Chess is a beloved board game worldwide, cherished not just for the thrill of victory but for its artistic, scientific, and athletic elements that offer endless learning opportunities. The surge in popularity following Netflix's The Queen's Gambit a few years ago underscored its enduring appeal, transcending temporary trends. The game's charm lies in its accessibility—easy to learn yet offering profound strategic depth, allowing players to hone their skills over a lifetime. This makes a chess set not only a functional item but also a beautiful addition to home decor, encouraging even those who play sporadically to engage with this timeless game.

Selecting the perfect chess set, however, involves more than a simple purchase. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, these may not provide the satisfaction or durability desired. Quality chess pieces require a certain heft, which is why better plastic and wood sets are often weighted (aiming for a triple-rated set is ideal). Additionally, choosing colors with good contrast is crucial, as traditional black and white pieces can sometimes blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preference for material and theme, our curated selection of the best chess sets available now will meet your needs.

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 it comes to basic chess sets, opting for quality over cost can significantly enhance your playing experience. The Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice for those seeking simplicity without compromising on quality. This classic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, benefits from added weights that improve stability and comfort during play. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, featuring green and white squares, provides better visual contrast than traditional black and white, making it easier to distinguish pieces during gameplay. It's no surprise that this set is reportedly the most popular plastic chess set worldwide.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide range of options. For those seeking a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden chess experience, luxury brands offer exceptional craftsmanship. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad, is considered by its maker to be the "best chessmen ever." This set, admired by legends like Bobby Fischer, combines modern touches with classic design. While the original Dubrovnik II won't be available until 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall—the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set—captures the same iconic style with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, enhanced with slightly heavier bases for a more satisfying feel.

#### Best Wooden Chess Set

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Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

#### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass chess sets may seem delicate, but their stunning appearance and affordability make them a popular choice. They beautifully capture light, and the clear and frosted distinctions between squares and pieces lend a modern, clean look. The Gamie set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces and thoughtful design, including felt feet for protection and a storage box. It's an excellent choice for both play and display.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

#### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

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Marble chess sets exude luxury, though they require careful handling due to their fragility. The rich colors and veining of marble can sometimes blend the pieces into the board, but the Italfama set offers a compelling solution. While the ideal black and pink palette isn't currently available in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile investment for its quality and appeal. For those in the U.K., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set provides excellent contrast and a warm aesthetic.

#### 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 sometimes miss the mark, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set is a delightful exception. Constructed from Lego bricks, this set offers a unique appearance while retaining the joy of building and playing. It's the only currently available LEGO chess set, making it a special choice for Lego enthusiasts and chess players alike.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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While themed Harry Potter chess sets featuring characters from the series exist, they can be pricey and confusing to play with. A better option is the wizard chess set inspired by the game played by Harry and Ron in the first story. This set, modeled after the film's iconic design, uses durable plastic that looks great and won't break the bank. It's an ideal gift for Harry Potter fans in 2025.

Best Star Wars Chess Sets

Top Pick: Star Wars Saga Edition

#### Best Star Wars Chess Set

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#### 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 based on the franchise. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Though currently out of stock, the more affordable Star Wars chess set based on Star Wars film and TV releases remains a solid choice.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

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Chess's presence in Middle-earth is implied in Tolkien's works, reflecting the game's ancient origins. Themed Lord of the Rings chess sets often feature characters, but this set by a British craftsman evokes medieval designs like the Lewis chessmen. With Aragorn and Galadriel on one side and Sauron and Shelob on the other, this officially licensed set is perfect for fans of the series and chess alike. For a more luxurious option, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, an epic The Lord of the Rings chess set priced at 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 sets can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a premium solution with its standard-format board and magnetized pieces, ensuring they stay in place during travel. It comes with a convenient pouch for easy storage, making it a practical and stylish choice for chess on the go. For alternative options, 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 enthusiasts, giant chess sets are a fun addition. The MegaChess set from Amazon offers a practical size with 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, suitable for both outdoor and indoor play. It's an excellent choice for casual games or larger gatherings.

How to Play Chess

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

If you're new to chess or looking to refine your skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide divided into seven steps, including video tutorials. You'll learn how to set up the board, understand piece movements, special rules, winning strategies, and the importance of practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before you can enjoy your new set, you need to arrange the pieces correctly:

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

• Ensure the board has a white square on the bottom right.
• Place a line of pawns on the second row on each side.
• Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to the rooks, and bishops next to the knights.
• Leave two spaces empty behind the pawns, then place the queen on the space matching her color, with the king on the remaining space next to the queen.

Now, you're ready to play and enjoy your game of chess!

For more gaming options, explore our picks for:

Best Classic Board GamesBest War Games and Strategy GamesBest Family Board Games …and check out board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!