Chess is one of the world's most beloved board games, and it's not hard to see why. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless opportunities for learning and growth. The surge in popularity following Netflix's The Queen's Gambit highlighted its appeal, but chess has always been a favorite, transcending trends. Its simple rules belie the deep strategic complexity that keeps players engaged and improving throughout their lives. Many enjoy having a chess set at home, not only for occasional play but also as a stylish centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table, serving as a constant invitation to dive into the game.

However, choosing a quality chess set involves more than you might expect. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, these may not offer the satisfaction or durability you desire. A quality set requires pieces with sufficient weight, often added to high-quality plastic or wood (ideally, a triple-rated set). Additionally, the colors should provide good contrast; surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we've curated a selection of the best chess sets available to suit 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 we say "basic," we don't mean cheap and flimsy. If you're looking for a straightforward set without compromising on quality, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Chess is a game you can master over a lifetime, so investing a bit more in a quality set makes sense. This classic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and a smooth feel. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares enhance visibility against the pieces. It's no surprise that it's touted as the world's most popular plastic chess set by the manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets are traditional, offering a wide range of options. For a simple yet quality set, look for weighted pieces and a board with good contrast. For the ultimate luxury, consider the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, hailed by its maker as the "best chessmen ever." Inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set has been adored by champions like Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II won't be available until 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, offers similar craftsmanship and quality. It features light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, with a slightly increased base weight for a more satisfying play experience.

#### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

#### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass may not seem like the most practical material for a chess set due to its fragility, but its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Glass sets capture light beautifully and offer a modern look with clear and frosted distinctions. The Gamie set stands out for its value, offering larger, well-designed pieces and thoughtful extras like felt feet and a storage box. Its elegance makes it a striking display piece, reducing the need for frequent storage.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

#### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

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The Italfama marble chess set is a top-tier choice for those seeking luxury. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's luxurious appearance comes with some drawbacks, such as fragility and the potential for the pieces to blend into the board due to rich veining. For U.K. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design, combining warmth with playability.

#### 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 feel like a compromise, often using minifigs and lacking the classic Lego build experience. For a true Lego chess experience, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set is the perfect choice. It combines the joy of building with the enjoyment of playing, offering a unique yet familiar look. This set is the only LEGO chess set currently available and not retired.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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While themed Harry Potter sets featuring characters from the books and films exist, they can be costly and confusing. The wizard chess set, inspired by the game played by Harry and Ron in the series, offers a more recognizable and iconic design. This durable plastic set is both affordable and visually appealing, making it a great choice for fans and players alike. It's one of our top Harry Potter gifts for 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 it

While there are no official rules for holochess from the original Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy various themed chess sets. The Saga Edition focuses on the beloved characters from the original trilogy, with detailed sculpts made from quality hard plastic. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set offers a more affordable alternative with its own charm.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Though chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's works, it's implied to exist in Middle-earth. This set, inspired by the medieval Lewis chessmen, features sculpts by a renowned British craftsman with an antique wash. It showcases iconic characters from the story, approved by the Tolkien estate, making it a perfect gift for fans and chess enthusiasts alike.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those seeking a more luxurious option, The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is an epic choice, albeit with a hefty price tag of 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 a quality set should be both practical and enjoyable to play. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard format in a compact size, complete with a handy pouch for easy storage. The strong magnetization ensures pieces stay in place, making it ideal for on-the-go play.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

#### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For giant chess enthusiasts, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's suitable for outdoor or indoor play 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 master chess, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including video tutorials. Key points include:

• How to set up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Special rules
• Winning strategies
• The importance of practice

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before you start playing with your new set, learn how to arrange the pieces:

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

1. Position the board with a white square in the bottom right corner.
2. Place a row of pawns on the second rank on both sides.
3. Rooks go in the corners, followed by knights next to them, and bishops next to the knights.
4. The queen goes on the square matching her color, with the king beside her.

Now you're ready to enjoy the game with your guests!

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