Top 11 Chess Sets for Immediate Purchase

Chess, one of the world's most beloved board games, captivates players with its blend of art, science, and sport. The surge in popularity following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit has only reinforced its timeless appeal. Chess is accessible to beginners yet offers a depth of strategy that keeps players engaged throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many enjoy having a chess set at home, not just for occasional play but also as an elegant centerpiece that invites a game at any moment.

Choosing the perfect chess set, however, requires more consideration than one might expect. While you can find affordable options at toy stores, these might not offer the durability and satisfaction of higher-quality sets. For instance, premium chess pieces often include weights for better stability and playability, especially in plastic and wooden sets, ideally triple-rated for quality. Additionally, selecting colors with good contrast is crucial, as 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 today.

Best Basic Chess Set

Weighted Gambit Plastic Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

When it comes to basic sets, you don't have to compromise on quality. The Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice for those seeking a simple yet substantial set. Popular in schools and chess clubs, this set features weighted pieces for enhanced stability and a comfortable playing experience. The roll-up vinyl board, with its green and white squares, provides excellent visual contrast, making it a top pick for its category.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide range of options. For those seeking luxury, the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia stands out. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad, this set is renowned for its craftsmanship and was beloved by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. While the original might be out of reach until 2025, a similar set from Royal Chess Mall offers the same iconic style and quality, with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, enhanced with modern weighting for a satisfying 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 offer a modern, elegant look despite their fragility. Our top pick from Gamie stands out with its larger, well-designed pieces and thoughtful additions like felt feet and a storage box. This set not only plays well but also serves as an attractive display piece.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

Marble sets exude luxury, but they require careful handling due to their fragility. The Italfama Marble Chess Set, while not available in the ideal black and pink for U.S. buyers, remains a top choice for its rich appearance. For U.K. residents, the black and pink set offers both visual distinction and a warm aesthetic.

### 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

Lego chess sets blend fun and playability, with the Traditional Chess Set standing out for its classic design and the joy of assembly. Unlike other themed Lego sets, this one retains the beloved Lego aesthetic, making it a unique and enjoyable option.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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Harry Potter fans can enjoy themed chess sets, but character-based sets can be costly and confusing. The wizard chess set, inspired by the game from the series, offers a more traditional look with iconic film design. This durable plastic set is a budget-friendly option and a great gift for Potter enthusiasts.

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 fans can choose from various themed sets, with the Saga Edition focusing on the original trilogy. While currently out of stock, the Star Wars chess set from The Force Awakens remains a solid, affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

The Lord of the Rings chess sets evoke the medieval charm of the Lewis chessmen, with this set featuring iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. Approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a perfect gift for fans and chess enthusiasts alike.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those looking for a more luxurious option, The Noble Collection's The Lord of the Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth is an epic collector's item, albeit at a higher price point.

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 standard format in a compact size, complete with a magnetic board and a handy pouch for easy storage.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is ideal. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's perfect for casual outdoor play or indoor fun.

How to Play Chess

For beginners or those looking to master the game, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide divided into seven steps, including a video breakdown. Understanding the setup, piece movements, special rules, and basic strategies is essential, followed by ample practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

To set up your chess board:

• Orient the board with a white square on the bottom right.
• Place a line of pawns on the second row of each side.
• Position rooks in the corners behind the pawns, followed by knights next to each rook, and bishops next to the knights.
• Place the queen on the square matching her color and the king next to her.

With your board set up, you're ready to dive into the fascinating world of chess!

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