Chess stands as one of the most cherished board games globally, and for compelling reasons. It's not solely about winning; chess is a blend of art, science, and sport that encourages lifelong learning. The surge in interest following Netflix's The Queen's Gambit a few years ago only amplified its appeal, yet chess has remained a beloved pastime, transcending trends. Its allure lies in the simplicity of its rules coupled with the profound depth of strategy, offering endless opportunities for improvement. It's no surprise that many people keep a chess set at home, not just for occasional play, but as an elegant centerpiece on a sideboard or coffee table, subtly inviting them to engage in this timeless game.
Choosing the right chess set, however, involves more than just picking one off the shelf. While you can find inexpensive options at any toy store, they may not provide the satisfaction or durability you seek. A quality set should have weighted pieces, adding stability and a satisfying feel to the game. For plastic and wood sets, look for triple-rated pieces. Additionally, consider the color contrast; plain black and white pieces can blend into the board, so opting for different hues can enhance visibility and playability.
No matter your budget or preferred theme, our curated selection of the best chess sets caters to all preferences and needs.
Chess Sets | Image Credit: Getty
Best Basic Chess Set
### LONDON CHESS CENTRE Best Basic Chess Set
3$26.98 at chess.co.uk
When "basic" translates to "cheap and cheerful," the Weighted Gambit Plastic Set offers the perfect balance of simplicity and quality. Chess is a lifelong pursuit, so investing in a solid set is wise. This set, commonly found in schools and chess clubs, features weighted pieces for stability and comfort. The roll-up vinyl board, with its green and white squares, provides excellent contrast, making it not only a practical choice for travel and storage but also the world's most popular plastic chess set, as claimed by the manufacturer.
Best Wooden Chess Set
Hand-carved Dubrovnik II Wooden Set
Wooden chess sets are steeped in tradition, offering a wide range of options. For a straightforward set, weighted pieces and good board contrast are key. But for the ultimate wooden chess set, luxury brands stand out. The hand-carved Dubrovnik II set from Slovenia, inspired by the 1950 Chess Olympiad and admired by legends like Bobby Fischer, combines classic design with a modern touch. Although the original 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, enhanced with slightly heavier bases for a more satisfying gameplay 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 and affordability make it a popular choice. Glass sets catch the light beautifully, with clear and frosted pieces adding a modern flair. The Gamie set stands out with its larger-than-standard pieces, thoughtful design, and additional features like felt feet for protection and a storage box, making it both a functional and decorative piece.
Best Marble Chess Set
### Italfama Best Marble Chess Set
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The Italfama Marble Chess Set epitomizes luxury for those with a higher budget. While the black and pink color option is currently unavailable for U.S. shoppers, the set remains a worthwhile investment. Marble's elegance can be distracting due to its veining and rich colors, which may blend into the board. However, for U.K. customers, the pink and black set offers a striking contrast, enhancing playability and visual appeal.
### 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 they don't fully satisfy as either a Lego build or a chess set. However, the LEGO Traditional Chess Set stands out by offering the joy of assembly and play, featuring standard chess pieces built from Lego bricks. This set remains available, unlike other retired Lego chess sets, making it a unique and fun choice for the whole family.
Best Harry Potter Chess Set
### Best Harry Potter Chess Set
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While themed Harry Potter chess sets with characters from the series exist, they can be pricey and confusing in terms of piece identification. A more practical and visually appealing option is a set inspired by the wizard chess from the films, featuring pieces similar to standard chessmen but with the iconic design from the movies. This durable plastic set not only looks great but also brings the magic of the Harry Potter universe to your tabletop at a reasonable cost.
Best Star Wars Chess Sets
### Best Star Wars Chess Set
6See it
### Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set
1$59.99 See it
Although there are no official rules for holochess from the Star Wars movie, fans can enjoy themed chess sets featuring characters from the franchise. The Star Wars Saga Edition focuses on the original trilogy, with detailed, high-quality plastic pieces. While currently out of stock, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Chess Set remains a solid, more affordable alternative.
Best The Lord of the Rings Chess Sets
### HOYLE'S OF OXFORD Best LOTR Chess Set
3See it
Although chess isn't explicitly mentioned in Tolkien's works, its presence in Middle-earth is implied. Themed sets often feature characters from the story, but the set from Hoyle's of Oxford stands out with its medieval-inspired sculpts, approved by the Tolkien estate. Featuring iconic characters like Aragorn and Sauron, this set is a perfect gift for fans of both chess and The Lord of the Rings. For those seeking a more luxurious option, The Noble Collection's Battle for Middle-Earth set, priced at nearly $500, offers an authentic and high-quality choice.
Best Travel Chess Set
### Best Travel Chess Set
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Travel chess sets vary widely, but flat, folding sets can be less satisfying to play with. The ChessHouse Leather Travel Magnetic Chess Set stands out for its practicality and elegance. Its standard-format pieces are smaller yet strongly magnetized, ensuring they stay in place during travel or when the game is paused. This set comes with a convenient pouch for easy storage and transport.
Best Giant Chess Set
### MegaChess Large Chess Set
2See it at Amazon
For those interested in outdoor chess, the MegaChess Large Chess Set from Amazon is an ideal choice. With pieces up to 12 inches tall and a 4x4 ft mat, it's perfect for casual outdoor play or indoor use, and easy to store in a shed or garage.
How to Play Chess
For beginners or those looking to refine their skills, Chess.com offers a comprehensive guide divided into seven steps, including a video breakdown. Key aspects to learn include setting up the board, understanding piece movements, special rules, winning strategies, and, most importantly, practicing regularly.
How to Set Up a Chess Board
Setting Up a Chess Board | Image Credit: Getty
To prepare for a game, ensure the board is oriented with a white square in the bottom right corner. Place pawns on the second row of each side, followed by rooks in the corners, knights next to the rooks, bishops next to the knights, and the queen on her color, with the king beside her. Now, you're ready to play!
For more gaming options, explore our picks for:
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