The 12 Best Chess Sets of 2023 for Pros & Beginners

Best Overall

CB2 Marble Chess Game

4.2

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We think this sleek gray and white game is about as sophisticated as you can get, making it our top pick. The Banswara marble game board and pieces are hand-made by artisans in India, yielding a smooth finish with an ever-so-slight sheen to catch your eye. Whether playing or not, this set makes a beautiful coffee table decoration or dining table centerpiece, sure to spark conversation.

It’s not traditional by any means—the board is heavy, making it more of a permanent decor piece than a game you can assemble and disassemble on a whim. Thus, this is not the best board for taking on the go. Still, while the pieces are a bit abstract, experts will have no problem practicing their skills on this board.

Plus, the pieces are not your typical Staunton-style—they are modern interpretations. Though a beginner might have some initial trouble identifying pieces, it should become natural in no time. The price and high-quality makes this set privy to experts. Beginners may want to practice a bit more before investing in this statement piece.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 1.25 inches | Material: Marble | Recommended age: Not Listed}

Best Budget

Cardinal Game Gallery Chess & Checkers Wood Set

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The standard chessboard doubles as a checkerboard, and it comes with all of the pieces you'll need to play both (32 wooden chess pawns and 24 wooden checkers).

Despite its low price point, this set delivers on both looks and quality. The components are wood—no plastic here—and the pieces are sturdy and large enough for even little hands to grasp. The board itself measures 15.75 x 15.75 inches and folds for easy storage.

Price at time of publish: $34

_{Dimensions: 15.75 x 15.75 inches | Material: MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) Wood | Recommended age: 6 and up}

Best for Beginners

Winning Moves Games No Stress Chess

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Beginner kids and adults will appreciate helpful teaching features, like "action cards" that illustrate the game's rules, helpful hints, and details on how the pieces can move. The double-sided game board displays where to position pieces for starting play.

What you sacrifice with this particular setup is refinement. The board and pieces are cardboard and plastic, respectively. It's a price many learners, particularly those with children, are willing to pay since it makes learning a breeze.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 2.1 x 10.7 x 12.3 inches | Material: Paperboard, Plastic | Recommended age: 7 to 12}

Best Personalized

Etsy Wooden Chess Set

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For a personalized gift for the chess player in your life, opt for this handmade wooden set from the ArtisRaw shop on Etsy. This beautiful set is handcrafted from Tunisian olive wood and is available in three sizes for even further customization. Buyers can choose their favorite font out of six options to inscribe a name or phrase right on the board. The set is elevated with two drawers overnight for easy storage. Additionally, the artisan includes a free pot of wood polish to keep your set looking shiny and new for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $77

_{Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended age: Not Listed}

Best for Kids

The Noble Collection Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set

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For kids, choose a game set with a little more whimsy to hold their attention through long rounds of chess. This set mirrors traditional-style sets, so they'll learn the game's rules and have no problem switching to a more traditional game board once they get older. The design is highly-detailed miniature recreation of the wizard chess set depicted in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

Officially licensed by Warner Brothers, the game looks just like it does in the movies. Though hard molded plastic, each 2- to 4-inch game piece is expertly and intricately designed for the most realistic look. If there's any downside, it's the size of the large, intricate pieces that tend to crowd the board a bit. The pieces shouldn't bother novice and recreational players, but it is a consideration for anyone engaged in more serious play.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Dimensions: 10.63 x 10.63 x 3.74 inches | Material: Plastic, Cardboard | Recommended age: 7 to 14}

Best Electronic

Sharper Image Electronic Lighted Chess

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Great for solo play, this electronic chess set is perfect for those looking to sharpen their skills before facing an opponent. With the built-in chess computer, players can choose between 64 difficulty levels and four game styles with all of the instructions and chess rules easily displayed for beginners or those who need a quick refresher. If you make a wrong move then playing on your own, the computer will give you another chance, ensuring you learn as much as possible. Also, the smart board lights up for late night playing and learning.

Price at time of publish: $70

_{Dimensions: 14 x 10.4 x 1.8 inches | Material: Not Listed | Recommended age: 7 years and up}

Best Modern

Printworks Modern Chess Set

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Freshen up your chess play with a more vibrant colorful board. Exclusive to Anthropologie, this modern-inspired set from Printworks has all of the normal fixings of your usual chess board in a muted blue color palette. The board itself is plexiglass, which is surprisingly durable and easy to clean in case of any messes. At 9.75 sq. inches, it's slightly smaller than your usual board, which makes it great for those with limited space in their living rooms. All of the 40 wooden game pieces come in a cloth bag for easy storage and transport—and the entire set comes in a minimal checkered box that you won't mind showing off.

_{Dimensions: 14 x 7 x 1.5 inches | Material: Paperboard, Wood | Recommended age: Not Listed}

Best Travel

Hey! Play! Wooden Book-Style Chess Board

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If you want to have the option to play chess while on the go, look no further than this folding set. At 11 x 11 inches, it's a bit smaller than your average chess board. It folds in half for easy transport and storage, and the interior has enough space to hold all of the 32 wooden Staunton pieces. Plus, the edges are meant to resemble a book spine, so you can display it on a bookshelf without a problem.

Price at time of publish: $17

_{Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 1 inches | Material: Wood | Recommended age: 6 years and up}

Best 2-in-1

MoMA 2-in-1 Chess & Checkers Set

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With this colorful set, you'll never have to choose between chess and checkers again, since you always have the option to play either. Made of sustainably grown rubberwood, the set includes 32 chess pieces and 24 checker pieces and consists of a reversible game board that doubles as a lid for the storage box. A bright pastel color scheme makes gameplay extra fun.

Price at time of publish: $55

_{Dimensions: 8.75 square inches x 1.75 inches | Material: Rubberwood | Recommended age: 5 and up}

Best Wall Mounted

Uncommon Originals Wall Chess

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Wall chess is a great option if you don't have the time to play an entire game in one round (or want to save space). This oak set is designed to hang vertically, with each piece locking into place after every move. A special marker keeps track of where you left off, so you can pick your game up again whenever. It's made in Huntsville, Alabama, and comes in two different sizes—small (12 x 12 inches) and large (18 x 18 inches).

Price at time of publish: $98 for size small

_{Dimensions: Small (12 x 12 inches) and Large (18 x 18 inches) | Material: Birch Plywood, Solid Oak | Recommended age: 7 and up}

Best Luxury

Jonathan Adler Acrylic Chess Set

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There's no denying it: This set is an investment. But, if you're looking for a piece that will serve not only your chess needs but your decor needs as well, it's a great option.

The chessboard and pieces are acrylic, lending the set a retro vibe accentuated by its oversized construction. Depending on the look you're going for, you can choose between an electric orange and yellow or smoke and a clear color scheme. Each of the 32 pieces is screen printed with their character silhouette (Kings have a cheeky mustache, while queens have a clearly defined pout).

Price at time of publish: $625

_{Dimensions: 17.25 x 17.25 x 0.88 inches | Material: Acrylic | Recommended age: 7 and up}