The Best Lord of the Rings Chess Sets – Our Top Picks and Buying Guide!

Looking for the best Lord of the Rings chess sets?

If you have always followed Lord of the Rings in the movies and in books, then you should definitely have a LOTR chess set, too!

It’s every fan’s must-have, especially for those who are also crazy about chess. Not only will you love having the chess set for your practice sessions and tournaments but it is also nice to show off to your friends.

After all, there’s something so special and unique about the Lord of the Rings chess sets. It is more than the functionality of these items but the artwork of each. This is why it is not an exaggeration to say that these chess sets are more like an heirloom.

So, if you are looking into buying the best Lord of the Rings chess sets, you should definitely check out our featured items below. Take a look at these products and why they made it in our list. Let’s jump right in!

This epic chess set is indeed a collector’s item for a number of reasons. One, it is a stunning masterpiece. All the pieces are intricately-crafted, and they depict the actual appearance of the LOTR cast members. The realistic and awe-inspiring features are quite apparent, which is why this product is something not to be missed.

The detail is rich and true to every single nuance of the characters of the film. But moreover, there is a well-designed Middle Earth map presented right underneath the playing surface. Thus, this adds to the overall appeal of this chess set.

This item includes not just the chess pieces but also a board. The latter measures 15 by 15 inches, which is just the right size you need for a game of chess. Once you open the box and arrange the pieces to their designated locations, you should be ready to get started!

Pros:

• Comes with 32 chess pieces
• Realistic appearance
• Includes a board
• Intricate details

Cons:

• A bit too small for beginners
• More of a work of art than a standard chess set

2. The Lord of the Rings Chess Set- The Return of the King

If you have been following the Lord of the Rings saga, then you are most likely to be familiar with the Return of the King chapter. This is a thrilling episode, which is why we are not surprised that it has been depicted in this fantastic chess set.

This product comes with 32 chess pieces. Each piece is sculpted with a pewter/ bronze effect, which adds to its elegance. The material is carefully selected and all the pieces feature the artistry of the maker behind this product.

Do note, however, that although this is a gorgeous chess set, it may not be something that professional chess players would easily like to use. The pieces may be confusing to tell apart, which is the only drawback to it. But for LOTR fans, this chess set is brilliant and an answer to their prayers!

Pros:

• Large chess pieces
• Complete set
• Comes with a board
• Suitable for beginners and professionals

Cons:

• Some of the chess pieces are inaccurate
• Better as a display or collector’s item

3. Eaglemoss Lord of The Rings Chess Collection Complete Set

Made of the finest materials and brilliant craftsmanship, this LOTR chess set will simply blow your mind. We are fascinated with the realistic appearance of each character. Thus, it is a testimony of the amount of work the maker devoted to accomplishing this wonderful piece of art.

The chess pieces are just the right size you want. There is also a chessboard included in the package, so you can start playing right away. This is why you should be ready to rock upon unboxing this item.

We have nothing but positive words for this Lord of the Rings chess set. It is beautiful, durable, and simply stunning. Make sure to check the pieces well upon opening to be certain that every character is included for your peace of mind.

Pros:

• Contains all 32 pieces
• Includes a chessboard
• Durable and smooth materials
• Portable design

Cons:

• A bit too small for other people
• Better as a display or decorative piece

4. Lord of the Rings - Fellowship of the Ring Chess Set

And the last- but definitely not the least in our best Lord of the Rings chess sets is the Fellowship of the Ring chess set. In terms of appearance, this item is definitely quite impressive and well-made. All the pieces are high-quality, which make them perfect for the price.

There is also a board included in the package. Some people claim that the board is a bit too small. Yet, you always have the option to buy your own board if need be. It may also appear quite plain-looking compared with the spectacular design of the pieces, yet it is not a big deal at all.

To sum it up, it is still great luxury chess set to purchase. Why it may appear lackluster in some aspects, it remains to be of superior quality and worth every buck you pay.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight
• Durable design
• Includes a chessboard
• Reasonably-priced

Cons:

• The board is a little bit small
• The characters can be tricky to figure out

Guide to Buying the Best Lord of the Rings Chess Set

After learning more about our recommended items, let us go into the nitty-gritty of things. We’ll discuss more the key features you should be looking for in the best Lord of Rings chess sets. Here are among the ones you should consider when it comes to buying the finest quality chess set featuring this famous theme.

1. Material and Construction

First of all, you should take a look at the material used to build the pieces and the board.

There are chess pieces that may be a bit too plain-looking while others may seem over the top. Some chess sets are crafted from wood, which makes them look like your standard ones. On the other hand, there are chess pieces made of metal and bronze, and these are a bit more decorative in terms of appearance.

At the end of the day, your decision depends on which chess set lasts longer and is more durable. This way, you can expect to get the best bang for your buck from your purchase.

2. Design

Next, let’s go into aesthetics.

If you want to buy the best Lord of the Rings chess sets, then these need to be stunning and well-made.

Even if you assume that LOTR chess sets look the same, this is simply not the case. The theme may be similar but the style varies greatly. There are chess sets with a more subtle feel in them while others are more in-your-face or over-the-top.

Some even come with chess pieces that look just like the actual LOTR cast. But in other cases, these look like the standard chess pieces with a hint of Lord of the Rings. The choice is entirely up to you, depending on what meets your fancy.

3. Price Point

And lastly, consider the price tag of the item.

While you can definitely find an endless choice of Lord of the Rings chess sets out there, it still all depends on what you are willing to pay for the item.

Think about the value for your money, which is the most practical route when purchasing this game. You definitely want to be sure that although the set may seem good-looking, it still needs to be well-worth your dollar.

Whether it is for decorative or practical use, always keep in mind the price point and how it correlates to the item in question.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lord of the Rings chess set is simply stunning and awe-inspiring. Just check out the aesthetics and realistic feel of this chess set in the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOhpCb2iGjg

After discussing those features that can impact your decision on which item to purchase, let us talk about these commonly asked questions about the best Lord of the Rings chess sets.

1. What is the best material to choose for a Lord of the Rings chess set for display?

Lord of the Rings chess sets come in a wide range of styles and designs. And when buying a set for you, it is worth looking into the material used.

For instance, you can find a chess set with pieces made of Bud Rosewood. It is a stunning, yet durable material that should complement an Alabaster table at your office or living room.

Or, you can go for a metal or stone set, which is pretty much ideal for display purposes. It is not the kind you can simply grab and go for your tournaments or weekend trip. So, this type of Lord of the Rings chess set is better off left at home due to its weight.

Just take note of the fact that chess pieces made of stone can be very delicate. Once they break, you will have to get them replaced since it can be difficult to glue the pieces together.

Overall, wooden pieces are more practical and durable. These can last for a long time and do not take much to maintain. It is just a matter of choosing the type of wood for the pieces.

2. What are the popular types of wood used to make chess pieces?

Speaking of wooden chess pieces, you will be amazed to know that there are simply so many types of wood used to create these items.

There is the Bud Rosewood, which is basically dark-colored with a touch of red all throughout. This is a gorgeous wood used in many chess pieces, specifically high-end ones. Sometimes, manufacturers call this wood “Red Sandalwood” or “Blood Rosewood.”

Then, there is the Ebony. This is a black or dark-colored hardwood that exudes elegance and style. While it does look great, there is a tendency to crack and chip easily. Thus, you need to keep it away from a humid location to prevent these issues. Price-wise, it is up there, close to the Bud Rosewood.

If what you look for is versatility, we recommend searching for chess pieces and boards made of Rosewood. It is typically brown in color and will match any board without any problem.

Ebonized is a cheaper version of the Ebony wood. Since the latter is more expensive, many chess sets are “ebonized” to give them the look of ebony wood but without the steep price. They are also stained black, lending an image quite similar to ebony. So, in terms of aesthetics, these two are quite similar. It is only the price point that sets them apart.

Many chess pieces in the mid-range price point are crafted from Boxwood. This type of wood or whitewood may be typically used for the lighter-colored chess pieces. As a result, there is no trace of grain in them.

And lastly, there is Sheesham. It is another pricey type of dark wood used for the darker chess pieces. Entry-level and standard wooden chess pieces are often made from this wood type.

3. How do I buy the right wooden chessboard?

If you are buying a chessboard separately, then you should consider a few important factors to ensure that you are making the right decision.

First, be sure that you get the right board size. In a standard chess tournament, the king's height must be 3.75 inches. Moreover, the board should measure 20 inches on all sides.

However, if you are not planning on using the chess set for a tournament, then you can get away with any size. Decorative chess sets vary in size and some can be quite big - both the board and the pieces.

Next, the board must have squares that are the perfect size for each piece. Specifically, the king’s base should cover up to 75 percent of the square. Thus, you need to adjust the size of the board if your chess pieces are too small or too big. This way, you will not end up overcrowding the board with the pieces.

4. What other factors should you consider when buying a Lord of the Rings chess set?

Are you buying a chess set for a beginner, professional, or someone in between?

Furthermore, is the user going to join a chess tournament or is the chess set simply going to be used for practice or training purposes?

If you are looking into purchasing a chess set for a newbie or someone who has little experience in the game, then you need to keep this into consideration.

For instance, you would not gift a young child an expensive and heavy Lord of the Rings chess set. The pieces may be too dangerous for a child, especially if you are planning on giving them to a youngster.

Consider the material used for the chess set, which should not have any toxic materials. This is the case when you are trying to train a child prodigy at chess. Also, an expensive chess set is an overkill when your little chess player is not too careful. The last thing you want is to have one of the knights lose a bridle.

So, if the chess set is for a beginner or a young player, then you should consider buying a standard chess set made of safe and non-toxic materials. Forget about the fanciness of stone or metal chess pieces, which can be quite risky to give to a young learner.

5. What is the best Lord of the Rings chess set for a young player?

For the most part, Lord of the Rings chess sets are more appropriate for older players. Since these sets are usually heavy and made of expensive materials, they are well-suited for mature individuals.

But if you are planning on giving this chess set to a younger individual who will be getting adult supervision during each gameplay, then you should opt for a starter set. We recommend an unweighted set or something that is lightweight.

These chess sets are much easier to carry around and store. They are also virtually indestructible, so you don’t have to worry about the pieces breaking after just a few days of buying them. Moreover, there are chess sets in the starter category that come with fun and child-friendly colors.

6. What other things should you think about when buying a chess set?

Last but not least, consider the price point before you buy a Lord of the Rings chess set.

Since these are special types of sets, you can just expect the price to be a bit steeper than the standard chess set.

For instance, the Collector’s Set can go upwards of $600, which is much more than what you would normally pay for a basic set. But the price point gives you an idea of what you can expect from this item.

When it comes to the construction, style, and overall vibe of this chess set, it is simply mind-blowing. The details are superb, the materials used are impeccable, and even the characters closely resemble the ones in the book or movie.

So, if realistic is what you want, then the price is surely not an issue.

The Collector’s Set is also very heavy. In fact, it can weigh as much as 22 pounds or so. Hence, it is not the kind of chess set that you would be towing around at your friend’s house or in school. This chess set is most likely to sit at your table in the office where it will be admired by guests.

However, do take note that not all Lord of the Rings chess sets are expensive. You should be able to find some in the $180 to $100 range. These are cheaper and the details are not as intricate as the pricier ones.

But for a nice game of chess, they definitely work. It is just a matter of knowing your budget, your purpose for buying a chess set, and whether you think it is worth it to shell out a massive amount of money for this type of chess set or not.

Lastly, should you buy a Lord of the Rings Chess set?

Well, why not? If you are a huge fan of this epic saga, then you would know perfectly well that it is worth spending some cash to buy a set, especially if you adore chess, too.

It is only a matter of finding the best Lord of the Rings chess set to buy since not all chess sets are created equal. This is why we came up with this review and product guide to help you find the right one you need.

Bottom Line

Chess is without a doubt an excellent game to play and master. You can enhance your wits, problem-solving skills, and ability to make smart decisions in life.

And if you are a Lord of the Rings fan, it is a no-brainer to purchase your very own chess set with this theme. It is a great way to reminisce the movie or novel while having a delightful experience playing the game using the best Lord of the Rings chess set.

So, we hope we were able to help you determine the product deserving of your time and money. Be sure to follow our guide and check our FAQs to understand more about this product and how to buy the perfect one that suits you best.