Staunton Chess Sets

Staunton Chess Sets for Tournament Play

Elevate your game with our premium Staunton chess sets, expertly crafted for tournament play. Part of our extensive range of chess sets, these collections blend historical design with modern quality, giving players the official equipment they need for competition. All our sets feature the time-honoured Staunton pattern – the only style recognised by international chess bodies for official play. Whether you’re a competitive player or an enthusiast, a Staunton chess set offers the perfect balance of form and functionality for every match.

Types of Staunton Chess Sets Offered

We offer a variety of Staunton chess sets to suit different preferences and levels of play. Choose from elegant wooden Staunton sets hand-carved in traditional woods (like boxwood, walnut, or ebony) for a classic look, or opt for durable weighted plastic Staunton pieces ideal for club and school tournaments. Each tournament chess set includes the standard 32 pieces – plus extra queens in many sets for pawn promotion– all designed in the iconic Staunton style for easy recognition. Pieces are typically weighted for stability (often double or triple-weighted), with felted bases that glide smoothly across the board. From affordable club sets to luxurious heirloom-quality Staunton sets, you can find the perfect option for your needs in our collection.

Size Guide & Compatibility

Ensuring the right size of your Staunton chess set and board is crucial for comfortable play. Official tournament standards call for chessboards with square sizes around 2 to 2.5 inches, paired with kings about 3.4 to 4.5 inches tall. In practice, the most common tournament chess set size is a king height of ~3.75 inches (95 mm) on a board with 2.0–2.25 inch (50–55 mm) squares. The World Chess Federation (FIDE) recommends boards with 5–6 cm squares and a king about 9.5 cm tall, which aligns with this standard. Use the guide below to choose a compatible board for your Staunton pieces:

As a rule of thumb, the base diameter of the king should be about 75% of the square size to avoid crowding. Following this guideline gives pieces enough space and stability during play. For example, a 3.75″ Staunton king often has a ~1.7″ base, which fits nicely on a 2.25″ square board (around 77% of the square width). To find a suitable board, explore our selection of wooden chess boards – pairing the right board with your pieces will ensure an ideal balance of proportion and aesthetics. Using a properly sized board not only meets tournament regulations but also makes your games more enjoyable and professional in appearance.

History of Staunton Chess Sets

The Staunton chess set design has a rich history and is deeply rooted in chess tradition. Introduced in 1849 in London it was designed by Nathaniel Cooke and endorsed by champion Howard Staunton, whose name the set proudly bears. The first Staunton pieces were produced by Jaques of London and quickly became the global standard for chess equipment. Players and organizers embraced the Staunton design because of its elegant, easily distinguishable pieces and balanced proportions, which solved the chaos of mismatched piece styles in the 19^th century. Over 170 years later, Staunton sets remain the universal choice – in fact, they are officially recommended by FIDE for use in all international tournaments. When you choose a Staunton chess set, you’re selecting the same timeless design that’s been trusted in championships and clubs worldwide for generations.

Accessories for Tournament Chess

Complete your tournament setup with our range of chess accessories. A quality Staunton chess set is just one part of a competitive chess kit – you’ll also want a proper board and other tournament essentials. Keep track of every second with a precise chess clock, a requirement for timed tournament games. For safe transport and storage of your pieces, use our chess boxes or padded chess bags to protect your Staunton pieces when they’re not on the board. And of course, an appropriate board is key: our wooden boards (available in classic mahogany, walnut, maple and more) provide an ideal playing surface that complements the Staunton design. By equipping yourself with these accessories – sturdy boards, reliable clocks, and protective cases – you’ll be fully prepared for tournament play. All accessories are designed to match the look and quality of our tournament chess sets, ensuring a cohesive and professional appearance at your club or event.

Shipping & Dispatch

We pride ourselves on fast, reliable shipping so you can start enjoying your new tournament chess set as soon as possible. Orders are dispatched promptly from our UK warehouse, with careful packaging to ensure your Staunton pieces and board arrive in perfect condition. We offer various shipping options at checkout, including express delivery, so you can choose the service that best fits your needs. (International customers are welcome too – we ship worldwide, bringing the tournament experience to you wherever you are.) All shipments come with tracking, and we’ll keep you updated on your order’s progress from dispatch to delivery. Should you have any questions about delivery times or require special arrangements, our customer service team is ready to assist. With our efficient dispatch process and commitment to customer satisfaction, your tournament-ready chess set will be on its way to you in no time, safely and securely.

Care Tips for Your Chess Set

• Regular Dusting: Keep your Staunton pieces and board free of dust by wiping them gently with a soft, dry cloth after use. Regular dusting prevents dirt buildup, especially in the detailed carvings of knights and queens.
• Avoid Sunlight & Moisture: Store your chess set in a cool, dry place. Excess heat, direct sunlight, or extreme humidity can cause wooden chess pieces or boards to warp, crack, or fade over time. It’s best to keep them away from radiators or windows to preserve their finish and colour.
• Gentle Cleaning: If your pieces become dirty or marked from frequent play, clean them carefully. Use a slightly damp cloth (with a mild soap solution if needed) to wipe each piece, and **immediately dry each one** with a soft cloth to prevent moisture damage. Never submerge wooden pieces in water, and avoid harsh chemicals; a light wipe is all that’s needed to restore their shine.
• Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your chessmen safely stored. Place them in a padded chess box or wrap them in soft cloth inside a case to prevent the pieces from knocking into each other. This will protect the fine details (like the knight’s head or the queen’s crown) from chipping or scratching. For travel, a fitted chess bag with individual piece compartments is ideal to keep everything secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a Staunton chess set?
A: A Staunton chess set is the standard design of chess pieces used in virtually all official games. It was designed in the mid-19^th century by Nathaniel Cooke and named after Howard Staunton, the famous chess master who endorsed it. The Staunton design features familiar, easy-to-recognise piece shapes and has been the universal tournament standard for over a century.

Q: Why are Staunton chess sets used in tournaments?
A: Staunton sets are used because they are the internationally approved style for competition. Major chess organizations (including FIDE and national federations) require Staunton pattern pieces for tournament play/. The consistent design ensures that all players immediately recognise each piece, which is crucial for fair play. In short, if you’re playing in a serious tournament or club match, a Staunton chess set is mandatory and expected.

Q: What is the standard size of a tournament chess set?
A: The standard tournament chess set has a king about 3.75 inches (95 mm) tall and uses a board with 2 to 2.25 inch squares (approx. 50–55 mm). This is often called “Championship” or “Tournament” size. Official rules generally allow a range – typically kings from ~3.5″ up to 4.5″ tall with proportional square sizes – but the 3.75″ king on a ~20″ board is the most common setup for competitions. Always ensure your pieces and board are matched in size (see our size guide above) so that the pieces have enough space and the set meets tournament regulations.

Q: Do your tournament chess sets include extra queens?
A: Yes. Most of our Staunton tournament chess sets include two extra queens(one white and one black) to accommodate pawn promotion. Extra queens are very useful in competitive play – for example, if you promote a pawn to a queen during a game, you’ll have a spare queen piece ready without needing to borrow from another set. All product descriptions will note if extra queens are included (nearly all of our tournament sets have them). This ensures you’re fully prepared for any situation in an actual match.

Ready to elevate your play? A quality Staunton chess set gives you the confidence of using tournament-approved equipment, whether you’re playing at home, in a club, or on the championship stage. Make your move and experience the difference that a professional tournament chess set can make in your game.

From local club nights to international championship finals, the right chess set makes all the difference. Embrace the legacy of Staunton and play with pieces that have stood the test of time. It’s time to equip yourself with the best – and let every game shine with tradition and excellence.

Shop Tournament Chess Sets