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Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Author : Jack

May 15,2025

Chess is one of the world's most cherished board games, and for good reason. It transcends the mere act of winning, embodying an art, a science, and a sport that invites continuous learning. The surge in interest following the popularity of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago has only solidified its place as a timeless game, unaffected by fleeting trends. Why does it maintain such appeal? The rules are easy to grasp, yet the depth of strategy is profound, offering a lifetime of learning and improvement. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, even if they play only sporadically or not at all. A quality set not only serves as a striking centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also acts as a subtle nudge to take up the challenge and play.

Selecting the perfect chess set, however, involves more consideration than one might expect. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, these may not offer the satisfaction or durability of higher-quality sets. A good set of chess pieces should have a certain weight, which is why better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights (ideally, you want a triple-rated set). The choice of colors is crucial too, as plain black and white pieces can blend into the board, reducing visibility.

No matter your budget or preferred material or theme, our curated selection of the best chess sets currently available caters to all needs.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess Set

LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

When seeking a basic set, it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, but for a game you can dedicate a lifetime to, investing in quality makes sense. The Weighted Gambit Plastic Set from the London Chess Centre is a reliable choice for those wanting simplicity without compromising on quality. Commonly found in schools and chess clubs, this set's weighted pieces ensure stability and a comfortable feel during play. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares enhance piece visibility, making it reportedly the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood has long been the classic choice for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. However, for the ultimate wooden chess experience, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia stands out, hailed as the "best chessmen ever" by its maker. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set has been a favorite among champions, including Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II won't be available until 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers similar craftsmanship and quality. Made from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, it's both authentic and slightly more weighted for a satisfying feel.

Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass might seem an unlikely choice for a chess set due to its fragility, but its elegance and affordability make it a popular option. Glass sets beautifully catch the light, with clear and frosted distinctions adding a modern touch. The Gamie set stands out for its value, featuring larger, well-designed pieces with felt feet to protect surfaces and a storage box. Its aesthetic appeal makes it an excellent display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama marble chess set is the epitome of luxury for those with a higher budget. Although the black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's luxurious feel and look are appealing, but it requires careful handling due to its fragility. The rich colors and veining can sometimes distract from gameplay, blending pieces with the board. However, the U.K. version in pink and black offers a well-contrasted design, making it an excellent choice for ease of play.

Italfama Marble Chess Set

1Free Standard UK Delivery on all orders over £50See it

Best Lego Chess Set

LEGO Traditional Chess Set

1See it at LEGO

While themed Lego chess sets exist, they can feel disjointed, lacking the full Lego building experience or the classic chess set feel. For a unique yet traditional experience, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set is the perfect choice. Built from Lego bricks, it offers the joy of assembly and the pleasure of play, making it a standout choice among Lego chess sets.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

For fans of the Harry Potter universe, a themed chess set might evoke images of characters as pieces, but these can be costly and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess set inspired by the film, featuring pieces reminiscent of standard chessmen but with the iconic design from the movie. This durable plastic set adds a touch of magic to your table without breaking the bank, making it a great gift for Harry Potter enthusiasts in 2025.

Best Star Wars Chess Sets

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 focusing on various aspects of the franchise. The Star Wars Saga Edition, centered on the original trilogy, features high-quality sculpts of beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Though currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains a solid, more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set

3See it

Though chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's works, its presence in Middle-earth is acknowledged, aligning with the ancient game's history. Themed sets featuring characters from The Lord of the Rings are popular, but the set inspired by medieval Lewis chessmen offers a unique appeal. Crafted by a renowned British artisan, this set features iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, and has received official approval from the Tolkien estate, making it an ideal gift for fans.

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 epic collector's item.

Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

Travel chess sets come in various forms, but flat pieces in a folding sleeve may lack the tactile satisfaction of playing with weighted pieces. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a practical, high-quality solution. Its standard-format pieces are smaller yet strongly magnetized, ensuring they stay in place during travel. A convenient pouch allows for quick packing, making it an ideal choice for on-the-go gaming.

For alternative travel chess options around the same price, see:

Under $50 Under $40 Under $30

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set from Amazon is a practical choice for giant chess. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's sized for easy storage and suitable for both outdoor and indoor 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 offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including video tutorials. Key aspects include: