Chess is one of the most popular board games worldwide, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; chess is an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. The surge in interest following the popularity of Netflix's The Queen's Gambit a few years ago only underscores its timeless appeal. Chess is easy enough to learn yet offers such depth of strategy that players can spend a lifetime mastering it. It's no surprise that many people enjoy having a chess set at home, even if they play only occasionally. A well-crafted set serves as an elegant centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting players to engage with the game at any time.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking one off the shelf. While you can find inexpensive sets at any toy store, these may not be as enjoyable to play with or as durable. A quality set of chess pieces should have a certain heft to them, often achieved by adding weights to better-quality plastic or wood pieces (a triple-rated set is ideal). The colors should also be carefully selected to ensure good contrast; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can be difficult to distinguish on a traditional board.

No matter your budget or the material and theme you prefer, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets currently available to meet your needs.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess Set

### Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

When we say "basic," we mean simple yet effective. If you're looking for a straightforward set that doesn't compromise on quality, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, so investing a little more for a substantial set is worthwhile. This classic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and comfort during play. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and its green and white squares provide excellent visual contrast with the pieces. It's no wonder this is reportedly the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood is the classic choice for chess sets, offering a wide variety of options. For a simple set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia is hailed by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." Inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, which became an instant classic beloved by chess champions like Bobby Fischer, this set offers a slightly modern twist while retaining the original styling. Unfortunately, it won't be available until 2025, but we've found a comparable alternative.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

For those seeking a luxurious wooden set in this iconic style, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall is a more affordable and accessible choice. Crafted from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, it offers an authentic feel. The slightly increased weighting in the base adds to the satisfaction of moving the pieces.

Best Glass Chess Set

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

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Glass might not seem like the obvious choice for a chess set due to its fragility, but its aesthetic appeal and affordability make it a popular option. Glass sets beautifully capture light, and the clear and frosted distinction used for squares and pieces gives a clean, modern look. The Gamie set stands out with larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to prevent damage, and a storage box, making it a great choice for both play and display.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

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The Italfama marble set is the epitome of luxury, though the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S. Marble's rich colors and veining add a luxurious feel, but they can also distract from gameplay due to insufficient contrast. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted option with thick veins, ensuring both beauty and playability.

### 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 often lack the full Lego experience. The LEGO Traditional Chess Set, however, offers the unique joy of building and playing with a standard set made from Lego bricks. It's the only current LEGO chess set that isn't retired, making it a great choice for family fun.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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Harry Potter-themed chess sets often feature characters from the series, but they can be pricey and confusing. A better option is the wizard chess set inspired by the game played by Harry and Ron in the first story. This durable plastic set, designed based on the iconic film version, is both recognizable and affordable, making it a great gift for Potter fans in 2025.

Best Star Wars Chess Sets

### 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 original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy various themed chess sets. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader in high-quality, detailed sculpts. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a solid, more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

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Though chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's books, its presence in Middle-earth is confirmed. The set by Hoyle's of Oxford, featuring sculpts by a renowned British craftsman, captures the essence of the story with characters like Aragorn and Galadriel facing off against Sauron and Shelob. Approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a perfect gift for fans of the series and chess enthusiasts alike.

If this top pick is sold out, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item with a higher price tag of nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

### ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

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Travel chess sets come in various forms, but flat sets can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard-format set in a smaller size, complete with a handy pouch for easy storage. The strong magnets ensure the pieces stay in place, making it ideal for on-the-go play.

For alternative travel chess options, consider sets under $50, $40, or $30.

Best Giant Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor giant chess, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's reasonably sized for easy storage and suitable for both outdoor and indoor play.

How to Play Chess

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

If you're a beginner or looking to master the rules of chess, Chess.com offers a comprehensive seven-step guide, including video breakdowns. Key points include:

• Setting up the chess board
• Identifying and moving the pieces
• Understanding special rules
• Learning how to win
• Exploring basic strategies

Mastery comes with practice, practice, practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

Before playing with your new chess set, you'll need to set up the board correctly:

1. Orient the board so a white square is in the bottom right corner.
2. Place a line of pawns on the second row on each side.
3. Position the rooks in the corners behind the pawns.
4. Place the knights next to each rook.
5. Put the bishops next to each knight.
6. Leave the two center squares empty behind the pawns.
7. Place the queen on the square matching her color.
8. Position the king on the remaining center square next to the queen.

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

For more games to add to your collection, explore our picks for:

• Best Classic Board Games
• Best War Games and Strategy Games
• Best Family Board Games
• Board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers