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The French Grandmaster's is a club set first and everything else second. It is modelled after the European club sized chessmen that were popular for tournament play across mid-20th Century Europe, and it has the plain, unhurried look that goes with that.
The king stands 104mm, a full club height, and the rest of the army is scaled to sit with him. Nothing is exaggerated and nothing is decorated for its own sake.
Not one sharp edge on any piece, and no fuss in the design either. That sounds like a small point until you have spent three hours lifting pieces and setting them down again.
The full army weighs 1,200 grams. A piece stays put once your hand leaves it, and an evening of blitz never becomes heavy going for your wrist.
It is offered in two options, each with a different pair of timbers, and both are set out below. Look for it in our staunton chess pieces.
The shapes are conventional Staunton and deliberately so. The design is simple and does not reach for anything clever, which is the whole of what this set is trying to be.
What gives the set its character is proportion. The pieces are well proportioned against one another, so the army reads as one thing when it is all standing, and no single piece pulls the eye away from the position.
The bases are wide, and it is the first thing you notice with the army standing. The back rank looks planted, and a piece nudged by a sleeve tends to rock and settle where it is instead of going over.
It is a set made to be used. The pieces are an easy fit for a club night under a clock and just as happy on a kitchen table for a casual game on a Sunday afternoon.
These pieces suit boards with squares of 50mm to 55mm. Go as wide as you can inside that range. The base under this king is broad, and at the tight end almost nothing of the square shows around him once the board is set.
There is a genuine choice here and it runs to both armies, not just the dark one. The two options differ on the light side as well, so it is worth knowing what each pairing puts on the board before you decide.
The ebonised option is ebonised boxwood against antiqued boxwood. The dark army is boxwood brought to a near black. The light army is antiqued boxwood, which is not what the other option puts opposite.
The golden rosewood option is golden rosewood against boxwood. Here the two armies are two different timbers rather than one timber taken two ways, which is the real distinction between the options.
Which one to take is a question of which pair of timbers you would rather own. The specification table below names the dark and the light army for each option, so there is no guessing which side is which.
Whichever you choose, nothing else about the set moves. The heights are identical, the bases are identical, and the army weighs the same either way, so the two options play exactly alike and only the timbers are different.
What I like about this one is what it leaves out. There is no flourish on it and no attempt to make a plain Staunton into something else, and the set stays out of the way of the game.
It is an everyday set and it is meant to be one. Good enough to carry to a club night, plain enough that you will not fuss about it living on the kitchen table between games.
My one reservation is the board. No piece in the set stands on a wider base than this king, so a board cut to the smaller squares puts the back rank shoulder to shoulder. Check your squares before you order.
And if you are shopping for something to be admired more than used, this is the wrong set. It is a plain working army, and you would do better starting in our luxury chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Boards with squares of 50mm to 55mm. Aim at the upper end if you have the choice, because the back rank tightens up noticeably towards the bottom of that window.
Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, which is what makes hardwood check. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, polish and solvents alone.
1,200 grams for all 34 chess pieces. That is enough for the pieces to sit steadily on the board, and light enough that the set is easy to pack up and carry to a club night.
A playing set. It was made as an everyday set for casual games and for taking to tournaments, and the simple design with no sharp edges makes it a pleasure to handle.
34 chess pieces. That is two beyond the thirty two a game of chess actually uses. What is in the box is listed in full below.
No, neither one. This listing is the chessmen on their own, so both are separate purchases. Match any board you buy to the square window in the specifications below.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
104mm high (4.1 inch), 43mm base |
|
Queen |
89mm high (3.5 inch), 43mm base |
|
Bishop |
78mm high (3.1 inch), 36mm base |
|
Knight |
74mm high (2.9 inch), 36mm base |
|
Rook |
62mm high (2.4 inch), 36mm base |
|
Pawn |
49mm high (1.9 inch), 32mm base |
|
Ebonised option |
Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, antiqued boxwood light pieces |
|
Golden Rosewood option |
Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces |
|
King height, both options |
104mm |
|
Recommended square size |
50mm to 55mm (1.96 inch to 2.16 inch) |
|
Total weight of pieces |
1,200 grams (2.7 lbs) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in the timber option you select
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 French Grandmaster's is a club set first and everything else second. It is modelled after the European club sized chessmen that were popular for tournament play across mid-20th Century Europe, and it has the plain, unhurried look that goes with that.
The king stands 104mm, a full club height, and the rest of the army is scaled to sit with him. Nothing is exaggerated and nothing is decorated for its own sake.
Not one sharp edge on any piece, and no fuss in the design either. That sounds like a small point until you have spent three hours lifting pieces and setting them down again.
The full army weighs 1,200 grams. A piece stays put once your hand leaves it, and an evening of blitz never becomes heavy going for your wrist.
It is offered in two options, each with a different pair of timbers, and both are set out below. Look for it in our staunton chess pieces.
The shapes are conventional Staunton and deliberately so. The design is simple and does not reach for anything clever, which is the whole of what this set is trying to be.
What gives the set its character is proportion. The pieces are well proportioned against one another, so the army reads as one thing when it is all standing, and no single piece pulls the eye away from the position.
The bases are wide, and it is the first thing you notice with the army standing. The back rank looks planted, and a piece nudged by a sleeve tends to rock and settle where it is instead of going over.
It is a set made to be used. The pieces are an easy fit for a club night under a clock and just as happy on a kitchen table for a casual game on a Sunday afternoon.
These pieces suit boards with squares of 50mm to 55mm. Go as wide as you can inside that range. The base under this king is broad, and at the tight end almost nothing of the square shows around him once the board is set.
There is a genuine choice here and it runs to both armies, not just the dark one. The two options differ on the light side as well, so it is worth knowing what each pairing puts on the board before you decide.
The ebonised option is ebonised boxwood against antiqued boxwood. The dark army is boxwood brought to a near black. The light army is antiqued boxwood, which is not what the other option puts opposite.
The golden rosewood option is golden rosewood against boxwood. Here the two armies are two different timbers rather than one timber taken two ways, which is the real distinction between the options.
Which one to take is a question of which pair of timbers you would rather own. The specification table below names the dark and the light army for each option, so there is no guessing which side is which.
Whichever you choose, nothing else about the set moves. The heights are identical, the bases are identical, and the army weighs the same either way, so the two options play exactly alike and only the timbers are different.
What I like about this one is what it leaves out. There is no flourish on it and no attempt to make a plain Staunton into something else, and the set stays out of the way of the game.
It is an everyday set and it is meant to be one. Good enough to carry to a club night, plain enough that you will not fuss about it living on the kitchen table between games.
My one reservation is the board. No piece in the set stands on a wider base than this king, so a board cut to the smaller squares puts the back rank shoulder to shoulder. Check your squares before you order.
And if you are shopping for something to be admired more than used, this is the wrong set. It is a plain working army, and you would do better starting in our luxury chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Boards with squares of 50mm to 55mm. Aim at the upper end if you have the choice, because the back rank tightens up noticeably towards the bottom of that window.
Keep the set out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, which is what makes hardwood check. Dust with a dry soft cloth, and leave oil, polish and solvents alone.
1,200 grams for all 34 chess pieces. That is enough for the pieces to sit steadily on the board, and light enough that the set is easy to pack up and carry to a club night.
A playing set. It was made as an everyday set for casual games and for taking to tournaments, and the simple design with no sharp edges makes it a pleasure to handle.
34 chess pieces. That is two beyond the thirty two a game of chess actually uses. What is in the box is listed in full below.
No, neither one. This listing is the chessmen on their own, so both are separate purchases. Match any board you buy to the square window in the specifications below.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King |
104mm high (4.1 inch), 43mm base |
|
Queen |
89mm high (3.5 inch), 43mm base |
|
Bishop |
78mm high (3.1 inch), 36mm base |
|
Knight |
74mm high (2.9 inch), 36mm base |
|
Rook |
62mm high (2.4 inch), 36mm base |
|
Pawn |
49mm high (1.9 inch), 32mm base |
|
Ebonised option |
Ebonised boxwood dark pieces, antiqued boxwood light pieces |
|
Golden Rosewood option |
Golden rosewood dark pieces, boxwood light pieces |
|
King height, both options |
104mm |
|
Recommended square size |
50mm to 55mm (1.96 inch to 2.16 inch) |
|
Total weight of pieces |
1,200 grams (2.7 lbs) |
|
Piece count |
34 |
|
Chess board |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in the timber option you select
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.
