Chess Sets

Buying a Chess Set

Our range of chess sets includes everything from classic Staunton-style sets to portable travel boards. A standard chess set consists of 32 pieces (16 per side) – king, queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns for each colour – plus an 8×8 square board. The iconic Staunton design, created in 1849 by Nathaniel Cooke and endorsed by champion Howard Staunton, quickly became the international standard for chess pieces. In fact, modern chess authorities still recommend the Staunton style for tournament play. Today’s sets cater to all preferences: from basic plastic or vinyl starter sets and folding magnetic travel boards to meticulously handcrafted luxury chess sets made of exotic woods. Browse our collection to find the perfect chess set for your needs.

What is a Chess Set?

A chess set is the complete equipment needed to play chess: the board and the playing pieces. Each side has an identical set of pieces (in opposite colours) in a standard arrangement on the board. Chess originated in India around the 6th century (as Chaturanga) and evolved through Persia and medieval Europe. However, the modern chess set took shape in 19th-century England. The Staunton pattern (1849) established a uniform look for pieces – easily recognizable and stable for play. Since then, the Staunton chess set (often called a “timeless” set) has been universally used, especially in competitions. We carry both traditional and themed sets, but every one includes the full complement of pieces to start a game.

Craftsmanship and Materials

High-quality craftsmanship and materials distinguish one set from another. Most premium chess pieces are turned from hardwoods and then finished by hand. Common wood types include light-coloured boxwood or maple for the pale pieces, and richer woods like rosewood, walnut, or mahogany for the dark pieces. For example, boxwood is prized for its fine grain and durability, and can be stained or lacquered to create contrasting colours. Maple is also used for light pieces; it’s one of the lightest woods available yet still hard enough for piece carving. Dark woods such as natural ebony, rosewood or sheesham (Indian rosewood) give a luxurious look and heft. In fact, a set with authentic boxwood and ebony pieces is considered among the most premium combinations.

• Light Woods: Boxwood, maple, sycamore – hard yet finely grained, ideal for pale pieces.
• Dark Woods: Rosewood, walnut, mahogany, ebony – rich tones and durability.
• Other Materials: Budget sets may use beech or basswood, and inexpensive sets use plastic or vinyl. Some luxury sets even use stone (marble) or metal pieces for artistic effect.

Weight and Construction: Many quality sets have weighted pieces (metal inserts) for stability; they feel substantial and stay upright easily. The board itself can be solid wood, composite, or vinyl. We sell hinged folding boards (wood or plastic) that double as storage cases. Finishes vary: high-end boards have inlaid real-wood squares (no paint, relying on natural wood colours for contrast, often with a polished or satin surface. Inlaid and hand-rubbed finishes look elegant but cost more; laminated or printed boards are more economical.

Types of Chess Sets

Staunton and Tournament Sets

The classic Staunton chess set is the standard style for serious play. All tournament play uses Staunton-pattern pieces because they satisfy FIDE regulations. Tournament sets pair these pieces—often plastic or wood—with boards sized for competition. Official rules specify a board roughly 20–22 inches wide (50–55 cm), squares about 2.0–2.4 inches on a side (50–60 mm), and a king height close to 3.75 inches (95 mm). The king’s base should measure around 40–50% of its height to maintain proper proportion. We offer complete Staunton sets that meet these standards, supplied with traditionally finished wooden boards or durable roll-up vinyl boards printed with algebraic notation.

Folding & Magnetic Chess Sets

For casual play and travel, folding and magnetic sets are ideal. A folding chess set typically has a hinged board that closes to protect the pieces. Many travel boards are magnetic: tiny magnets in the base of each piece hold it firmly on the board so pieces don’t slide off in transit. This makes them perfect for playing on the go (by car, train, etc.) or for children. We carry several magnetised folding sets in wood or vinyl that include built-in piece storage when closed, combining convenience with a traditional look.

Electronic Chess Games

Electronic chess sets (or chess computers) add a digital twist. These sets use sensors or electronics to recognize moves, or provide an on-board computer for solo play. They still use standard chessmen (often Staunton style), but the board can light up squares or connect to apps. Check our Electronic Chess Games for options like DGT boards or self-playing chess computers. They’re great for practice, learning, or automating scorekeeping.

Luxury Chess Sets

A luxury chess set is designed to impress before the first pawn is moved. Artisans select rare timbers such as ebony or rosewood and pair them with gleaming marble or high gloss burl boards that shine like polished piano lacquer. Each piece is turned by hand then meticulously polished until the wood reflects light almost like glass. Dense metal weighting is inserted at the base of every figure so the king queen and even the pawns feel satisfyingly substantial when lifted. Details such as felted leather bottoms gold plated finials or discreet serial numbers reinforce exclusivity and assure collectors of long term value. Displayed on a coffee table or in a study the set functions as sculpture as well as sporting equipment inviting conversation about heritage and craftsmanship while instantly elevating any interior design scheme.

Wooden Chess Sets

Our Wooden Chess Sets collection showcases artisan boards and pieces crafted from eight carefully selected hardwoods. Each species offers its own colour depth grain character and playing feel ensuring you can match the set to both your décor and your preferred weight on the board.

Basswood is creamy light with an ultra fine grain perfect for finely carved knights. Beech displays a warm blond tone and robust hardness ideal for everyday club play. Birch offers a pale uniform surface that machines cleanly for minimalist modern sets. Cherry wood starts soft amber then matures into a rich reddish brown bringing warmth to heirloom boards. Dark fruitwood—usually stained pear or walnut—delivers a deep chocolate hue that mimics ebony at a friendlier price. Hornbeam ranks among the densest European hardwoods making pieces highly resistant to dings during blitz games. Limewood combines crisp carving capability with a slightly heavier feel than basswood capturing fine detail in themed sets. Mahogany provides a lustrous ribbon grain and signature reddish glow elevating luxury display boards and presentation boxes.

Size Guide for Pieces and Boards

• Regulation tournament board – about 20–21 inches wide (50–55 cm) with individual squares of 2.0–2.25 inches (5–6 cm).
• King height – approximately 3.75 inches (95 mm) for an official Staunton tournament set.
• Standard set example – our 22 inch board uses 2.17 inch squares (55 mm) paired with a 3.74 inch king (95 mm).
• No. 6 Staunton set – features a 2.36 inch king (60 mm), suitable for travel or display boards of similar scale.
• Other piece heights (proportional to king) – Queen ~3.35 inches (85 mm), Bishop ~2.76 inches (70 mm), Knight ~2.36 inches (60 mm). Each piece’s base should cover roughly 75–80 % of its square for ideal stability.

Buying Advice by Price Range

We offer sets for every budget and purpose. As a guideline: Entry-level chess sets (often plastic Staunton on vinyl) start around £20–£50; these are lightweight but durable for beginners or casual play. For club or home play, mid-range sets (£50–£150) in solid wood (beech, walnut, hornbeam) with felt bases and wooden boards give a premium feel. Experts suggest spending roughly $80–$200 (about £60–£150) on a good first serious set. These typically include regulation-sized pieces and a nice board. At the high end (£200 and up), luxury and collector sets feature exotic woods, hand-carving, and elegant presentation. A genuine ebony-and-boxwood set or heirloom-quality ensemble falls into this category. Here are some typical categories:

• Beginner Sets: Plastic or vinyl sets, pocket and student sets. Affordable (£10–£50), great for learning or casual use.
• Intermediate Sets: Wood Staunton sets (£50–£150) in common woods (beech, cherry, walnut). Well-crafted and classic look.
• Luxury/Collector Sets: From £200 upwards. Rare woods (ebony, boxwood, rosewood), inlaid boards, original designs. Often handmade or limited edition.

Gift and Presentation Options

Chess sets make elegant gifts. Many sets come packaged in presentation boxes or bags. Consider pairing a beautiful wooden chess board with a matching set of pieces as a complete gift package. Add accessories like a professional chess clock for timed play, or a crafted storage chess box for safekeeping. We also offer personalised engraving on select sets for special occasions. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or corporate gift, you can choose a bundled set or mix-and-match pieces and boards. All our products are carefully wrapped to ensure they arrive in perfect condition, ready to be presented.

Maintenance Tips

• Regular Cleaning: Dust your pieces often with a soft, dry cloth. For wooden pieces (usually lacquered), a gentle wipe with a slightly damp cloth and immediate drying will remove dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals or oils.
• Cleaning the Board: Most wooden boards have a gloss lacquer; wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soapy water, then dry immediately. If your board is wax-polished, use a dry cloth and reapply furniture wax every 6–8 months to maintain the finish.
• Avoid Extremes: Keep sets out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or heaters – extreme heat or dryness can warp wood or crack finishes. Similarly, avoid very humid conditions.
• Storage: When not in use, store pieces in their box or bag to prevent loss and dust accumulation. Place boards on stable, flat surfaces to avoid warping.

Shipping and Service

We ship promptly from our European warehouse. All orders are processed within 2–4 business days:content and dispatched via UPS Air. UK delivery typically takes another 2–4 days. We offer free shipping on all UK orders over £150, and a flat £15 fee for orders under £150:content. International customers will also find competitive rates (Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, etc.) with customs handling included. We stand behind our products: if you’re not completely satisfied, our 30-day return policy applies to all chess sets. Simply contact us within 30 days of receipt to initiate a return (items must be unused and in original packaging). Detailed shipping fees and return instructions are available on our policies pages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)