Chess is one of the most popular board games worldwide, and for good reason. It's not just about winning; it's an art, a science, and a sport that offers endless learning opportunities. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago only reinforced its timeless appeal. Chess is easy to learn yet offers such depth of strategy that you can spend a lifetime mastering it. It's no surprise that many people keep a chess set at home, even if they play only occasionally. A well-crafted set not only serves as a beautiful centerpiece for a sideboard or coffee table but also as a constant, gentle nudge to engage in this intellectual pursuit.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking the cheapest option from a toy store. A quality set should be durable and satisfying to play with. Better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights for stability and a more enjoyable playing experience (ideally, you want a triple-rated set). The colors of the pieces should also be chosen carefully to ensure good contrast against the board, as plain black and white pieces can sometimes 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.

Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty

Best Basic Chess Set

### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set

3$26.98 at chess.co.uk

When you think of a basic chess set, you might imagine something cheap and cheerful. However, if you're looking for a simple yet quality set, the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set is a reliable choice. Chess is a game you can dedicate your life to, so investing in 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 the green and white squares provide better visual contrast with the pieces. It's no wonder it's claimed to be the world's most popular plastic chess set.

Best Wooden Chess Set

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood is the traditional material for chess sets, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good board contrast. For the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands like the hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, hailed as the "best chessmen ever" by its maker. Inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik, this set has been loved by chess champions, including Bobby Fischer. While the original Dubrovnik II set won't be available until 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall offers similar craftsmanship and quality. The 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, made of light boxwood with mahogany-gilded dark pieces, provides an authentic feel with slightly increased weighting for a more satisfying play experience.

### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

### Gamie Best Glass Chess Set

3See it

Glass might not be the first choice for a chess set due to its fragility, but its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Glass sets capture light beautifully, and the clear and frosted distinction between squares and pieces offers a clean, modern look. The Gamie Glass Chess Set stands out for its larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to prevent damage, and a storage box. It's a stunning display piece that you'll be proud to showcase.

Best Marble Chess Set

### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

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The Italfama Marble Chess Set is the epitome of luxury for those with a higher budget. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't currently available in the U.S., the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's rich colors and veining can be distracting, and it's more fragile than it looks, but the right contrast can mitigate these issues. For U.K. shoppers, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design that's both visually appealing and functional.

### 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

Themed Lego chess sets can feel like a compromise, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out. It's a standard set built from Lego bricks, offering a unique and beloved Lego aesthetic. You get the joy of assembling it and then playing with it, making it a fun choice for the whole family. This is the only LEGO chess set currently in production.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

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When you think of a Harry Potter chess set, you might picture pieces resembling characters from the books and films. However, these can be expensive and confusing. Instead, consider the wizard chess set inspired by the game Harry and Ron play in the first story. This durable plastic set, designed after the film version, is both iconic and affordable, making it a great addition to any Harry Potter fan's collection 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 themed chess sets featuring characters from the series. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, featuring beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set is a solid, more affordable alternative.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

Though chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's books, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. This set, crafted by a renowned British artist, features cold-cast sculpts with an antique wash, showcasing iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron. Officially approved by the Tolkien estate, it's a perfect gift for fans of both the series and chess. If this set 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.

Best Travel Chess Set

### Best Travel 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, perfect for portability. The magnetized board and pieces ensure they stay in place, making it ideal for on-the-go play.

Best Giant Chess Set

### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor chess enthusiasts, the MegaChess Large Chess Set is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's easy to store and perfect for casual outdoor or indoor play.

How to Play Chess

If you're new to chess or looking to refine your skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide in seven steps, including a video breakdown. Key points include:

• How to set up the chess board
• Understanding the pieces and their movements
• Special rules
• How to win
• Basic strategies

Practice is key to mastering the game.

How to Set Up a Chess Board

To set up your chess board:

1. Place a white square on the bottom right.
2. Arrange a line of pawns on the second row of each side.
3. Position rooks in the corners, knights next to rooks, and bishops next to knights.
4. Place the queen on the square matching her color, and the king on the remaining space next to the queen.

Now you're ready to play!

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