Welcome to Sterling Chess
At Sterling Chess, we believe that a game of chess is never just a game. It’s a battle of minds.
A quiet conversation across the board. A ritual that spans generations and cultures. Whether you're pushing pawns for the first time or you see life through squares and strategy, we’re here to help you play with passion, precision, and pride.
We specialise in premium chess sets, traditional board games, and timeless classics like backgammon and checkers. But make no mistake: chess is at the heart of everything we do.
Our mission: Bringing back the art of the game
In a world of screen time and fast swipes, we’re here to slow things down.
To bring people back to the tactile joy of handcrafted chess sets, the weight of a solid knight in your palm, the satisfying click of a rook finding its square.
Sterling Chess exists to reignite the appreciation for thoughtful play, beautiful craftsmanship, and moments that matter.
We don’t just sell chess sets. We curate them. Test them. Obsess over the details that make one board feel majestic and another forgettable.
We’re on a mission to bring you the finest chess sets in the world, whether you’re after a tournament-ready Staunton design, a decorative heirloom piece, or a travel companion to challenge friends on the go.
25 years experience in specialty hobbies
Between us, our team has over 25 years of combined experience in the specialty hobby space.
We’re not new to this – we’re a seasoned team who live and breathe games.
This experience shows in everything we do, from the precision of our product descriptions to the durability of the materials we select.
We understand what makes a chess set worth owning. We know what customers want (and what they don’t). And we bring that insight to every product we stock and every order we pack.
Meet the Sterling Chess team
We’re a small, passionate crew with a shared love for strategy, tradition, and quality. Here’s a quick introduction to the faces behind the boards:
Blake Sterling – Founder
Blake started Sterling Chess to bridge his love of elegant game design and old-world craftsmanship. With a background in product development and e-commerce, Blake oversees every chess set we stock and insists on quality above all else.
Kurt Ebrado – Head of Sales & Customer Service
With a decade in high-end retail and a deep understanding of the chess community, Kurt ensures that your journey from browsing to checkmate is smooth and personal. Have a question? Need a recommendation? Kurt probably answered it before you even hit send.
Karl Matias – Operations Manager
Karl has spent the last 10 years building relationships with artisans, manufacturers, and distributors around the world. His job? Ensure the entire Sterling Chess business runs smoothly and get your chosen chess set to your doorstep as fast as possible.
John Paul Lapuz – Marketing Assistant
Whether he’s writing blog posts, managing social media, or highlighting rare sets from our collection, JP brings energy and knowledge to our growing Sterling Chess community.
What makes Sterling Chess different?
Our product selection is obsessively curated
We don’t list products just to fill up a page. Every chess set, board, or traditional game we carry is handpicked, tested, and vetted by our team. We look for craftsmanship, durability, aesthetics, and value — so when you shop with us, you're only seeing the best of the best.
We focus on quality over quantity
We're not a mega marketplace. And we never will be. We’d rather stock 100 exceptional products than 10,000 mediocre ones. It’s about refinement, not volume.
We know chess
From FIDE regulations to the subtle feel of rosewood over maple, we understand the technical and emotional aspects of choosing the right set. Whether you’re a beginner or a blitz junkie, we’ll help you find the perfect board to suit your level, taste, and style.
First-class customer service
We believe in the kind of customer service that has disappeared from most online stores. You’ll get fast, friendly responses from people who care. No bots. No runarounds. Just chess-loving humans who want to help.
Premium chess sets for every player
Our collection includes:
- Tournament sets used by pros and clubs
- Hand-carved wooden pieces with historical styles
- Luxury boards crafted from walnut, maple, and ebony
- Magnetic travel sets for games on the go
- Themed sets for collectors and display
- Electronic chess sets
We also stock accessories like digital chess clocks, storage boxes, carry bags, and replacement pieces. Everything you need to play, display, and protect your set.
Traditional games, timeless fun
While chess is our primary focus, we also celebrate the classics:
- Backgammon sets in leather, wood, and portable designs
- Checkers boards and combo sets
- Dominoes, cribbage, poker and more
These aren’t afterthoughts.
Each of our traditional games is selected with the same level of care we give our chess range.
Because we believe quality play should extend beyond the 64 squares.
Why people choose Sterling Chess
Here’s what we often hear from our customers:
* "Your sets are even more stunning in person."
* "You helped me find the perfect gift for my dad."
* "My order arrived faster than expected and was packed with care."
* "It’s rare to find a store that actually knows chess."
Our customers aren’t just transactions. They're players, collectors, and curious minds looking for something special. We aim to honour that with every order.
Save on your new chess set today
As a thank you for visiting Sterling Chess, we’re offering 5% off your first chess set purchase.
Whether you're adding a masterpiece to your collection or buying your very first board, this is the perfect opportunity to invest in quality.
Simply enter your best email below and we’ll send you a special 5% off discount code to use at checkout on your net chess set. Think of it as our little gift to say ‘thank you’.
>>EMBEDDED SIGN-UP<<
Looking ahead
As Sterling Chess continues to grow, we’re expanding our range, partnering with new chess and games artisans, and exploring innovations in play and design.
But our core promise remains the same: to deliver exceptional products, honest service, and a passion for the game.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Whether you’re here to upgrade your chess setup, gift something memorable, or reignite a long-lost love of the game — we’re glad you found us.
Now, let’s make your next move one to remember.
All the best,
The Sterling Chess Team