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This is a tall, elegant Soviet pattern named after Yuri Lvovich Averbakh, the Russian grandmaster who was often photographed at the board with a set of exactly this shape.
The pieces are drawn with long, slender shanks rising out of broad, steadying bases, which is what gives the army its unusual reach. Nothing about it looks like an English Staunton.
With a 123mm king it is one of the taller sets you can buy, and the height is the point. Set it up and the board looks completely different from a conventional one.
Buy it if you want your board to look like the ones in old tournament photographs, and you have the space to let a tall army breathe.
Browse it with the rest of our reproduction chess pieces.
The Soviet drawing is the whole appeal here, and nothing else looks quite like it on a board.
Where an English Staunton is stocky and grounded, this one is stretched and upright, with slim bodies carrying all of the height. It is a completely different idea of what a chess piece should be.
The bases are deliberately broad to hold that up, and the double weighting sets the ballast down low where it does the most good. A pattern drawn this lean would be unusable without it.
The result is a set that looks dramatic but still handles easily, because the bodies are slim. There is real pleasure in a board that looks like a photograph from a Soviet tournament hall.
These pieces suit larger boards, with squares of 55mm to 60mm, and the set really wants 60mm. A king this tall on a tight square looks precarious even when it is perfectly stable.
Every dimension and the weighting are identical on both, and the light army is boxwood either way. Only the dark pieces change.
Golden rosewood is a warm mid brown with the grain showing through. It softens the tall outline and suits a lighter room, and it makes the set feel less severe than the Soviet shape can otherwise look.
Ebonised boxwood is the near black option and gives the sharper contrast. It makes the slim shanks read clearly from right across the table, which is useful on a set drawn this narrow.
For play, the ebonised option is easier on the eye at a distance. For a set that lives in a room and gets looked at, golden rosewood is the warmer one.
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.
The shape is the reason to buy it. The Soviet proportions are unmistakable, and once you have played with them a stocky English pattern can start to feel a little squat.
One thing to know before it arrives: the set is lighter in the hand than its height suggests, because the bodies are slim. That makes it quick to play with, but if you are expecting mass to go with the height, it will surprise you.
If you want the drama and the weight together, a heavier pattern is the better buy. For something more conventional at the same scale, see our Staunton chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
55mm to 60mm squares, and the set really wants 60mm. A king this tall on a tight square looks precarious even when it is perfectly stable.
Only the dark timber. Golden rosewood is a warm mid brown with the grain showing through; ebonised boxwood is a near black with sharper contrast. Every dimension and the weighting are the same.
Yuri Lvovich Averbakh was a Russian grandmaster, regularly photographed in his prime at the board with a Soviet set of this shape. That is where the name comes from.
Yes, double weighted, with the ballast set into the base so the pieces sit down firmly despite the height. Without it a set drawn this tall and slim would be far too easy to knock over.
Because the shanks are slim. Most of the height is slender body rather than bulk, which is exactly what makes the Soviet look work, and it is why the set is quicker in the hand than it appears.
34 pieces, which is two more than a game array uses. No board is included, so that is chosen separately.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
123mm high (4.8 inch), 41mm base |
|
Queen |
105mm high (4.1 inch), 39mm base |
|
Bishop |
97mm high (3.8 inch), 37mm base |
|
Knight |
83mm high (3.3 inch), 38mm base |
|
Rook |
72mm high (2.8 inch), 38mm base |
|
Pawn |
60mm high (2.4 inch), 35mm base |
|
Golden Rosewood option |
Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 1,400 grams (2.9 lbs) |
|
Ebonised Boxwood option |
Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 1,400 grams (2.9 lbs) |
|
Weighting |
Double Weighted |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in the timber 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 a tall, elegant Soviet pattern named after Yuri Lvovich Averbakh, the Russian grandmaster who was often photographed at the board with a set of exactly this shape.
The pieces are drawn with long, slender shanks rising out of broad, steadying bases, which is what gives the army its unusual reach. Nothing about it looks like an English Staunton.
With a 123mm king it is one of the taller sets you can buy, and the height is the point. Set it up and the board looks completely different from a conventional one.
Buy it if you want your board to look like the ones in old tournament photographs, and you have the space to let a tall army breathe.
Browse it with the rest of our reproduction chess pieces.
The Soviet drawing is the whole appeal here, and nothing else looks quite like it on a board.
Where an English Staunton is stocky and grounded, this one is stretched and upright, with slim bodies carrying all of the height. It is a completely different idea of what a chess piece should be.
The bases are deliberately broad to hold that up, and the double weighting sets the ballast down low where it does the most good. A pattern drawn this lean would be unusable without it.
The result is a set that looks dramatic but still handles easily, because the bodies are slim. There is real pleasure in a board that looks like a photograph from a Soviet tournament hall.
These pieces suit larger boards, with squares of 55mm to 60mm, and the set really wants 60mm. A king this tall on a tight square looks precarious even when it is perfectly stable.
Every dimension and the weighting are identical on both, and the light army is boxwood either way. Only the dark pieces change.
Golden rosewood is a warm mid brown with the grain showing through. It softens the tall outline and suits a lighter room, and it makes the set feel less severe than the Soviet shape can otherwise look.
Ebonised boxwood is the near black option and gives the sharper contrast. It makes the slim shanks read clearly from right across the table, which is useful on a set drawn this narrow.
For play, the ebonised option is easier on the eye at a distance. For a set that lives in a room and gets looked at, golden rosewood is the warmer one.
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.
The shape is the reason to buy it. The Soviet proportions are unmistakable, and once you have played with them a stocky English pattern can start to feel a little squat.
One thing to know before it arrives: the set is lighter in the hand than its height suggests, because the bodies are slim. That makes it quick to play with, but if you are expecting mass to go with the height, it will surprise you.
If you want the drama and the weight together, a heavier pattern is the better buy. For something more conventional at the same scale, see our Staunton chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
55mm to 60mm squares, and the set really wants 60mm. A king this tall on a tight square looks precarious even when it is perfectly stable.
Only the dark timber. Golden rosewood is a warm mid brown with the grain showing through; ebonised boxwood is a near black with sharper contrast. Every dimension and the weighting are the same.
Yuri Lvovich Averbakh was a Russian grandmaster, regularly photographed in his prime at the board with a Soviet set of this shape. That is where the name comes from.
Yes, double weighted, with the ballast set into the base so the pieces sit down firmly despite the height. Without it a set drawn this tall and slim would be far too easy to knock over.
Because the shanks are slim. Most of the height is slender body rather than bulk, which is exactly what makes the Soviet look work, and it is why the set is quicker in the hand than it appears.
34 pieces, which is two more than a game array uses. No board is included, so that is chosen separately.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
123mm high (4.8 inch), 41mm base |
|
Queen |
105mm high (4.1 inch), 39mm base |
|
Bishop |
97mm high (3.8 inch), 37mm base |
|
Knight |
83mm high (3.3 inch), 38mm base |
|
Rook |
72mm high (2.8 inch), 38mm base |
|
Pawn |
60mm high (2.4 inch), 35mm base |
|
Golden Rosewood option |
Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 1,400 grams (2.9 lbs) |
|
Ebonised Boxwood option |
Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces, 1,400 grams (2.9 lbs) |
|
Weighting |
Double Weighted |
|
Recommended square size |
55mm to 60mm (2.16 inch to 2.36 inch) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in the timber 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.
