Chess stands out as one of the world's most beloved board games, and for compelling reasons. It's not just about winning; it's a blend of art, science, and sport that invites continuous learning. The surge in interest following the success of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago further boosted its popularity, yet chess continues to captivate players beyond these trends. Why? The game is easy enough to learn, yet offers such profound strategic depth that you can spend a lifetime mastering it. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, even if they play sporadically or not at all. A well-crafted set not only serves as an elegant centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also subtly encourages you to take up the challenge and play.
However, selecting a quality chess set involves more consideration than you might expect. While you can find inexpensive options at most toy stores, these may lack the satisfaction and durability of a superior set. High-quality chess pieces need to have a certain weight for a satisfying feel, which is why better plastic and wood sets are often weighted (a triple-rated set is ideal). Additionally, the colors should be chosen carefully to ensure good contrast; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.
No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, our curated list of the best chess sets available today will help you find the perfect match.
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 we talk about basic, we're not necessarily talking cheap. If you're after a simple set without compromising on quality, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set from London Chess Centre is a reliable pick. Chess is a game you can delve into for a lifetime, so it's worth investing in a set that feels substantial. This classic plastic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, gains stability and comfort from added weights. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares provide excellent visual contrast, making it reportedly the most popular plastic chess set worldwide, according to the manufacturer.
Best Wooden Chess Set
High-Quality & Hand-Carved
Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set
Wood remains the traditional choice for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. If you're aiming for the pinnacle of wooden chess sets, luxury brands have you covered. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, is hailed by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." This set, beloved by chess champions including Bobby Fischer, offers a modern twist on the classic design. However, it won't be available until 2025. For an immediate alternative that matches this craftsmanship, consider the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall, featuring light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces for an authentic feel with slightly increased base weighting for enhanced play.
Best Wooden Chess Set
11See it
Best Glass Chess Set
For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance
Gamie Best Glass Chess Set
3See it
While glass might not be the first choice for a chess set due to its fragility, it's favored for its stunning aesthetic and affordability. Glass sets catch the light beautifully, and the common clear and frosted distinction enhances the modern look. The Gamie set stands out for its larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to protect surfaces, and a storage box, making it an excellent display piece that you'll 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 it
The Italfama marble chess set is the epitome of luxury, though the ideal black and pink color palette is currently unavailable for U.S. shoppers. Marble's allure lies in its luxurious feel and appearance, though it requires careful handling due to its fragility. The rich colors and veining can sometimes make it challenging to distinguish pieces from the board. However, for U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set provides a solution, offering well-contrasted colors and thick veins for a warm yet clear playing experience.
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 don't fully satisfy as either a Lego build or a chess set. If you're seeking a themed set, traditional options might offer more variety. However, the Lego Traditional Chess Set is a standout, offering the joy of building and playing with a standard set of pieces crafted from Lego bricks, providing a unique yet familiar experience.
Best Harry Potter Chess Set
Fit for a Wizard
Best Harry Potter Chess Set
7See it
Harry Potter fans might envision a chess set with characters from the series, but these can be pricey and confusing. A better option is the wizard chess set inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. This set, resembling standard chessmen but with the iconic film design, offers both affordability and a striking appearance, making it a great gift for Potter enthusiasts 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 various 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: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains a solid, more affordable choice.
Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets
HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set
3See it
Though chess isn't directly 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 culture, reminiscent of the Lewis chessmen. The set from Hoyle's of Oxford, crafted by a renowned British artist, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, and has the official approval of the Tolkien estate, making it an excellent gift for fans.
Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)
If the top pick is unavailable, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item with a price tag of nearly $500.
Best Travel Chess Set
ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set
Best Travel Chess Set
6See it
Travel chess sets come in many 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, complete with a pouch for easy storage. The strong magnetization ensures pieces stay in place, making it ideal for on-the-go play.
Best Giant Chess Set
MegaChess Large Chess Set
MegaChess Large Chess Set
2See it at Amazon
For outdoor chess enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set from Amazon is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's easy to store and perfect for casual outdoor or indoor play.
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
- Learning special rules
- Knowing how to win
- Basic strategies
Mastery comes with practice.
How to Set Up a Chess Board
Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty
To prepare your new chess set for play, follow these steps:
- Orient the board so a white square is in the bottom right corner.
- 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.
- Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.
Now you're ready to play!
For more gaming options, explore our picks for:
- Best Classic Board Games
- Best War Games and Strategy Games
- Best Family Board Games
- ...and board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!
