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This is one of the Soviet patterns most closely associated with the tournament chess of the 1930s, named for Mikhail Botvinnik, who favoured it.
You know it instantly by the profile. Broad, planted bases carry very lean bodies, so each piece reads as a wide foot with a slim shank rising out of it rather than as a smooth taper from top to bottom.
At a 112mm king it is a large, commanding army, and the height set against those narrow bodies leaves it looking like nothing else on a board.
Buy it if you would rather own a piece of chess history than another well made but anonymous Staunton. This one comes with a story attached.
It sits in our reproduction chess pieces alongside the other Soviet patterns.
Set this one up and the board looks different from anything else, before a single move is played.
The king and queen stand close together, so the centre of the back rank reads as a royal pair, not as a clear hierarchy. That is a deliberate part of the pattern and one of the quickest ways to recognise it.
The pawns are the real surprise. They are drawn tall for a front rank, which is a large part of why a Soviet board looks the way it does.
The broad bases keep all that height stable, with weight set in underneath so nothing feels top heavy, and the knight is cut with a well defined mane that sits properly in proportion with the rest.
These pieces suit larger boards, with squares of 55mm to 60mm, and 60mm is the more comfortable of the two. On 55mm the opening ranks sit shoulder to shoulder, and with a tall pawn in front the first two ranks are dense.
The carving and every dimension are the same on both. What changes is the timber pairing, and with it the whole mood of the set.
Antiqued and ebonised boxwood is the period choice. Both armies are boxwood, the light side is warmed down to an aged tone, and the result looks like a set that has already seen a few decades of play.
Golden rosewood against boxwood is the brighter option, a warm mid brown with the grain showing through set against clean light pieces. It is the friendlier of the two in a modern room.
If you want the set to look like the photographs, take the antiqued pairing. If you want warmth and grain, take golden rosewood.
Care is simple. Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and air vents, dust it with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, furniture polish and solvent based cleaners alone.
Choose this one if you want a board that looks like a photograph from a Soviet tournament hall. The lean shanks and tall pawns are unmistakable, and no conventional English pattern comes close to the effect.
The tall pawns are the detail I would point at. Most people expect a front rank to be the least interesting part of a set, and on this one it is the first thing they comment on.
It is large, so check your board before ordering. For the same era at a gentler scale, there is plenty to compare in our Staunton chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
55mm to 60mm squares, and 60mm is the more comfortable of the two. On 55mm the opening ranks sit shoulder to shoulder and the front of the position is dense.
Only the timber pairing. Antiqued and ebonised boxwood is the aged looking choice with both armies in boxwood; golden rosewood against boxwood is the brighter one. Every dimension is identical.
A Soviet tournament pattern from the 1930s, named after Mikhail Botvinnik, who played with it. It is the design many people picture when they think of Soviet chess.
It is drawn that way on purpose. A tall front rank is part of the Soviet look and it is one of the first things people notice when the set is put out on a board.
Yes, with weight added at the base. That is what keeps such a tall, slim army stable in play, and without it the pattern simply would not work.
34 pieces, which is two more than a game array uses. No board is included, so that is chosen separately.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
112mm high (4.4 inch), 42mm base |
|
Queen |
105mm high (4.1 inch), 39mm base |
|
Bishop |
90mm high (3.5 inch), 37mm base |
|
Knight |
87mm high (3.4 inch), 37mm base |
|
Rook |
66mm high (2.6 inch), 37mm base |
|
Pawn |
62mm high (2.4 inch), 33mm base |
|
Antiqued & ebonised boxwood option |
Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, antiqued boxwood light pieces |
|
Golden rosewood option |
Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch) |
|
Total weight of pieces |
1,560 grams (3.4 lbs) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in the timber pairing chosen
Two pieces more than a standard game array uses
Chess board not included
Storage box not included
All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.
Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.
Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.
Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.
Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.
What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.
Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.
All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.
1. We know chess inside and out
At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.
That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.
2. Unmatched variety for every player
Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.
Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.
3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders
Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.
We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.
Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.
4. Customer support that actually helps
Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.
You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.
5. Thousands of happy customers
Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.
6. Classic games, too
We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.
Ready to make your move?
Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.
This is one of the Soviet patterns most closely associated with the tournament chess of the 1930s, named for Mikhail Botvinnik, who favoured it.
You know it instantly by the profile. Broad, planted bases carry very lean bodies, so each piece reads as a wide foot with a slim shank rising out of it rather than as a smooth taper from top to bottom.
At a 112mm king it is a large, commanding army, and the height set against those narrow bodies leaves it looking like nothing else on a board.
Buy it if you would rather own a piece of chess history than another well made but anonymous Staunton. This one comes with a story attached.
It sits in our reproduction chess pieces alongside the other Soviet patterns.
Set this one up and the board looks different from anything else, before a single move is played.
The king and queen stand close together, so the centre of the back rank reads as a royal pair, not as a clear hierarchy. That is a deliberate part of the pattern and one of the quickest ways to recognise it.
The pawns are the real surprise. They are drawn tall for a front rank, which is a large part of why a Soviet board looks the way it does.
The broad bases keep all that height stable, with weight set in underneath so nothing feels top heavy, and the knight is cut with a well defined mane that sits properly in proportion with the rest.
These pieces suit larger boards, with squares of 55mm to 60mm, and 60mm is the more comfortable of the two. On 55mm the opening ranks sit shoulder to shoulder, and with a tall pawn in front the first two ranks are dense.
The carving and every dimension are the same on both. What changes is the timber pairing, and with it the whole mood of the set.
Antiqued and ebonised boxwood is the period choice. Both armies are boxwood, the light side is warmed down to an aged tone, and the result looks like a set that has already seen a few decades of play.
Golden rosewood against boxwood is the brighter option, a warm mid brown with the grain showing through set against clean light pieces. It is the friendlier of the two in a modern room.
If you want the set to look like the photographs, take the antiqued pairing. If you want warmth and grain, take golden rosewood.
Care is simple. Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters and air vents, dust it with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, furniture polish and solvent based cleaners alone.
Choose this one if you want a board that looks like a photograph from a Soviet tournament hall. The lean shanks and tall pawns are unmistakable, and no conventional English pattern comes close to the effect.
The tall pawns are the detail I would point at. Most people expect a front rank to be the least interesting part of a set, and on this one it is the first thing they comment on.
It is large, so check your board before ordering. For the same era at a gentler scale, there is plenty to compare in our Staunton chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
55mm to 60mm squares, and 60mm is the more comfortable of the two. On 55mm the opening ranks sit shoulder to shoulder and the front of the position is dense.
Only the timber pairing. Antiqued and ebonised boxwood is the aged looking choice with both armies in boxwood; golden rosewood against boxwood is the brighter one. Every dimension is identical.
A Soviet tournament pattern from the 1930s, named after Mikhail Botvinnik, who played with it. It is the design many people picture when they think of Soviet chess.
It is drawn that way on purpose. A tall front rank is part of the Soviet look and it is one of the first things people notice when the set is put out on a board.
Yes, with weight added at the base. That is what keeps such a tall, slim army stable in play, and without it the pattern simply would not work.
34 pieces, which is two more than a game array uses. No board is included, so that is chosen separately.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
112mm high (4.4 inch), 42mm base |
|
Queen |
105mm high (4.1 inch), 39mm base |
|
Bishop |
90mm high (3.5 inch), 37mm base |
|
Knight |
87mm high (3.4 inch), 37mm base |
|
Rook |
66mm high (2.6 inch), 37mm base |
|
Pawn |
62mm high (2.4 inch), 33mm base |
|
Antiqued & ebonised boxwood option |
Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, antiqued boxwood light pieces |
|
Golden rosewood option |
Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch) |
|
Total weight of pieces |
1,560 grams (3.4 lbs) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in the timber pairing chosen
Two pieces more than a standard game array uses
Chess board not included
Storage box not included
All products sold by Sterling Chess are backed by a 12 month limited manufacturer warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and cracking, and ensures every product is 100% genuine. If you need assistance, our team is only a call or email away.
Is shipping really free?
Yes — we offer free standard shipping on all orders across Australia, with no minimum spend. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay.
Are there any exceptions to free shipping?
No exceptions. Every order ships free, regardless of size, weight, or order value.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 business days, with delivery times depending on your location. You'll receive tracking details by email once your order is on its way.
Do you ship to all areas of Australia?
Yes, we deliver Australia-wide, including regional and remote areas — all at no shipping cost to you.
Can I track my order?
Absolutely. As soon as your order ships, we'll email you a tracking number so you can follow its journey to your door.
What if I need my order quickly?
Get in touch before ordering and we'll do our best to help. Standard shipping is free, and we'll advise on the fastest available option for your area. To contact us, simply email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au, call (03) 7037 0931 or open the live chat.
Changed your mind? You can return unused, unopened items within 100 days of your order date, provided they’re in original packaging and resaleable condition. Sterling Chess will cover the cost of shipping return items under our 100-day free returns policy.
All Sterling Chess products are backed by Australian Consumer Law and include a minimum 12-month Australian warranty. If there’s an issue with your product, our team is here to help and will work to make it right.
Click here to view our full returns policy.
If you're shopping for a new chess set, you're in the right place—and here's why.
1. We know chess inside and out
At Sterling Chess, we're not just another online store. We’re chess lovers, players, collectors, and game night fanatics.
That means we care about quality, balance, and feel—and we only stock sets we’d use ourselves. From tournament-grade boards to handcrafted wooden pieces, we’ve got what real players want.
2. Unmatched variety for every player
Whether you're just learning or a lifelong grandmaster, we have something for you.
Looking for a folding set for travel? A stunning showpiece for your home? A kid-friendly set for your budding chess champion? We’ve got it all—and more.
3. Fast and FREE shipping on all orders
Shipping is FREE on all Sterling Chess orders.
We ship quickly from local and international warehouses, so you’re not waiting weeks to get your game on.
Most orders are packed and sent within 24–48 hours. Plus, you’ll get tracking updates every step of the way.
4. Customer support that actually helps
Have a question? Need help choosing a set? Our friendly team is ready to help—no scripts, no bots, just real people who care about your experience.
You can call our team anytime between business hours on (03) 7037 0931 or email us at support@sterlingchess.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our live chat during business hours to contact our helpful support team.
5. Thousands of happy customers
Don't just take our word for it—our reviews speak for themselves. Sterling Chess is trusted by thousands of players who keep coming back for more. Great products. Great service. No hassle.
6. Classic games, too
We're all about chess—but we also carry backgammon, checkers, poker and other timeless strategy games. If you love the classics, you’ll feel right at home.
Ready to make your move?
Choose a chess set that fits your style, skill level, and space—and enjoy the Sterling Chess difference. You’ll love how it looks. You’ll love how it plays. And you’ll love buying from a team that loves the game just as much as you do.
