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The Championship German Knight Ebonised 96mm Chess Pieces are built for players who want a full size tournament feel without stepping up into the rarer timbers. Thirty four chessmen, a 96mm king, and the German Knight head that club players tend to reach for first. They sit in the middle of our chess pieces collection.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood rather than dyed hardwood, so the grain still reads through the finish under a lamp. The light pieces are natural boxwood, left pale and close grained. Every piece is weighted with iron studs and finished with thick green felt on the base.
At around 900 grams across the set, this is a mid weight rather than a heavy triple weighted set. That keeps it quick to move in a fast time control and easy to carry to a club night.
Boxwood sets occupy the broad middle of the chess piece market, and what separates one from another is finish quality and how honestly the weighting is done. Ebonising is the step most often rushed. Done well it leaves a deep, near black surface that still shows figure. Done poorly it looks like paint.
These are turned and hand finished, which is why the ebonised surface keeps its grain. Set against the dyed and lacquered pieces below them the difference shows most in raking light, and set against genuine ebony above them the playing feel is closer than the gap in materials suggests.
If you are weighing up timber options across the range, our wood chess pieces collection gathers the boxwood and hardwood sets in one place.
The German Knight is a compact, alert carving with a short muzzle and a defined mane. It is easier to read at a glance than the longer, more sculptural knights, which matters when you are scanning a position with the clock running.
Because the head is carved rather than moulded, small variations run between pieces. Two knights from the same set will not be identical. Most players treat that as evidence of hand work rather than a flaw.
Iron studs set into the base give each piece enough mass to hold position when a neighbouring piece is lifted, without making the set slow to move. The 36mm king base is broad enough that the tallest piece never feels top heavy.
Thick green felt covers the base, so pieces glide rather than scrape and the playing surface stays unmarked. Felt is usually the first part of a set to wear, and a thicker pad lasts materially longer.
A 96mm king wants squares between 45mm and 50mm. That holds roughly the standard ratio of king base to square, so a crowded middlegame still has room to breathe and no piece overhangs its square.
These pieces are sold on their own, so the playing surface is chosen separately. Our chess boards collection lists square size on every product, and anything in the 45mm to 50mm band will suit this set.
The ebonising is the reason to choose this set: at 96mm on a 36mm base it is a full tournament size, and the boxwood grain still reads through the dark finish, which dyed and lacquered pieces at this level rarely manage. The caveat is the weighting, because at around 900 grams for 34 pieces this is a mid weight set, and anyone used to a heavy triple weighted tournament set will find these lighter in the hand than expected. It suits club and home players who want a full size German Knight in real boxwood, rather than collectors chasing the density of an ebony Staunton set.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Club players, home players, and anyone buying their first full size tournament set. The 96mm king and German Knight carving are the standard club combination, and the mid weight suits both casual games and longer time controls. Collectors after rare timbers will want to look higher in the range.
Ebonised boxwood is boxwood finished to a deep, near black. Ebony is a naturally black hardwood, denser and considerably rarer. Ebonising keeps the grain visible and brings a dark set within reach of far more players.
Squares between 45mm and 50mm. Anything smaller crowds the board once the middlegame opens up. You can compare king heights across our full chess pieces collection before settling on a playing surface.
No. These are sold as pieces only. Neither a chess board nor a storage box is supplied, so both are chosen separately.
Thirty four. That is the standard thirty two plus two extra queens, one per colour, so a pawn promotion never means borrowing a rook.
Wipe them with a dry, soft cloth and keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. Boxwood is a timber and responds to swings in humidity, so a stable indoor spot is best. Avoid solvents and household cleaners on the ebonised surface.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
96 mm (3.7 in) |
King base diameter |
36 mm (1.4 in) |
Queen height |
82 mm (3.2 in) |
Queen base diameter |
36 mm (1.4 in) |
Bishop height |
71 mm (2.8 in) |
Bishop base diameter |
34 mm (1.3 in) |
Knight height |
66 mm (2.6 in) |
Knight base diameter |
32 mm (1.2 in) |
Rook height |
56 mm (2.2 in) |
Rook base diameter |
32 mm (1.2 in) |
Pawn height |
46 mm (1.8 in) |
Pawn base diameter |
27 mm (1.0 in) |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood |
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood |
Number of pieces |
34, including two extra queens |
Knight pattern |
German Knight |
Weighting |
Weighted with iron studs |
Base finish |
Thick green felt |
Set weight |
Approximately 900 g |
Recommended square size |
45 mm to 50 mm |
32 chess pieces in ebonised boxwood and natural boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
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.
The Championship German Knight Ebonised 96mm Chess Pieces are built for players who want a full size tournament feel without stepping up into the rarer timbers. Thirty four chessmen, a 96mm king, and the German Knight head that club players tend to reach for first. They sit in the middle of our chess pieces collection.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood rather than dyed hardwood, so the grain still reads through the finish under a lamp. The light pieces are natural boxwood, left pale and close grained. Every piece is weighted with iron studs and finished with thick green felt on the base.
At around 900 grams across the set, this is a mid weight rather than a heavy triple weighted set. That keeps it quick to move in a fast time control and easy to carry to a club night.
Boxwood sets occupy the broad middle of the chess piece market, and what separates one from another is finish quality and how honestly the weighting is done. Ebonising is the step most often rushed. Done well it leaves a deep, near black surface that still shows figure. Done poorly it looks like paint.
These are turned and hand finished, which is why the ebonised surface keeps its grain. Set against the dyed and lacquered pieces below them the difference shows most in raking light, and set against genuine ebony above them the playing feel is closer than the gap in materials suggests.
If you are weighing up timber options across the range, our wood chess pieces collection gathers the boxwood and hardwood sets in one place.
The German Knight is a compact, alert carving with a short muzzle and a defined mane. It is easier to read at a glance than the longer, more sculptural knights, which matters when you are scanning a position with the clock running.
Because the head is carved rather than moulded, small variations run between pieces. Two knights from the same set will not be identical. Most players treat that as evidence of hand work rather than a flaw.
Iron studs set into the base give each piece enough mass to hold position when a neighbouring piece is lifted, without making the set slow to move. The 36mm king base is broad enough that the tallest piece never feels top heavy.
Thick green felt covers the base, so pieces glide rather than scrape and the playing surface stays unmarked. Felt is usually the first part of a set to wear, and a thicker pad lasts materially longer.
A 96mm king wants squares between 45mm and 50mm. That holds roughly the standard ratio of king base to square, so a crowded middlegame still has room to breathe and no piece overhangs its square.
These pieces are sold on their own, so the playing surface is chosen separately. Our chess boards collection lists square size on every product, and anything in the 45mm to 50mm band will suit this set.
The ebonising is the reason to choose this set: at 96mm on a 36mm base it is a full tournament size, and the boxwood grain still reads through the dark finish, which dyed and lacquered pieces at this level rarely manage. The caveat is the weighting, because at around 900 grams for 34 pieces this is a mid weight set, and anyone used to a heavy triple weighted tournament set will find these lighter in the hand than expected. It suits club and home players who want a full size German Knight in real boxwood, rather than collectors chasing the density of an ebony Staunton set.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Club players, home players, and anyone buying their first full size tournament set. The 96mm king and German Knight carving are the standard club combination, and the mid weight suits both casual games and longer time controls. Collectors after rare timbers will want to look higher in the range.
Ebonised boxwood is boxwood finished to a deep, near black. Ebony is a naturally black hardwood, denser and considerably rarer. Ebonising keeps the grain visible and brings a dark set within reach of far more players.
Squares between 45mm and 50mm. Anything smaller crowds the board once the middlegame opens up. You can compare king heights across our full chess pieces collection before settling on a playing surface.
No. These are sold as pieces only. Neither a chess board nor a storage box is supplied, so both are chosen separately.
Thirty four. That is the standard thirty two plus two extra queens, one per colour, so a pawn promotion never means borrowing a rook.
Wipe them with a dry, soft cloth and keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. Boxwood is a timber and responds to swings in humidity, so a stable indoor spot is best. Avoid solvents and household cleaners on the ebonised surface.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
96 mm (3.7 in) |
King base diameter |
36 mm (1.4 in) |
Queen height |
82 mm (3.2 in) |
Queen base diameter |
36 mm (1.4 in) |
Bishop height |
71 mm (2.8 in) |
Bishop base diameter |
34 mm (1.3 in) |
Knight height |
66 mm (2.6 in) |
Knight base diameter |
32 mm (1.2 in) |
Rook height |
56 mm (2.2 in) |
Rook base diameter |
32 mm (1.2 in) |
Pawn height |
46 mm (1.8 in) |
Pawn base diameter |
27 mm (1.0 in) |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood |
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood |
Number of pieces |
34, including two extra queens |
Knight pattern |
German Knight |
Weighting |
Weighted with iron studs |
Base finish |
Thick green felt |
Set weight |
Approximately 900 g |
Recommended square size |
45 mm to 50 mm |
32 chess pieces in ebonised boxwood and natural boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
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.
