules, winning conditions, and basic strategies. Practice is key to improvement.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

To set up a chess board, ensure a white square is in the bottom right corner. Place pawns on the second row of each side, then arrange rooks, knights, bishops, the queen, and the king in their respective positions. You're now ready to play!

For more gaming options, explore our picks for Best Classic Board Games, Best War Games, Strategy Games, Best Family Board Games, as well as board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!