The 11 Best Chess Sets to Buy Right Now

Chess, renowned as one of the world's most beloved board games, captivates players with its blend of art, science, and sport. Its enduring appeal, which surged with the popularity of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, lies in its accessibility combined with a profound strategic depth that encourages lifelong learning. Many enthusiasts keep a chess set at home, not just for occasional play, but also as an elegant decor piece that subtly invites them to engage in this timeless game.

However, selecting the perfect chess set involves more than just picking one off a shelf. While budget options are readily available, they often lack the durability and quality that enhance the playing experience. A superior set should have weighted pieces—preferably a triple-rated set—to ensure stability and a satisfying feel. Additionally, choosing contrasting colors, such as green and white instead of the typical black and white, can improve visibility and enhance gameplay.

Whether you're looking for a basic, wooden, glass, marble, or themed set, we have curated a selection of the finest chess sets available to suit every taste and budget.

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.ukFor those seeking a straightforward yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set stands out as a reliable choice. It offers the durability and feel that a lifetime of chess play demands. The set's weighted pieces ensure stability and a smooth gaming experience, while the roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage. Opting for green and white squares instead of black and white enhances piece visibility during play, making it a top pick among plastic chess sets globally.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide range of options. For a luxury experience, the hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia stands out, hailed as the "best chessmen ever" by its creators. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set is cherished by chess legends like Bobby Fischer. Although the original set's availability is slated for 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall offers similar craftsmanship and quality with the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, featuring light boxwood and mahogany-gilded pieces for an authentic look.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See itFor those seeking a wooden set with iconic style, the Royal Chess Mall's offering is an affordable and accessible choice.

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See itGlass chess sets, while delicate, offer a stunning visual appeal and a modern aesthetic. The Gamie set is our top recommendation, providing larger, well-designed pieces with thoughtful additions like felt feet for protection and a storage box. Its elegance makes it a beautiful display piece as well as a pleasure to play with.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See itMarble sets embody luxury, and the Italfama set is a prime example. While the ideal black and pink palette isn't currently available in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile investment for its opulence. Marble's rich colors and veining can sometimes distract from gameplay, but the U.K. version in contrasting pink and black offers a visually pleasing and functional solution.

### Italfama Marble Chess Set

1Free Standard UK Delivery on all orders over £50See itBest Lego Chess Set

Fun for the Whole Family

### LEGO Traditional Chess Set

1See it at LEGOThe LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out among themed sets by offering the classic chess experience with the added joy of building it yourself. This set maintains the beloved LEGO aesthetic and is the only current LEGO chess set not yet retired.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See itInspired by the wizard chess in the Harry Potter series, this set combines the iconic film design with affordability and playability. It's a perfect gift for fans in 2025, allowing them to relive the magic of the movies while enjoying a game of chess.

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 itStar Wars fans can enjoy themed chess sets, with the Saga Edition focusing on beloved characters from the original trilogy. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains an excellent and more affordable choice.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See itThe Lord of the Rings chess set from Hoyle's of Oxford captures the essence of Middle-earth with its detailed sculpts of iconic characters. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a must-have for fans who appreciate both the series and the game.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

For those willing to invest more, The Noble Collection offers the The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth, a collector's item that brings the epic battle to your chessboard.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

### Best Travel Chess Set

6See itThe ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set is ideal for chess enthusiasts on the go. Its compact size and strong magnets ensure pieces stay in place, making it perfect for travel without sacrificing the quality of play.

For alternative travel chess options around the same price, see:

Under $50 Under $40 Under $30 Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at AmazonFor those interested in playing chess on a grand scale, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is an excellent choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's perfect for outdoor play and easy to store.

How to Play Chess

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

Beginners and seasoned players alike can benefit from the comprehensive guide at Chess.com, which breaks down the rules into seven easy steps, including a video tutorial. Key aspects to master include: