Frequently Asked Questions

What Does A Chess Set Contain?

A complete chess set typically contains the following pieces:

  • 16 light-coloured pieces (usually white or cream-colored):

    • 1 king
    • 1 queen
    • 2 rooks
    • 2 knights
    • 2 bishops
    • 8 pawns

  • 16 dark-coloured pieces (usually black or dark-brown):

    • 1 king
    • 1 queen
    • 2 rooks
    • 2 knights
    • 2 bishops
    • 8 pawns

  • 1 chess board: The board is typically divided into 64 squares, with alternating light and dark colors, usually green and white or black and white. The board should have 8 rows and 8 columns, with the bottom right square being a light color.

  • Some sets include extra queens, pawns and other pieces in case of loss or damage, and some may also include a carrying case or storage box.

It is important to note that chess sets can come in a variety of sizes, materials, and designs. Some sets are tournament standard size, while others may be smaller or larger. Materials can range from plastic to metal to wood, and some sets are even made of glass, marble or other materials.

What Makes A Good Chess Set?

The best chess sets are personal to their owners. That means that they suit their playing style and use. For example, a marble chess board and pieces are better suited to being on display and used occasionally, while a folding chess board is better for storage and regular use. If you are buying a chess set as a gift, consider how the receiver would use the board. And if you’re unsure, our team can help advise with years of experience and knowledge. But no matter what chess set you choose, it should be made with high-quality materials so that it is durable and will stand the test of time.

What does Staunton mean?

A Staunton Chess Set is a style of chess set that was created by Jaques of London who had in their employ a designer named Nathaniel Cooke who endorsed the then UK chess master, Howard Staunton to endorse the design he had created. The characteristic pieces are known for their high quality construction and are used as the standard competition chess set all over the world.

What Is A Standard Size Chess Board?

Officially, a chessboard should be sized with 5-6cm squares. And according to official rules, the base of the King piece should be 75% of the size of the board’s squares and be 9.5cm high. The height and bases of the other pieces should be smaller than the King.

 

About Official Staunton

During our 20 years of service, we have also been privileged to have supplied quality chess pieces and sets to Linley at Belgravia, The Savoy London, and the TV show The Apprentice. We are also an approved distributor of the renowned English Chess Company, whose director, Malcolm Pein runs a chess editorial at the Daily Telegraph.

 

 

 

 

Q. Are your products stocked at your business premises? 

A. Yes, we hold a full inventory for products marked "in stock" 

 

Q. Are my credit card details safe when making a purchase at your website? 

A. Yes, we are pleased to confirm that our online ordering platform is amongst the most secure systems of all the online chess retailers in the UK. We are using industry standard PCI compliant security to ensure customer safety at all times. 


Q. Am I able to return my chess set to you for a full refund if I don't like it?

A. Yes, we offer a full no quibble 30 day returns policy.


Q. Where are your chess sets made?

A. Our products are made in Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, India and the United Kingdom.


Q. You profess your chess products are the best in the world, what makes your collection superior to other retailers offering similar products? 

A. The Chess Company has over the years secured agreements with some of the worlds finest chess set manufacturers, you would be hard pushed to find quality wooden chess pieces in the UK that match our range.  

 

Q. Which courier do you use?

A. We currently use Parcelforce and FedEx.