Top 11 Chess Sets to Purchase Now

Chess stands as one of the world's most beloved board games, celebrated not just for its competitive nature but as a blend of art, science, and sport that offers endless learning opportunities. The surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit has only reinforced chess's timeless appeal. Its rules are simple enough for beginners, yet the strategic depth is profound, promising a lifetime of mastery. Many appreciate having a chess set at home, even if it's just for occasional play or as an elegant decor piece. A well-crafted set not only enhances the visual appeal of a room but also serves as a subtle invitation to engage in the game.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than a simple purchase. While cheap options are readily available, they often lack the durability and satisfaction of higher-quality sets. A good set should have weighted pieces, which are essential for a stable and enjoyable gameplay experience. This is why triple-rated sets are highly recommended. Additionally, selecting colors with good contrast is crucial, as plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

Whether you're looking for affordability, luxury, or a specific theme, our curated list of the best chess sets caters to a variety of preferences and budgets.

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

For those seeking a basic yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Ideal for lifelong enthusiasts, this set offers stability and comfort with weighted pieces, making it a staple in schools and chess clubs. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares provide enhanced visibility during play. It's no surprise that it's considered the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

For a traditional and luxurious experience, wooden sets are a top choice. Among them, the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia stands out, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad and favored by legends like Bobby Fischer. Though the original is slated for 2025, a comparable alternative from Royal Chess Mall offers the same craftsmanship with a 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, featuring light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces for an authentic look and feel.

#### 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, add a touch of elegance and modernity to any setting. The Gamie set stands out with its larger, well-designed pieces and added features like felt feet and a storage box, making it a stylish display piece as well as a functional game set.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

#### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

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The Italfama marble set offers luxury and sophistication, though currently unavailable in the ideal black and pink for U.S. customers. Marble sets require careful handling due to their fragility, and the rich colors and veining can sometimes distract from gameplay. However, the U.K. version in pink and black provides a visually pleasing and well-contrasted option.

#### 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

For a playful twist, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set is a delightful option. Unlike other themed sets, this one retains the classic chess experience while offering the joy of building and playing with LEGO pieces.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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Harry Potter fans will appreciate the wizard chess set inspired by the iconic game from the series. This set combines the film's distinctive design with durable plastic pieces, making it both an affordable and visually appealing choice.

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

Star Wars enthusiasts can enjoy the Saga Edition chess set, focusing on the original trilogy's iconic characters. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

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For fans of Tolkien's epic, the LOTR chess set by Hoyle's of Oxford features beautifully crafted pieces representing characters from the story. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's an ideal gift for fans and chess players alike.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those seeking a collector's item, The Noble Collection's The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, priced at nearly $500, offers an authentic and detailed representation of the battle for Middle-earth.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

#### Best Travel Chess Set

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Travel chess sets need to balance portability with playability. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a compact yet standard format, with strong magnets ensuring pieces stay in place during travel.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

#### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor or indoor giant chess play, the MegaChess set is practical and fun. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's perfect for casual games and easy to store.

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. Mastering chess involves understanding the setup, piece movements, special rules, winning conditions, and basic strategies, all of which require practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before diving into the game, correctly setting up the board is essential:

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

• Start with a white square in the bottom right corner.
• Place pawns on the second row from the bottom for both sides.
• Position rooks in the corners, knights next to them, and bishops next to the knights.
• Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining square next to the queen.

Now, you and your guests are ready to enjoy the game of chess.

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