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✔ Questions? Call Us: (03) 7037 0931
These are timber chessmen built for electronic play. Every base is machined with an empty cavity that takes a Chessnut sensor chip, so an Air or Air+ board reads the game while you play on wood rather than moulded plastic.
The sensor chips themselves are bought separately from Chessnut and are not supplied with these pieces, which is the one thing to be clear about before ordering.
The pattern is a compact Craftsman Staunton and the outlines are conventional throughout, so nothing needs explaining to an opponent.
The king stands 77mm and the complete 34 pieces weigh 270 grams, which is what a hollowed base under every piece comes to. Two timbers are offered on one pattern.
It sits with our electronic chess pieces.
The two options are the same set. Same pattern, same king, same weight, same cavities, same felts and same square window. The only decision is colour.
Ebonised boxwood is boxwood brought to a near black. Against natural boxwood it gives the sharper separation of the two, which is the safer choice in a room with mixed or low lighting.
Golden rosewood is a warmer mid brown with visible figure, and against boxwood the contrast is gentler. The set reads more like furniture and less like equipment, which suits a board that lives out on a table between games.
These want squares of 38mm to 45mm. At the roomier end the king base leaves a clear ring of surface round every foot and room to place a piece into a busy corner; at the tighter end the opening ranks stand tight together and the set looks fuller. Both are inside the range the pieces are cut for.
Each piece is machined with an empty base to seat a Chessnut sensor chip. On the king, queen, bishop, knight and rook the cavity takes a chip as it comes. The pawn is the exception, because its cavity is the shallower of the two, so a sensor needs a little work to sit properly in it.
That work is small and specific. Only the top rubber or plastic rim of the sensor is trimmed. Do not cut the centre disc and do not touch the flat bottom surface.
Take the rim back gradually and test the fit as you go until the sensor sits flush and secure, then move on to the next one. It is a patient job rather than a hard one, and worth doing one pawn at a time.
The cavity figures are approximate because the pieces are handmade, so a slight variation between individual pieces is normal. Every piece has been tested to read reliably with Chessnut sensors once fitted.
The chips are the part to say plainly. This listing is the chessmen and the felts. The chip set is not included, it is sold separately by Chessnut, and you will need one to bring these pieces to life on an Air or Air+ board.
What is supplied is 34 green felts, cut to these particular bases, which close the underside once the chips are in.
Care is straightforward and matters more than usual on a set this light. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil and furniture polish alone, which yellows boxwood unevenly.
What makes these worth having is the timber. A sensor board with plastic pieces feels like equipment; a properly turned Staunton in ebonised boxwood or golden rosewood makes the same board feel like a chess set that happens to know what you played.
The proportions are honest for the square size rather than scaled down awkwardly, and the pattern is conventional enough that nothing about it distracts from the game.
Two things to be clear about before ordering. The chips are not included, and the pawns need the sensor rim trimmed lightly before it will seat. And the set is very light, because there is a cavity under every piece. Anyone whose main requirement is heft should look at our tournament chess pieces and accept that a conventional weighted army will not talk to a sensor board.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No. This listing is the 34 chess pieces and the 34 green base felts. The Chessnut sensor chip set is sold separately by Chessnut, so you will need to buy one set to use them on an Air or Air+ board.
Their cavity is shallower than the rest. Only the top rubber or plastic rim of the sensor is trimmed, never the centre disc and never the flat bottom surface. Take the rim back gradually and test the fit until the sensor sits flush and secure.
No. The complete set is 270 grams across 34 pieces, which is very light, because there is a sensor cavity under every piece. They lift easily and settle without a thud, which on a flat sensor board is rarely a problem.
38mm to 45mm. The roomier end gives the opening ranks more air and the tighter end makes the set look fuller. Both are inside what the pieces are cut for.
Each one closes a base once its chip is seated. They are cut for these particular bases.
Yes. With the green felts fitted they play like any other set on a board in the same square window. The cavity is in the underside and is not visible in use.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
77mm high (3.0 inch), 30mm base |
|
Queen |
67mm high (2.6 inch), 29.3mm base |
|
Bishop |
60mm high (2.4 inch), 28mm base |
|
Knight |
56mm high (2.2 inch), 28.3mm base |
|
Rook |
47mm high (1.8 inch), 27.6mm base |
|
Pawn |
41mm high (1.6 inch), 25mm base |
|
Ebonised option |
Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces |
|
Golden Rosewood option |
Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces |
|
King height, both timbers |
77mm |
|
Recommended square size |
38mm to 45mm (1.5 inch to 1.76 inch) |
|
Total weight of pieces |
270 grams (0.60 lbs) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Sensor cavity, all pieces except pawn |
12mm diameter, 16mm depth |
|
Sensor cavity, pawn |
10mm diameter, 10.5mm depth |
|
Compatibility |
Chessnut Air and Air+ sensor boards |
|
Chessnut sensor chip set |
Not included |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in the timber option you select
34 green base felts, sized to these piece bases
Chessnut sensor chip set not included
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.
These are timber chessmen built for electronic play. Every base is machined with an empty cavity that takes a Chessnut sensor chip, so an Air or Air+ board reads the game while you play on wood rather than moulded plastic.
The sensor chips themselves are bought separately from Chessnut and are not supplied with these pieces, which is the one thing to be clear about before ordering.
The pattern is a compact Craftsman Staunton and the outlines are conventional throughout, so nothing needs explaining to an opponent.
The king stands 77mm and the complete 34 pieces weigh 270 grams, which is what a hollowed base under every piece comes to. Two timbers are offered on one pattern.
It sits with our electronic chess pieces.
The two options are the same set. Same pattern, same king, same weight, same cavities, same felts and same square window. The only decision is colour.
Ebonised boxwood is boxwood brought to a near black. Against natural boxwood it gives the sharper separation of the two, which is the safer choice in a room with mixed or low lighting.
Golden rosewood is a warmer mid brown with visible figure, and against boxwood the contrast is gentler. The set reads more like furniture and less like equipment, which suits a board that lives out on a table between games.
These want squares of 38mm to 45mm. At the roomier end the king base leaves a clear ring of surface round every foot and room to place a piece into a busy corner; at the tighter end the opening ranks stand tight together and the set looks fuller. Both are inside the range the pieces are cut for.
Each piece is machined with an empty base to seat a Chessnut sensor chip. On the king, queen, bishop, knight and rook the cavity takes a chip as it comes. The pawn is the exception, because its cavity is the shallower of the two, so a sensor needs a little work to sit properly in it.
That work is small and specific. Only the top rubber or plastic rim of the sensor is trimmed. Do not cut the centre disc and do not touch the flat bottom surface.
Take the rim back gradually and test the fit as you go until the sensor sits flush and secure, then move on to the next one. It is a patient job rather than a hard one, and worth doing one pawn at a time.
The cavity figures are approximate because the pieces are handmade, so a slight variation between individual pieces is normal. Every piece has been tested to read reliably with Chessnut sensors once fitted.
The chips are the part to say plainly. This listing is the chessmen and the felts. The chip set is not included, it is sold separately by Chessnut, and you will need one to bring these pieces to life on an Air or Air+ board.
What is supplied is 34 green felts, cut to these particular bases, which close the underside once the chips are in.
Care is straightforward and matters more than usual on a set this light. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil and furniture polish alone, which yellows boxwood unevenly.
What makes these worth having is the timber. A sensor board with plastic pieces feels like equipment; a properly turned Staunton in ebonised boxwood or golden rosewood makes the same board feel like a chess set that happens to know what you played.
The proportions are honest for the square size rather than scaled down awkwardly, and the pattern is conventional enough that nothing about it distracts from the game.
Two things to be clear about before ordering. The chips are not included, and the pawns need the sensor rim trimmed lightly before it will seat. And the set is very light, because there is a cavity under every piece. Anyone whose main requirement is heft should look at our tournament chess pieces and accept that a conventional weighted army will not talk to a sensor board.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
No. This listing is the 34 chess pieces and the 34 green base felts. The Chessnut sensor chip set is sold separately by Chessnut, so you will need to buy one set to use them on an Air or Air+ board.
Their cavity is shallower than the rest. Only the top rubber or plastic rim of the sensor is trimmed, never the centre disc and never the flat bottom surface. Take the rim back gradually and test the fit until the sensor sits flush and secure.
No. The complete set is 270 grams across 34 pieces, which is very light, because there is a sensor cavity under every piece. They lift easily and settle without a thud, which on a flat sensor board is rarely a problem.
38mm to 45mm. The roomier end gives the opening ranks more air and the tighter end makes the set look fuller. Both are inside what the pieces are cut for.
Each one closes a base once its chip is seated. They are cut for these particular bases.
Yes. With the green felts fitted they play like any other set on a board in the same square window. The cavity is in the underside and is not visible in use.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
77mm high (3.0 inch), 30mm base |
|
Queen |
67mm high (2.6 inch), 29.3mm base |
|
Bishop |
60mm high (2.4 inch), 28mm base |
|
Knight |
56mm high (2.2 inch), 28.3mm base |
|
Rook |
47mm high (1.8 inch), 27.6mm base |
|
Pawn |
41mm high (1.6 inch), 25mm base |
|
Ebonised option |
Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces |
|
Golden Rosewood option |
Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces |
|
King height, both timbers |
77mm |
|
Recommended square size |
38mm to 45mm (1.5 inch to 1.76 inch) |
|
Total weight of pieces |
270 grams (0.60 lbs) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Sensor cavity, all pieces except pawn |
12mm diameter, 16mm depth |
|
Sensor cavity, pawn |
10mm diameter, 10.5mm depth |
|
Compatibility |
Chessnut Air and Air+ sensor boards |
|
Chessnut sensor chip set |
Not included |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in the timber option you select
34 green base felts, sized to these piece bases
Chessnut sensor chip set not included
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.
