Chess is one of the most beloved board games globally, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. Even after the surge in popularity sparked by Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago, chess continues to captivate players both within and beyond these trends. The game's appeal lies in its accessibility—easy to learn yet deep in strategy, allowing players to improve throughout their lifetime. It's no surprise that many people enjoy having a chess set at home, serving as an inviting centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table, subtly encouraging them to engage in this timeless challenge.
However, selecting a quality chess set is more nuanced than you might think. While you can easily find inexpensive options at toy stores, these often lack the durability and satisfaction of a well-crafted set. A superior set of chess pieces should have a certain heft, achieved by adding weights to high-quality plastic or wood pieces (aim for a triple-rated set). The colors chosen for the pieces should also provide clear contrast; surprisingly, plain black and white can blend into the board, making it harder to distinguish the pieces.
Whether you're working with a tight budget or looking for a luxurious set, our curated selection of the best chess sets available today caters to every preference and style.
Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty
Best Basic Chess Set
### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set
3$26.98 at chess.co.uk
When we say "basic," we don't mean cheap and flimsy. If you're after a simple yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Given that chess is a game you can dedicate a lifetime to mastering, investing in a substantial set is worthwhile. This classic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and a smooth, comfortable play experience. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares provide better visual contrast with the pieces than traditional black and white. No wonder it's touted as the world's most popular plastic chess set by its manufacturer.
Best Wooden Chess Set
Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set
Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward yet quality set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. If luxury is what you seek, the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia is unparalleled. Inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set is celebrated by legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II set won't be available until 2025, Royal Chess Mall offers an accessible alternative—the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set. Crafted from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, it retains the iconic style while adding modern weighting for enhanced play.
### Best Wooden Chess Set
11See it
Best Glass Chess Set
### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set
3See it
While glass might seem an unconventional choice for its fragility, glass chess sets are admired for their elegant appearance and affordability. They beautifully capture light, and the common clear and frosted distinctions between squares and pieces lend a modern aesthetic. The Gamie set stands out for its larger, well-designed pieces and thoughtful additions like felt feet and a storage box, making it both a pleasure to play with and a striking display piece.
Best Marble Chess Set
### 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 isn't currently available for U.S. shoppers. Marble's allure lies in its rich colors and veining, yet these same qualities can distract from gameplay by blending the pieces with the board. However, for those in the U.K., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a perfect balance of warm aesthetics and clear visual distinction.
### 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
Themed Lego chess sets often fall short, either by using minifigs or lacking the quintessential Lego charm. For a true Lego experience, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out. It combines the joy of building with the pleasure of playing, offering a unique yet familiar appearance. This set remains the only currently available LEGO chess set.
Best Harry Potter Chess Set
### Best Harry Potter Chess Set
7See it
While character-based Harry Potter chess sets can be pricey and confusing, the wizard chess set inspired by the films offers a more recognizable and iconic design. This durable plastic set captures the essence of the movie without breaking the bank, making it a fantastic choice for fans and a great Harry Potter gift for 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
Though there's no official holochess set from the original Star Wars movie, themed chess sets based on the franchise abound. 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 is a worthy, more affordable alternative.
Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets
### HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set
3See it
While chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's works, it's implied to exist in Middle-earth. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist, features iconic characters like Aragorn and Galadriel facing off against Sauron and Shelob. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a perfect gift for fans of the series who also enjoy chess. For those looking for a more expensive option, The Noble Collection offers The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item priced at nearly $500.
Best Travel Chess Set
### Best Travel Chess Set
6See it
When it comes to travel chess sets, there are many choices, but flat, folding sets can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard-format set in a smaller, portable size. It includes a pouch for easy packing and strong magnets to keep pieces in place, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for travel.
Best Giant Chess Set
### MegaChess Large Chess Set
2See it at Amazon
For those interested in giant chess for outdoor play, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is an excellent choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's a practical size for both indoor and outdoor use, easily stored in a shed or garage.
How to Play Chess
If you're new to chess or looking to refine your skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide broken down into seven steps, complete with video tutorials. Key points to learn include:
- How to set up the chess board
- The types of pieces and their movements
- Special rules
- How to win
- Basic strategies
Practice is key to mastering the game.
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:
- Position the board so a white square is at the bottom right.
- Place a line of pawns on the second row of squares on each side.
- Position rooks (castle-shaped) in each corner behind the pawns.
- Place knights (horse-shaped) next to each rook.
- Position bishops (with a mitre-like top) next to each knight.
- Place the queen on the square matching her color.
- Position the king on the remaining space next to the queen.
Now you're ready to enjoy the timeless game of chess!
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