Top 11 Chess Sets for Immediate Purchase

Chess stands as one of the most celebrated board games worldwide, and for compelling reasons. It transcends mere competition, embodying an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. The surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years back only underscored its timeless appeal. Chess captivates with its simple rules yet profound strategic depth, allowing players to continually refine their skills over a lifetime. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, serving not just as an occasional game but also as an elegant centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting players to engage in this timeless challenge.

Selecting a quality chess set, however, involves more than just picking up the cheapest option at a toy store. A truly satisfying set requires durability and playability. High-quality plastic or wood pieces often include added weights for stability and a better feel during play (aiming for a triple-rated set is ideal). When choosing colors, consider contrast carefully; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board. Whether your budget is modest or lavish, and regardless of the material or theme you prefer, our curated selection of the finest chess sets available today will cater to your needs.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: GettyBest Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.ukFor those seeking an entry-level yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, and investing in a solid set can enhance your playing experience. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for added stability and a smooth playing experience. The accompanying roll-up vinyl board, with its green and white squares, offers superior visual contrast, making it easier to follow the game. It's no wonder this set is touted by its manufacturer as the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden SetWood remains the quintessential material for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For a basic yet quality wooden set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. However, for the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands like the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia. Inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set became an iconic choice, beloved by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II set won't be available until 2025, a comparable alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers similar craftsmanship and quality with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces for an authentic touch.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itFor those seeking a luxurious wooden set reminiscent of the Dubrovnik style, Royal Chess Mall's offering is both affordable and accessible, featuring slightly heavier bases for an enhanced playing experience.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass chess sets might seem unconventional due to their fragility, yet they are favored for their stunning appearance and affordability. They elegantly capture light, with clear and frosted pieces creating a modern aesthetic. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and practical features like felt feet for protection and a storage box. Though it's primarily a display piece, its beauty invites you to play.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itThe Italfama Marble Chess Set is the epitome of luxury in chess sets. While the black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S., this set remains a worthwhile investment for discerning players. Marble's rich colors and veining add a luxurious feel, though they require careful handling due to fragility. The intricate veining can sometimes blend pieces with the board, but the Italfama set available in the U.K. cleverly uses pink and black to maintain visual distinction.

### Italfama Marble Chess Set

1Free Standard UK Delivery on all orders over £50See itBest Lego Chess Set

Fun for the Whole Family

### LEGO Traditional Chess Set

1See it at LEGOLego chess sets offer a playful twist, though many feel they don't fully satisfy as either Lego builds or traditional chess sets. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set, however, strikes a perfect balance. Constructed from Lego bricks, it retains the beloved Lego aesthetic while offering the standard chess experience. It's the only current Lego chess set not retired, ensuring you can enjoy building and playing with it.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itHarry Potter-themed chess sets often feature characters from the series, but can be pricey and confusing in terms of piece recognition. An alternative inspired by the wizard chess from the films offers a more recognizable design. This durable plastic set, echoing the iconic film look, allows you to immerse yourself in the magical world without breaking the bank. It's a perfect gift for Harry 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 itWhile there's no official holochess set from the Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy various themed sets. The Saga Edition, focusing 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 and more affordable option.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itChess may not be directly mentioned in Tolkien's works, but its presence is implied in Middle-earth. Themed sets often feature characters, yet a set echoing medieval designs like the Lewis chessmen holds a special charm. This set by a renowned British craftsman features cold-cast pieces with an antique wash, depicting iconic characters such as Aragorn and Sauron, and is officially approved by the Tolkien estate. It's an excellent gift for fans of both the series and the game.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

If the top pick is unavailable, consider The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth. Priced at nearly $500, it's a collector's item that beautifully represents the epic battle between good and evil.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itTravel chess sets vary widely, but flat pieces in a folding sleeve often lack the tactile satisfaction and strategic clarity of a standard set. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a compact, standard-format set with strong magnets to keep pieces in place during travel. Its leather pouch allows for easy storage and transport, making it a practical yet elegant choice for chess enthusiasts on the go.

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

Under $50 Under $40 Under $30 Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonFor outdoor or indoor giant chess, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's sizable yet manageable for storage. Perfect for casual outdoor play or indoor gatherings, it's an excellent addition to any setting.

How to Play Chess

Beth Harmon (Played by Anya Taylor-Joy) from The Queen's GambitFor beginners or those looking to master chess, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, complete with a video breakdown. Essential knowledge includes:

• How to set up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Special rules
• Winning strategies
• Practice to refine your skills

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before playing with your new set, learn the correct setup:

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty- Place a white square in the bottom right corner.

• Arrange pawns on the second row for both sides.
• Position rooks in the corners, followed by knights next to each rook, and bishops next to each knight.
• Place the queen on the square of her color, with the king beside her.
• You're now ready to play!

For more gaming options and to expand your collection, explore our recommendations for:

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