Magnetic Chess Sets
Magnetic Travel Chess Set 28×28 cm – Inlaid and Folding with Magnetised Pieces
Magnetic Chess Sets
Under €100
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 45 to 48 cm
Travel & Folding Chess Sets
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 51 cm
Luxury Metal Chess Set with Elm and Briar Wood Chess Board, Glossy Finish
Gift Ideas
Classic XIII Set – Maple and Walnut Wooden Chess Board with Storage and Golden Rosewood Chess Set
Oriental & Asian Chess Sets
Oriental IV Set Elm and Briar Wood Chess Board and Brass Chess Set
Chess Sets and Tables
Black and White Chess Table Set in Elm and Briarwood with Chess Set
Alabaster Chess Sets
Complete Elm & Briarwood Chess Sets
Staunton Chess Set, Varnished Briarwood Chess Board, Boxwood Chess Pieces and Storage Box
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 45 to 48 cm
“Supreme” Set: Rosewood Chess Board, Rosewood and Boxwood Chess Set & Burr Veneer Storage Box
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 50 cm
Sovereign Set: Maple Root and Wood Chess Board, Ebony Wood Chess Set & Root Veneer Storage Box
Alabaster Chess Sets
Alabaster Chess Sets
Oriental & Asian Chess Sets
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 45 to 48 cm
Classic Set Alphanumeric Chess Board in Golden Rosewood & Chess Set in Golden Rosewood
Chess Sets and Tables
Giant Contemporary Chess Table in Wood, Onyx, Tuscan Alabaster and Carrara Marble & Brass Chess Set
Chess Sets and Tables
Stylised II Set – Beechwood Table with Alabaster and Marble Top, and Solid Wood and Brass Chess Set
Chess Sets and Tables
Staunton XL Chess Table Set in Burr Briar Wood with Solid Wood and Brass Chess Pieces
Alabaster Chess Sets
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 35 cm
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 50 cm
Oriental Chess Set in Walnut and Maple Wood with Storage Compartment & Brass Chess Pieces
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 55 cm and Above
Parthenon Set Walnut and Maple Wood Chess Board, Ebony and Boxwood Chess Pieces & Storage Box
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 55 cm and Above
Cheltenham Luxury Elm and Lacquered Maple Burr Wood Chess Board & Ebony Wood Chess Set
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 55 cm and Above
Parthenon II Set: Rosewood and Maple Chess Board & Ebony Wood Chess Set
Black and White Chess Sets
Two-Tone II Black and White Set – Wooden Chess Board and Metal and Wood Staunton Chess Set
Oriental & Asian Chess Sets
Oriental Chess Set in Faux Leather with Storage and Filigree Metal Chess Pieces
Alabaster Chess Sets
Alabaster Chess Sets
Complete Walnut Chess Sets
Founder Set Folding Walnut and Maple Wood Chess Board & Golden Rosewood Chess Set
Chess Sets and Tables
Staunton XL IV Set – Wooden and Carrara Marble Chess Table & Wooden Chess Set
Oriental & Asian Chess Sets
Arabesque Set – Wooden Chess Board with Storage Drawer and Metal Staunton Chess Set
Black and White Chess Sets
Black and White Chess Sets
Draughts (Checkers)
Draughts (Checkers)
Complete Chess Sets, Chessboard 51 cm
Staunton Chess Set – Briar and Elm Wood Chess Board with Drawer & Metal Pieces
Staunton Chess Sets: the World Standard Explained
Since 1849, the absolute reference for players
The Staunton chess set is today the only design recognised by FIDE (the International Chess Federation) for official tournaments. Created in 1849 by Nathaniel Cook and popularised by English champion Howard Staunton, this design has stood the test of nearly two centuries without ageing. Perfect ergonomics, instant readability, ideal balance: this is why it remains the essential choice for discerning players.
The History of the Staunton Design
Nathaniel Cook & Howard Staunton
In 1849, Nathaniel Cook patented a revolutionary set with clean, instantly recognisable shapes. Howard Staunton, the leading player of his time, lent his name to the design and endorsed it. Success was immediate in English clubs, then across the world.
Why such worldwide success?
Before Staunton, each region had its own pieces (French Régence, German Selenus, Indian…) creating confusion in international tournaments. The Staunton set brought universal readability: a player instantly recognises each piece, whatever the origin of the Staunton chess set.
The Features of a True Staunton
The crowned King
Topped with a small Latin cross, the Staunton king is instantly identifiable. Its height serves as the reference for all other pieces.
The crowned Queen
Adorned with a pointed crown, slightly smaller than the king. Its substantial volume ensures a comfortable grip.
The sculpted Knight
The most artistic piece: a horse's head carved with character. It's often the knight that reveals the quality of a Staunton chess set.
The mitred Bishop
Topped with a split mitre, a nod to its ecclesiastical origin (bishop). Slender shape, wide base, balanced weighting.
Official FIDE Dimensions
FIDE recommends precise proportions for official tournaments. The universal rule: the king's height should be between 9.5 and 10.5 cm, and its base diameter should represent 40 to 50% of the height.
| Use | King height | Board size | Square |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIDE competition | 9.5 – 10.5 cm | 50 – 55 cm | 5.0 – 6.5 cm |
| Club & home | 8.5 – 9.5 cm | 45 – 50 cm | 5.0 – 5.5 cm |
| Analysis / school | 7.5 – 8.5 cm | 40 – 45 cm | 4.5 – 5.0 cm |
| Travel / child | 5.0 – 7.0 cm | 25 – 35 cm | 3.0 – 4.0 cm |
| Collection / luxury | 10.5 – 12 cm | 55 – 60 cm | 6.0 – 7.0 cm |
How to Choose Your Staunton Set
Weighting & balance
Weighted pieces (double or triple weighted) offer unmatched stability. This is the number one criterion for a quality Staunton set: a piece that's too light tips over, while one that's too heavy tires the hand.
Finish & felt
The felt under each piece protects the chess board and ensures smooth, silent gliding. Check that the wood is impeccably smoothed, with no splinters or tool marks.
Wood species
Natural boxwood and ebonised boxwood for tradition, palisander and rosewood for higher ranges, genuine ebony for collector's sets. Each wood has its own visual and tactile signature.
Extra queen (optional)
Complete sets often include a second queen of each colour, useful for pawn promotions. A detail appreciated by tournament players.
Our Staunton Ranges by Budget
Starter
Under €200
Staunton sets in beech or boxwood, single weighting. Ideal for beginners or clubs equipping several tables.
Club & Tournament
€200 – 500
Ebonised boxwood, rosewood, double or triple weighting, premium felt. Compliant with FIDE standards for competition.
High-End
€500 – 1,000
Rosewood, Zagreb boxwood, hand-carved knights, extra queen included. The pleasure of play at its peak.
Collection
Over €1,000
Genuine ebony, reproductions of historic Stauntons, limited editions. Pieces that pass down through generations.
Staunton vs Other Designs
Staunton vs Régence
The French Régence is more slender and ornate, with a rococo style. More decorative but less practical for play: hard to tell pieces apart mid-game. Staunton wins on readability.
Staunton vs themed sets
Themed chess sets (Roman, medieval, mythological) are beautiful for decoration but not approved for tournaments. To play seriously, a Staunton chess set remains essential.
Caring for Your Staunton Set
Regular cleaning
A soft, dry cloth is enough for everyday care. Once a year, apply a thin coat of linseed oil or beeswax to nourish the wood and revive its tones. Never use chemical products.
Storage
Store the pieces in their original box, away from direct light and humidity. Chess boards with built-in storage are ideal for preserving your set over the long term.
Explore Our Complementary Collections
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