Evolution of Chess Sets Archives

Chess November 18, 2023

The Birth of the Staunton Pattern Design

Table of Contents

Origin of Staunton Pattern Design
Some Examples of Popular Staunton Chess Sets
Fierce Knight Staunton Series Chess Pieces
The Staunton Series (Jaques Pattern) Chess Pieces
The Old Collector’s Club Staunton Series Chess Pieces
The Ultimate Series Staunton Chess Pieces

The word “Staunton” in the “Staunton Chess Sets” has been derived from the famous chess master Howard Staunton. English chess master ‘Howard Staunton’ was one of the greatest chess player in the years between 1843 & 1851. It was due to his efforts that England became the one of the major chess centre in late 19^th Century. He was not only a chess player, but also a chess promoter, writer and organizer. The Staunton Pattern Chess Set was designed in 1859 by Nathaniel and Jaques of London approved their manufacturing rights. Howard Staunton advertised this chess set made by Nathaniel and the set became popular under the name Staunton chess set. These chess sets have been used all over the world in all major tournaments since. Some common attributes you may find in all Staunton pieces are wide moulded base, Knight basically has head and neck like a horse, King has a stylish crown with cross pattee, Queen is slightly smaller than king with a small round ball mount on her head, Rooks feature stylized crenellated battlements and bishops a Western-style mitre. Pawns are the smallest pieces in the game with round head.

Unfortunately, finding a good and accurate Staunton chess set and matching chess board is not that easy. Most of the online chess stores are selling their chess pieces and chess boards separately either for a casual chess player or for a newbie; it is quite difficult task to match the chess pieces with a correct matching chess board. To make it easier for everyone to choose the right chess pieces with the right board, we have added the matching appropriate sized chess board as on our every product listing of chess pieces. Please refer to the below attached screenshot for more clear understanding.

If you are looking for chess board to match an existing set of pieces then keep these points in your mind before picking up the one.

Staunton chess pieces are available in different colors, materials, sizes and weights. When matching pieces to a chess board, the size and wood color must be considered. The chess board should be approximately half (in cm) the height of the King (in mm).

Here are some predefined standard sizes:

70mm chess king suits a 40cm chess board

85mm chess king suits a 45-50cm chess board.

95mm chess king suits a 50-55cm chess board.

105mm-110mm chess king suits a 55cm-60cm chess board.

Note: If you can’t find your chess piece dimensions in a given standard size chart then use a larger chessboard square by up to 25%. Buying a smaller square size board will risk crowding the pieces. We have a great range of veneer chess boards, tournament chess boards.

Our Staunton chess pieces range starts from as low as $44 with a variety of sizes. Every single listing of the chess pieces on our website is matched up with a suitable chess board. Browse our Staunton range here.

Some Examples of Popular Staunton Chess Sets

Fierce Knight Staunton Series Chess Pieces in Bud Rosewood & Box Wood – 4.0″ King

Based on Staunton pattern style this set of chess pieces not only incredible but also fully functional. Made up from bud rose wood and boxwood, this weighted masterpiece truly gives chess player a fantastic gaming experience. And because of this people from across the globe ordered this phenomenal handcrafted creation from us with full enthusiasm.

Do you also want to pick up chess pieces that fascinate you from a touch, feel, and style perspective? It’s for you—just make it a purchase and get what you want!

You can shop this masterpiece from online chess store in different wood combinations:

Fierce Knight Staunton Series Chess Pieces In Rosewood & Box Wood – 4.1″ King – Currently In Production

The Fierce Knight Staunton Wooden Chess Pieces in Sheesham & Box Wood – 4.0″ King – Currently in backorder: ETA by Mid of November

The Fierce Knight Staunton Wooden Chess Pieces in Ebonized Boxwood & Box Wood – 4.0″ King

The Staunton Series (Jaques Pattern) Chess Pieces in Ebony & Box Wood – 3.4″ King

If you’re in search of chess pieces with impeccable craftsmanship, premium quality, and the classic Staunton pattern style—all in one place, then the Staunton Series (Jaques Pattern) Chess Pieces in Ebony & Box Wood are perfect for you.

Well if you are who want matching board and storage solution with this chess pieces, we’ve provided an exclusive OPTIONAL opporunity that help you buying complete chess set without searching here and there. With this product, we have included optional bundle opportunity(for your ease) on chess board and storage items, if you need a complete chess set you can add items like chess board and storage box or pouch with additional price.We have these Staunton-style chess pieces in different wood combinations.

If you are someone who likes the Bud Rose & Box Wood variant, you can order it here, and we would feel very fortunate to fulfill your specific needs. If you have something in your mind related to chess pieces, style, size and pattern, would love to hear from you through our custom chess pieces dedicated specific solution.

The Old Collector’s Club Staunton Series Chess Pieces in Ebony and Boxwood – 4.4″ King

The Old Collector’s Club Staunton Series Chess Pieces in Ebony and Boxwood, with a majestic 4.4″ King, Having the elegance of true craftsmanship, this Staunton series chess pieces help you checkmate any game with different level of players in the club.

Based on Staunton design pattern these chess pieces are handcrafted from the finest ebony and boxwood. Each piece is a masterpiece in itself, exuding a sense of history and tradition that resonates with chess enthusiasts and collectors alike. Elevate your chess experience with this finest quality chess pieces, where every move becomes a journey through the rich heritage of the game.

Hurry up, order today for yourself.

One can buy this masterpiece in different wood combination in Red Bud Rose & Box Wood by clicking on the mentioned link.

The Ultimate Series Staunton Chess Pieces Only in Ebonized / Boxwood – 3.75″ King

Spectacular style, stunning look and weighted pieces, all qualities you get when you buy this ultimate series Staunton chess pieces from us.

The Ultimate Series Staunton Chess Pieces Only in Ebonized and Boxwood — The Ultimate Series Staunton Chess Pieces Only in Ebonized / Boxwood – 3.75″ King

Suited for tournament as it’s having standard 3.75″ King. Crafted with precision, the dark chess pieces are made of ebonized boxwood, while the opposing pieces are fashioned from traditional boxwood for the white side. Boxwood, known for its ease of workmanship, highlights intricate aesthetic details. The set includes complimentary extra queens for seamless pawn promotion. Each chess piece is expertly carved and weighted, providing a fantastic hand-feel and a satisfying thud on the wooden chessboard.

All pieces feature unique designs and thick green felts that snugly envelop the base, ensuring smooth movement on the chessboard. The knights, representing the pinnacle of Indian artisan skill, are meticulously crafted with attention to detail in the eyes, nostrils, pinned ears, and mane.

Buy today and experience a more amazing and interesting game of chess.

This is all about different Staunton design pattern chess pieces, we love to hear back from you about your favorite Staunton style chess pieces from chessbazaar here in the comment section. For latest updates please follow and subscribe us on our social media channels, Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube channel.

Chess July 14, 2016

Chess Sets — Everything you need to know!

Chess pieces or chessmen are made in different materials, styles, and sizes. The difference in the designs of the chess pieces do not have any impact on the game, it is just that the different shapes, sizes, and materials are made to meet the different tastes of the players or chess collectors. In a standard game, each of the chess players starts a game with 16 chess pieces – 1 king, 1 queen, 2 rooks, 2 bishops, 2 knights and 8 pawns. Different techniques and materials are used to make chess sets that give these chess pieces a unique look.

Materials used for making chess sets – Chess pieces are made from a wide variety of materials like plastic, stone, glass, metal, ivory, bone and wood. These materials greatly decide the price of the chess pieces. Plastic chess sets are available at very low prices in the market, whereas a hand carved wooden chess set will be costlier.

Wood has been the most important material for making chess pieces for generations. Sheesham wood, rose wood, bud rosewood. ebony wood and box wood are the most famous woods used for making chess sets. Bud rosewood and ebony wood are the luxury woods and are used to carve high-end chess pieces. Wooden chess pieces are also recommended by FIDE. The quality of our wooden chess pieces is being appreciated by great chess players and chess collectors in the whole world.

A technique used in making chess sets – Chess pieces are either hand carved or machine made and the technique depends very much on the material used. Metal and plastic chess pieces are made by melting them and then putting them in moulds of the desired designs. Chess pieces made from bone and stone are hand carved by skilled artisans.

Handcrafted wooden chess pieces are turned on a lathe. The craftsmanship on the wooden chess pieces is done by experienced artisans. The knight being the most beautiful piece in the set carries enormous importance. The beauty of the chess set lies in the knight of the chess set. Our well-crafted knights represent the highest grade of knight carving skills.

Design of the chess pieces – Chess is a very old game and infinite designs have been originated till now. But the most famous one is Staunton. Staunton is also the officially recommended design by FIDE. Staunton chess pieces appear to be same but the designs have many variations. Chessbazaar offers a wide range of Staunton chess pieces, you will be amazed to see the variations in the designs of the chess sets. There are many other historical designs which are collected by chess collectors but they are very expensive and not everyone can afford those chess pieces. Chessbazaar has reproduced many of such historical and classical designs like 1849 chess set, 1935 Botvinnik Flohr, 1851 chess set, Dublin chess set, Piatigorsky chess set, Grand cigar chess set, and Dubrovnik chess set at very affordable prices so that every chess enthusiast can buy and admire the beauty of these chess sets.

Chessbazaar offers the most meticulously handcrafted wooden chess pieces by our skilled artisans. The expertly carved chess pieces are appropriately weighted and the thick green felt on the bases make your chess pieces walk smoother on a chess board. Explore our full range of chess pieces here >>

Chess July 10, 2015

Evolution of Chess Sets

Chess has been one of the oldest games played in the civilized world. The nobility and upper classes of the society found the other popular games at that time like wrestling, animal fighting and other form of physical activities below their dignity to indulge in and this led to chess becoming popular in upper echelons of society far and wide.

chess sets, chess pieces, chess evolution

As the game of chess got popular all over the world, the chess pieces also underwent a lot of changes in design and material. The chess sets were made in different designs and materials depending upon the social, economic and political situation of the region it was played in.

Reproduced Antique Circa 1800 Series Handcarved Chess Pieces in Bud Rose & Box Wood - 4.6" King — Reproduced Antique Circa 1800 Series Handcarved Chess Pieces in Bud Rose & Box Wood – 4.6″ King

This led to different variants of chess design being used all over the world. In India and China where dexterous artisans and elephant ivory was available in abundance, the chess pieces were made in ivory. The kings, princes and nawabs took pride in getting made the chess pieces in ivory procured from the elephants hunted down by them.

Reproduced 1849 Staunton Pattern Chess Set in Ebony / Antiqued Box wood with King Side Stamping - 4.4" King — Reproduced 1849 Staunton Pattern Chess Set in Ebony / Antiqued Box wood with King Side Stamping – 4.4″ King

In Europe and Middle East, wooden sets were made which was then decorated with fine carvings. In Africa, where ebony wood was easily available, chess sets were made in ebony wood. Industrialization in mid 19th century led to bulk production of wooden chess sets in United Kingdom which could be standardized unlike chess pieces carved by hand.

https://www.chessbazaar.com/chess-pieces/reproduced-antique-chess-sets.html — The Reproduction 1950 Dubrovnik Bobby Fischer Chess Set in Stained Crimson / Box Wood – 3.6″ King

The advent of standard Staunton chess sets in middle of nineteenth century in UK led to the popular designs of chess sets slowly being replaced with Staunton pattern chess sets. The Staunton pattern chess sets became popular with players and soon all major tournaments and competitions were only played with this design of chess sets only. This practice of using Staunton Pattern Chess Sets at all major tournaments has continued since then and this design will keep dominating the chess equipment scene till some radically better design replaces this.