Chess stands as one of the most beloved board games worldwide, and for compelling reasons. Beyond the thrill of victory, chess is an intricate blend of art, science, and sport, offering endless opportunities for learning and growth. The surge in interest following Netflix's The Queen's Gambit a few years ago only reinforced its timeless appeal. Chess captivates because it's easy to learn yet offers profound strategic depth, ensuring a lifetime of engagement. It's no surprise that many cherish a chess set as a home decor piece, even if they play sporadically or not at all. A well-chosen set not only enhances a sideboard or coffee table but also beckons players to engage with this timeless game.

Selecting the perfect chess set, however, involves more than just picking any off-the-shelf option. While you can find inexpensive sets in most toy stores, they often lack the durability and satisfaction of a quality set. A good chess set requires pieces with sufficient weight, which is why better-quality plastic and wood sets often include added weights (a triple-rated set is ideal). Additionally, selecting colors with strong contrast is essential—surprisingly, plain black and white pieces can blend into the board.

No matter your budget or preference for material and theme, our curated selection of the best chess sets currently available caters to every need.

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 substandard. If you're looking for a simple yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is an excellent choice. Chess is a game you can delve into for life, so investing in a solid set makes sense. This classic set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and smooth gameplay. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for travel and storage, and the green and white squares enhance visual contrast with the pieces, making it, according to the manufacturer, the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide array of choices. For a straightforward set, opt for one with weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate in wooden chess sets, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, touted by its maker as the "best chessmen ever," is inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik. Beloved by chess legends like Bobby Fischer, this set offers a modern twist on a classic design. Unfortunately, you'll need to wait until 2025 for this set, but we've found a comparable alternative that embodies the same craftsmanship and quality.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

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For a luxurious wooden set in the iconic Dubrovnik style, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set from Royal Chess Mall is a more affordable and accessible option. Made from light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, this set retains the authenticity of the original while featuring slightly increased weights for enhanced gameplay satisfaction.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass may not seem the most practical material for a chess set due to its fragility, but its aesthetic appeal makes it a popular choice. Glass sets beautifully capture light and the clear and frosted distinctions on squares and pieces lend a clean, modern look. The Gamie set stands out as our top pick, offering larger, well-designed pieces with felt feet to prevent damage and a storage box, although its display quality might mean you'll never need to store it away.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

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The stunning Italfama marble chess set is the epitome of luxury. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available for U.S. shoppers, this set remains a worthwhile investment for serious players. Marble's allure lies in its luxurious look and feel, though it requires careful handling due to its fragility. The rich colors and veining of marble can sometimes blend with the board, making visual distinction challenging.

Best Option for Those in the U.K.:

For those in the U.K., the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set uses contrasting pink and black stone with thick veins, balancing visual appeal with playability. U.K. shoppers can find it here:

### 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

While themed Lego chess sets can feel like a compromise, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set offers the best of both worlds. It's a standard set constructed from Lego pieces, giving it a unique yet familiar look. Enjoy the fun of assembling and playing with this set, which is the only currently available LEGO chess set.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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When considering a Harry Potter chess set, you might envision pieces modeled after characters from the books and films. While such sets exist, they can be pricey and confusing to remember which character represents which piece. Instead, opt for a set inspired by wizard chess, as seen in the first Harry Potter story. This durable plastic set, resembling the iconic film design, offers an affordable and visually striking option, perfect for fans looking to relive the movie's chess scene.

This set is one of our top Harry Potter gifts for 2025, whether for yourself or a fellow Potter enthusiast.

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

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 beloved characters from the original trilogy, featuring high-quality sculpts of figures like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars chess set based on The Force Awakens remains a solid, more affordable choice.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

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Though chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's works, references confirm its presence in Middle-earth, perhaps inspired by the game's ancient roots in Anglo-Saxon culture. This exquisite set, crafted by a renowned British artisan, features cold-cast pieces with an antique wash, showcasing iconic Lord of the Rings characters. With Aragorn and Galadriel as king and queen for the free peoples, and Sauron and Shelob representing Mordor, this set has the official endorsement of the Tolkien estate. It's a perfect gift for fans of both the series and the game.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

If our 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 price tag nearing $500. This epic The Lord of the Rings chess set from The Noble Collection is a must-have for dedicated fans and collectors.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

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Travel chess sets come in various forms, but flat sets can detract from the gameplay experience. Our recommended ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set offers a standard-format set in a smaller size, perfect for portability. The strong magnets ensure pieces stay in place, and the included pouch allows for quick and easy storage. For alternative travel chess options around the same price, consider sets under $50, $40, or $30.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For those interested in giant outdoor chess, the MegaChess Large Chess Set from Amazon is a practical choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, this set is manageable for storage and suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.

How to Play Chess

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

For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide to playing chess, broken down into seven steps with video tutorials. Key points include:

• How to set up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Learning special rules
• Knowing how to win
• Basic strategies

Mastery comes with practice, practice, practice.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

Before diving into your new chess set, learn how to arrange the pieces:

Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty

• Orient the board with a white square in the bottom right corner.
• Place a row of pawns on the second rank for each side.
• Position rooks in the corners, followed by knights next to them, and bishops beside the knights.
• Leave two spaces in the center for the queen (on her color) and the king.

With your board set up, you and your guests are ready to enjoy the timeless game 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 board game deals and gift ideas for board gamers!