Home News Top 11 Chess Sets for Immediate Purchase

Top 11 Chess Sets for Immediate Purchase

Author : Alexander Update : May 15,2025

Chess is one of the most beloved 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 opportunities for learning. The surge in interest following Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit a few years ago has only reinforced its timeless appeal. Chess is easy to learn yet offers profound strategic depth, allowing players to improve throughout their lives. It's no surprise that many people enjoy having a chess set at home, even if they only play occasionally. A well-chosen set not only serves as an attractive centerpiece but also as a subtle invitation to engage in this captivating game.

Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking the cheapest option from a toy store. A quality set needs to be durable and satisfying to play with. Better-quality plastic and wood pieces often include added weights for stability and comfort. Additionally, selecting colors with good contrast is crucial—plain black and white pieces can blend into the board, reducing visibility.

No matter your budget or preferred material and theme, we have curated a selection of the best chess sets currently 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 you think "basic," you might expect something cheap and simple, but this Weighted Gambit set offers quality without breaking the bank. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, so investing in a durable set makes sense. This classic set of plastic pieces, often seen in schools and chess clubs, is enhanced with added weights for stability and a smoother playing experience. The roll-up vinyl board is perfect for portability and storage, and the green and white squares provide excellent contrast, making it the world's most popular plastic chess set according to the manufacturer.

Best Wooden Chess Set

High-Quality & Hand-Carved

Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set

Wood is the traditional choice for chess sets, offering a wide variety of options. For a straightforward set, look for weighted pieces and good contrast with the board. For the ultimate wooden chess set, consider luxury brands. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II from Slovenia, inspired by the pieces used in the 1950 Chess Olympiad, is hailed as the "best chessmen ever." Its design, loved by chess champions like Bobby Fischer, offers a modern twist on a classic style. While the original set won't be available until 2025, an alternative from Royal Chess Mall, the 1950s Reproduction Fischer Dubrovnik Chess Set, captures the same craftsmanship with light boxwood and mahogany-gilded dark pieces, and slightly increased weighting for enhanced play.

#### Best Wooden Chess Set

11See it

Best Glass Chess Set

For Elegant Design and Decor Appearance

#### 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 offer a modern look with clear and frosted distinctions. The Gamie set stands out with larger, well-designed pieces, felt feet to prevent damage, and a storage box, making it a stylish display piece as well as a functional set.

Best Marble Chess Set

For a Luxurious Set at a Higher Budget

#### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set

10See it

The Italfama marble chess set is the epitome of luxury. While the ideal black and pink color palette isn't available for U.S. shoppers, 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. residents, the Italfama Black and Pink Marble Chess Set offers a well-contrasted design that enhances 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, but the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out. It offers the joy of building and playing with a set that retains the beloved Lego aesthetic. Unlike other themed sets, this one isn't retired, making it a unique and engaging option for families.

Best Harry Potter Chess Set

Fit for a Wizard

#### Best Harry Potter Chess Set

7See it

Harry Potter-themed chess sets often feature characters from the books and films, but they can be costly and confusing. A more practical choice is the wizard chess set inspired by the game played by Harry and Ron in the first story. This durable plastic set, designed after the iconic film version, offers a recognizable and affordable option that adds a touch of magic to your gameplay.

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 Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets featuring characters from the series. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, with detailed sculpts of beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Although currently out of stock, the Star Wars chess set inspired by Star Wars film and TV releases remains a solid and more affordable choice.

Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets

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

3See it

While chess isn't directly mentioned in Tolkien's books, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. Themed sets often feature characters from the story, but this set by a renowned British craftsman echoes the medieval Lewis chessmen. With Aragorn and Galadriel as king and queen for the free peoples, and Sauron and Shelob for Mordor, this officially licensed set is a perfect gift for fans of both chess and The Lord of the Rings.

Another LOTR Winner (With a Higher Price Tag)

If the top pick is sold out, consider The Noble Collection The Lord of The Rings - Chess Set: Battle for Middle-Earth. This epic The Lord of the Rings chess set is a collector's item with a price tag of nearly $500.

Best Travel Chess Set

ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set

#### Best Travel Chess Set

6See it

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 strong magnets ensure pieces stay in place, and the included pouch makes it easy to pack up and go.

Best Giant Chess Set

MegaChess Large Chess Set

#### MegaChess Large Chess Set

2See it at Amazon

For outdoor play, the MegaChess set from Amazon is a practical choice. With 12-inch tall pieces and a 4x4 ft mat, it's easy to store and suitable for both casual outdoor and indoor play.

How to Play Chess

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

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: