✔ Australian Owned & Operated
✔ FREE Shipping On All Orders
✔ 100 Day FREE Returns
✔ Authorised Australian Dealer
✔ Questions? Call Us: (03) 7037 0931
Genuine ebony is the reason to look at this one. Not ebonised boxwood dyed black, but Diospyros heartwood, which has a density and a depth to the black that no dye reaches, and which shows in the hand immediately.
The set is deliberately compact. A 76mm king on a 33mm base is well under tournament size, and the board it comes with is 46cm across on 45mm squares. This is a set built for a side table or a study desk rather than for a match hall.
Ebony against boxwood on both the pieces and the board, weighted, with leather base pads rather than felt. It sits among our Staunton chess sets.
Most black chess pieces are not ebony. They are boxwood taken to black with dye, which is a legitimate finish and the reason so many good sets are affordable. Held up to the light, ebonised boxwood shows the pale grain of the boxwood underneath as a faint texture through the black.
Genuine ebony has no underneath. The black is the timber, so it goes all the way through, and the surface takes a polish with a slight sheen that dye cannot imitate. It is also considerably denser, which is why these pieces feel more substantial than their 76mm height suggests.
The trade is cost and scale. Ebony is expensive enough that a compact set is where it becomes reasonable, which is exactly what this is. Larger ebony pieces sit across our luxury chess pieces collection.
Almost every set uses felt, usually green, glued to the base. It is cheap, it protects the board and it wears through in a few years of regular use, at which point pieces start to catch.
These use thick leather pads. Leather costs more and it is slower to fit, and it outlasts felt by a wide margin while giving a slightly firmer, quieter slide across the board. On a set with genuine ebony pieces it is the right pairing, because the pieces will still be here long after felt would have gone.
At 76mm this is around twenty percent shorter than a tournament king, and the 45mm squares are proportionally smaller too. The whole thing occupies far less table than a full sized set, which is the point.
Where it works is anywhere the board stays out permanently: a study, a side table, a desk. Where it does not work is club or tournament play, where the standard is 95mm to 100mm on 50mm to 55mm squares and this would look undersized next to everything else in the room.
The board is ebony on the dark squares and boxwood on the light, the same pairing as the pieces, at 46cm across with 45mm squares and 22mm of thickness.
Matching the board timbers to the piece timbers is less common than it sounds, and it gives the set a visual coherence that a mismatched pairing loses. If you would rather run these pieces on a contrasting board, our chess boards collection is filtered by square size and you want 45mm.
This is genuine ebony at a price that only works because the set is small, and that trade is worth understanding before you buy. What you get is real Diospyros heartwood, dense in the hand, with a depth of black that no dyed boxwood matches, plus leather base pads that will outlast the felt on almost anything else we sell. What you give up is size. A 76mm king on 45mm squares is a study set, not a club set, and it will look undersized beside a tournament board. Buy it for the timber and the permanence, not for presence on the table.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Yes. A 46cm board in ebony and boxwood with 45mm squares, 22mm thick, weighing around 3,000g. It matches the timbers of the pieces.
Genuine ebony heartwood on the dark pieces and the dark squares. It is not boxwood dyed black, and it is noticeably denser in the hand.
No. A 76mm king on 45mm squares is a compact set intended for a study or a side table. Tournament standard is 95mm to 100mm on 50mm to 55mm squares.
Thick leather pads rather than felt. Leather is firmer, quieter and lasts considerably longer than felt under regular use.
34, which is the standard 32 plus two spare queens for pawn promotion.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
76mm (3.0 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
33mm (1.3 inch) |
|
Queen height |
61mm (2.4 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
33mm (1.3 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
59mm (2.3 inch) |
|
Knight height |
59mm (2.3 inch) |
|
Rook height |
44mm (1.7 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
29mm (1.1 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Pawn height |
42mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Pawn base diameter |
26mm (1.0 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, with thick leather base pads |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Chess pieces weight |
600g approximate |
|
Board size |
46cm x 46cm (18 inch) |
|
Board square size |
45mm (1.75 inch) |
|
Board thickness |
22mm |
|
Board timbers |
Genuine ebony and boxwood |
|
Board weight |
3,000g approximate |
|
Total parcel weight |
3,600g approximate |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
One 46cm ebony and boxwood chess board with 45mm squares
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.
Genuine ebony is the reason to look at this one. Not ebonised boxwood dyed black, but Diospyros heartwood, which has a density and a depth to the black that no dye reaches, and which shows in the hand immediately.
The set is deliberately compact. A 76mm king on a 33mm base is well under tournament size, and the board it comes with is 46cm across on 45mm squares. This is a set built for a side table or a study desk rather than for a match hall.
Ebony against boxwood on both the pieces and the board, weighted, with leather base pads rather than felt. It sits among our Staunton chess sets.
Most black chess pieces are not ebony. They are boxwood taken to black with dye, which is a legitimate finish and the reason so many good sets are affordable. Held up to the light, ebonised boxwood shows the pale grain of the boxwood underneath as a faint texture through the black.
Genuine ebony has no underneath. The black is the timber, so it goes all the way through, and the surface takes a polish with a slight sheen that dye cannot imitate. It is also considerably denser, which is why these pieces feel more substantial than their 76mm height suggests.
The trade is cost and scale. Ebony is expensive enough that a compact set is where it becomes reasonable, which is exactly what this is. Larger ebony pieces sit across our luxury chess pieces collection.
Almost every set uses felt, usually green, glued to the base. It is cheap, it protects the board and it wears through in a few years of regular use, at which point pieces start to catch.
These use thick leather pads. Leather costs more and it is slower to fit, and it outlasts felt by a wide margin while giving a slightly firmer, quieter slide across the board. On a set with genuine ebony pieces it is the right pairing, because the pieces will still be here long after felt would have gone.
At 76mm this is around twenty percent shorter than a tournament king, and the 45mm squares are proportionally smaller too. The whole thing occupies far less table than a full sized set, which is the point.
Where it works is anywhere the board stays out permanently: a study, a side table, a desk. Where it does not work is club or tournament play, where the standard is 95mm to 100mm on 50mm to 55mm squares and this would look undersized next to everything else in the room.
The board is ebony on the dark squares and boxwood on the light, the same pairing as the pieces, at 46cm across with 45mm squares and 22mm of thickness.
Matching the board timbers to the piece timbers is less common than it sounds, and it gives the set a visual coherence that a mismatched pairing loses. If you would rather run these pieces on a contrasting board, our chess boards collection is filtered by square size and you want 45mm.
This is genuine ebony at a price that only works because the set is small, and that trade is worth understanding before you buy. What you get is real Diospyros heartwood, dense in the hand, with a depth of black that no dyed boxwood matches, plus leather base pads that will outlast the felt on almost anything else we sell. What you give up is size. A 76mm king on 45mm squares is a study set, not a club set, and it will look undersized beside a tournament board. Buy it for the timber and the permanence, not for presence on the table.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Yes. A 46cm board in ebony and boxwood with 45mm squares, 22mm thick, weighing around 3,000g. It matches the timbers of the pieces.
Genuine ebony heartwood on the dark pieces and the dark squares. It is not boxwood dyed black, and it is noticeably denser in the hand.
No. A 76mm king on 45mm squares is a compact set intended for a study or a side table. Tournament standard is 95mm to 100mm on 50mm to 55mm squares.
Thick leather pads rather than felt. Leather is firmer, quieter and lasts considerably longer than felt under regular use.
34, which is the standard 32 plus two spare queens for pawn promotion.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
76mm (3.0 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
33mm (1.3 inch) |
|
Queen height |
61mm (2.4 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
33mm (1.3 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
59mm (2.3 inch) |
|
Knight height |
59mm (2.3 inch) |
|
Rook height |
44mm (1.7 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
29mm (1.1 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Pawn height |
42mm (1.6 inch) |
|
Pawn base diameter |
26mm (1.0 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, with thick leather base pads |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Chess pieces weight |
600g approximate |
|
Board size |
46cm x 46cm (18 inch) |
|
Board square size |
45mm (1.75 inch) |
|
Board thickness |
22mm |
|
Board timbers |
Genuine ebony and boxwood |
|
Board weight |
3,000g approximate |
|
Total parcel weight |
3,600g approximate |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
One 46cm ebony and boxwood chess board with 45mm squares
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.
