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Sterling Chess Berliner Minimalist chess pieces in blue and yellow painted boxwood, 95mm king

Berliner Minimalist 95mm Chess Pieces

by Sterling Chess
$279.00

✔ Australian Owned & Operated
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Description

Berliner Minimalist 95mm Chess Pieces

Chess sets are almost always two woods. This one is two colours, and you pick which two. Twelve pairings are offered across the same 95mm design, from conventional black and white through to blue and green, red and blue, and green and yellow.

The form underneath is stripped back to turned geometry: a 95mm king and an 83mm queen sharing a 33mm base, officers dropping cleanly to a 42mm pawn on a 19mm foot. There is no carving to speak of, because painted surfaces show carved detail poorly and the design does not pretend otherwise.

What it offers instead is a set that looks like a modern object rather than a traditional one, double weighted to 974g so it still plays properly. It sits apart from everything else in our chess pieces collection.

 Berliner Minimalist chess pieces in blue and yellow painted boxwood

Key features

  • 95mm (3.7 inch) king on a 33mm base, sized for 45mm to 50mm squares
  • Twelve colourways on one design, from black and white to blue and green
  • Painted boxwood throughout, with an opaque even finish rather than a stain
  • Double weighted at 974g across the full set
  • 34 pieces including two spare queens for effortless pawn promotion
  • Minimal turned geometry with no carved detail to obscure the colour
  • Narrow 19mm pawn base that keeps the front rank visually open
  • Identical dimensions and weight across all twelve colourways

How the Berliner Minimalist compares to other wooden chess pieces

Every other set in our range asks you to choose a timber. This one asks you to choose a colour scheme, which is a different decision entirely and one most chess buyers never get to make.

The practical consequence worth knowing is that some pairings are much easier to play with than others. Black and white, or blue and white, separate instantly. Blue and green, or green and yellow, are closer in tone and take a moment longer to read, particularly under warm light. If the set is going to be used rather than displayed, favour a high contrast pairing.

The other trade is the narrow base. At 33mm under a 95mm king this is a 35 percent ratio, well below the usual band, so the pieces are slimmer and less planted than a traditional set. Compare with the wider based options in our Staunton chess pieces.

 Black and white Berliner Minimalist chess pieces with a 95mm king

Why the design has no carving

A carved knight works because light falls differently across the cut surfaces, and the shadow does the describing. Paint an opaque colour over that and most of the effect disappears: the surface reflects evenly, the shadows flatten, and detail that reads beautifully in bare boxwood turns into a vague lump.

The Berliner design accepts that and works with it. Every piece is turned geometry with a clean silhouette, identified by outline rather than by surface detail. It is the same reasoning that produced the great modernist chess sets of the twentieth century, and it is why this set looks deliberate rather than cheap.

Twelve colourways, and how to choose

All twelve share the same dimensions, the same 974g and the same finish. Only the two colours change, and the decision is mostly about contrast.

The high contrast pairings are black and white, blue and white, black and yellow, and yellow and white. These behave like a conventional set and are the safe choice for a board you will actually play on. The closer pairings, blue and green, green and yellow, red and blue, are more interesting to look at and slower to read at speed. Red and black, green and black and blue and black sit in between, with a conventional dark side and a coloured light one.

 Red and blue Berliner Minimalist painted chess pieces, double weighted

Choosing a board for a 33mm base

The 33mm king base puts this set on 45mm to 50mm squares, smaller than standard tournament sizing. That is a consequence of the slim design rather than of the height: at 95mm the king looks like it wants a 55mm board, and on one the set would look sparse and stranded.

No board is included with these pieces. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size so you can find the smaller boards directly, and a plain board suits this set better than a heavily figured one.

Our expert take

This is the only set in the range where the decision is colour rather than timber, and the minimal turned geometry is a real design position rather than a cost saving: opaque paint kills carved detail, so the design does without it. Double weighted at 974g it plays properly rather than being an ornament. Two things to get right when ordering. Pick a high contrast pairing if the set will be used rather than displayed, because blue and green is genuinely slower to read. And check your board: a 33mm base wants 45mm to 50mm squares, not the 55mm the 95mm king would suggest.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Blue and black Berliner Minimalist chess pieces on a 33mm king base

Frequently asked questions
What size board do these need?

Squares of 45mm to 50mm. That comes from the slim 33mm king base rather than the 95mm height. On a standard 55mm board the set will look sparse.

Which colourway should I choose?

If you will play on it regularly, choose a high contrast pairing such as black and white, blue and white, black and yellow or yellow and white. Closer pairings like blue and green or green and yellow look more interesting and are slower to read at speed.

Are the pieces painted or stained?

Painted. The finish is opaque and even, with no timber grain showing through, which is why the design carries no carved detail. Stained sets show their grain; this one does not.

Do all twelve colourways measure the same?

Yes. Every dimension and the 974g weight are identical across all twelve. Only the two colours change.

Is a chess board or storage box included?

No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately across our chess boards collection and no storage box ships with the set.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King height

95mm (3.7 inch)

King base diameter

33mm (1.2 inch)

Queen height

83mm (3.2 inch)

Queen base diameter

33mm (1.2 inch)

Bishop height

72mm (2.8 inch)

Knight height

64mm (2.5 inch)

Bishop and knight base diameter

30mm (1.1 inch)

Rook height

51mm (2.0 inch)

Rook base diameter

29mm (1.1 inch)

Pawn height

42mm (1.6 inch)

Pawn base diameter

19mm (0.7 inch)

Material

Painted boxwood (Gardenia latifolia)

Colourways

Twelve, selectable above

Weighting

Double weighted, thick green felt bases

Piece count

34, including two spare queens

Total set weight

974g approximate

Recommended square size

45mm to 50mm

Origin

Hand turned in India

Board

Not included
What's In The Box?

32 chess pieces in the colourway you select
2 spare queens, one per colour
Chess board not included
Storage box not included

Warranty

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.

FREE Shipping

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.

100 Day FREE Returns

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.

Why Buy From Us?

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.

Description

Berliner Minimalist 95mm Chess Pieces

Chess sets are almost always two woods. This one is two colours, and you pick which two. Twelve pairings are offered across the same 95mm design, from conventional black and white through to blue and green, red and blue, and green and yellow.

The form underneath is stripped back to turned geometry: a 95mm king and an 83mm queen sharing a 33mm base, officers dropping cleanly to a 42mm pawn on a 19mm foot. There is no carving to speak of, because painted surfaces show carved detail poorly and the design does not pretend otherwise.

What it offers instead is a set that looks like a modern object rather than a traditional one, double weighted to 974g so it still plays properly. It sits apart from everything else in our chess pieces collection.

 Berliner Minimalist chess pieces in blue and yellow painted boxwood

Key features

  • 95mm (3.7 inch) king on a 33mm base, sized for 45mm to 50mm squares
  • Twelve colourways on one design, from black and white to blue and green
  • Painted boxwood throughout, with an opaque even finish rather than a stain
  • Double weighted at 974g across the full set
  • 34 pieces including two spare queens for effortless pawn promotion
  • Minimal turned geometry with no carved detail to obscure the colour
  • Narrow 19mm pawn base that keeps the front rank visually open
  • Identical dimensions and weight across all twelve colourways

How the Berliner Minimalist compares to other wooden chess pieces

Every other set in our range asks you to choose a timber. This one asks you to choose a colour scheme, which is a different decision entirely and one most chess buyers never get to make.

The practical consequence worth knowing is that some pairings are much easier to play with than others. Black and white, or blue and white, separate instantly. Blue and green, or green and yellow, are closer in tone and take a moment longer to read, particularly under warm light. If the set is going to be used rather than displayed, favour a high contrast pairing.

The other trade is the narrow base. At 33mm under a 95mm king this is a 35 percent ratio, well below the usual band, so the pieces are slimmer and less planted than a traditional set. Compare with the wider based options in our Staunton chess pieces.

 Black and white Berliner Minimalist chess pieces with a 95mm king

Why the design has no carving

A carved knight works because light falls differently across the cut surfaces, and the shadow does the describing. Paint an opaque colour over that and most of the effect disappears: the surface reflects evenly, the shadows flatten, and detail that reads beautifully in bare boxwood turns into a vague lump.

The Berliner design accepts that and works with it. Every piece is turned geometry with a clean silhouette, identified by outline rather than by surface detail. It is the same reasoning that produced the great modernist chess sets of the twentieth century, and it is why this set looks deliberate rather than cheap.

Twelve colourways, and how to choose

All twelve share the same dimensions, the same 974g and the same finish. Only the two colours change, and the decision is mostly about contrast.

The high contrast pairings are black and white, blue and white, black and yellow, and yellow and white. These behave like a conventional set and are the safe choice for a board you will actually play on. The closer pairings, blue and green, green and yellow, red and blue, are more interesting to look at and slower to read at speed. Red and black, green and black and blue and black sit in between, with a conventional dark side and a coloured light one.

 Red and blue Berliner Minimalist painted chess pieces, double weighted

Choosing a board for a 33mm base

The 33mm king base puts this set on 45mm to 50mm squares, smaller than standard tournament sizing. That is a consequence of the slim design rather than of the height: at 95mm the king looks like it wants a 55mm board, and on one the set would look sparse and stranded.

No board is included with these pieces. Our chess boards collection is filtered by square size so you can find the smaller boards directly, and a plain board suits this set better than a heavily figured one.

Our expert take

This is the only set in the range where the decision is colour rather than timber, and the minimal turned geometry is a real design position rather than a cost saving: opaque paint kills carved detail, so the design does without it. Double weighted at 974g it plays properly rather than being an ornament. Two things to get right when ordering. Pick a high contrast pairing if the set will be used rather than displayed, because blue and green is genuinely slower to read. And check your board: a 33mm base wants 45mm to 50mm squares, not the 55mm the 95mm king would suggest.

- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess

 Blue and black Berliner Minimalist chess pieces on a 33mm king base

Frequently asked questions
What size board do these need?

Squares of 45mm to 50mm. That comes from the slim 33mm king base rather than the 95mm height. On a standard 55mm board the set will look sparse.

Which colourway should I choose?

If you will play on it regularly, choose a high contrast pairing such as black and white, blue and white, black and yellow or yellow and white. Closer pairings like blue and green or green and yellow look more interesting and are slower to read at speed.

Are the pieces painted or stained?

Painted. The finish is opaque and even, with no timber grain showing through, which is why the design carries no carved detail. Stained sets show their grain; this one does not.

Do all twelve colourways measure the same?

Yes. Every dimension and the 974g weight are identical across all twelve. Only the two colours change.

Is a chess board or storage box included?

No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately across our chess boards collection and no storage box ships with the set.
Specifications

Spec

Detail

King height

95mm (3.7 inch)

King base diameter

33mm (1.2 inch)

Queen height

83mm (3.2 inch)

Queen base diameter

33mm (1.2 inch)

Bishop height

72mm (2.8 inch)

Knight height

64mm (2.5 inch)

Bishop and knight base diameter

30mm (1.1 inch)

Rook height

51mm (2.0 inch)

Rook base diameter

29mm (1.1 inch)

Pawn height

42mm (1.6 inch)

Pawn base diameter

19mm (0.7 inch)

Material

Painted boxwood (Gardenia latifolia)

Colourways

Twelve, selectable above

Weighting

Double weighted, thick green felt bases

Piece count

34, including two spare queens

Total set weight

974g approximate

Recommended square size

45mm to 50mm

Origin

Hand turned in India

Board

Not included
What's In The Box?

32 chess pieces in the colourway you select
2 spare queens, one per colour
Chess board not included
Storage box not included

Warranty

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.

FREE Shipping

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.

100 Day FREE Returns

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.

Why Buy From Us?

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.