Chess Pieces

At Official Staunton, we’re proud to offer some of the finest wooden chess pieces you can find. Our reputation is built on top-notch quality, skilled craftsmanship, and keen attention to detail. Each piece is carefully crafted from solid woods like Rosewood, Ebony, Boxwood, Padauk, and Sheesham. Our talented artisans use traditional tools to carve and detail each piece, adding intricate engravings to make them truly special.

Every Official Staunton set is unique. The knights have a classical look, and the queens hold their crowns with a regal touch. This exceptional craftsmanship ensures that you get to enjoy these beautiful pieces for a lifetime. Whether you buy a single piece or a whole set, we have options for everyone. There are budget-friendly choices for beginners, elegant designs for tournament players, and luxury items that make perfect gifts.

Carving a set of Staunton chess pieces by hand takes time. An experienced carver working with high-quality wood might take a few days to a couple of weeks. If you're a beginner or using tougher materials like stone or metal, it can take much longer. The process involves a lot of intricate details, requiring patience and precision. Plus, the finishing and polishing steps, which bring out the full beauty of the pieces, add extra time.

Overall, making a hand-carved Staunton chess set is labor-intensive and time-consuming. It demands skill, patience, and attention to detail. But the result is a beautiful, unique set that can be enjoyed for generations.

Hand-carved chess pieces are highly valued by collectors and chess fans for their beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance. They’re often made from wood, stone, or other materials and are known for their intricate details and unique designs.

When choosing chess pieces, consider these factors:

Material: Chess pieces come in wood, plastic, metal, or stone. Wood gives a classic feel. Plastic is affordable and lightweight. Metal is durable but pricier. Stone is high-quality but heavy.
Style: From traditional Staunton-style to modern designs, pick pieces that match your taste.
Size: If you travel with your set, smaller pieces are easier to pack. Larger pieces feel more substantial.
Price: Chess pieces range in price. Consider your budget, but remember, good quality pieces are available at different price points.
At Official Staunton UK, we offer a variety of chess pieces. We have everything from Isle of Lewis sets to Staunton styles, and materials from plastic to wood. If you’re unsure which pieces will suit your board, our expert team can help.

Chess Pieces Overview
Types of Chess Pieces:

King
Queen
Bishop
Knight
Rook
Pawn
A standard chess set has 32 pieces, 16 per player:

1 King
1 Queen
2 Bishops
2 Knights
2 Rooks
8 Pawns
Some sets include 34 pieces, with two extra queens.

Different Chess Piece Styles
Chess pieces come in various styles and materials. While wood is a traditional favorite, other options are available.

Wooden Chess Pieces: These are known for their beauty and durability. Many enthusiasts prefer wood for its natural feel. Wooden pieces are often more luxurious and intricately detailed, which makes them more expensive but of higher quality. Our range includes antique mahogany, ebony, rosewood, and more.

Metal Chess Pieces: Usually made of brass, these are durable and look great with glossy or matte boards. They are more expensive but last a lifetime.

Resin or Plastic Chess Pieces: Resin pieces are higher quality than regular plastic and more affordable than wood. However, they aren’t as durable as wood or metal.

Weighted Chess Pieces: These have metal weights for a better feel during play. They range from single to quadruple-weighted, depending on your preference.

Staunton Chess Pieces: Recognized since 1849, Staunton pieces are the only style approved for official tournaments. The design includes:

A king with a crown and cross
A queen with a coronet and ball
A knight shaped like a horse's head
A rook resembling a tower with battlements
Bishops marked by a mitre
Pawns topped with a ball
Each piece’s base is covered in felt or leather in luxury sets. Our range includes various materials, including rosewood and ebony. Isle of Lewis chess pieces are also popular, available in multiple sizes in our collection.

By adding these touches, we ensure each set meets high standards of craftsmanship and offers a unique, enjoyable experience for all players.