✔ Australian Owned & Operated
✔ FREE Shipping On All Orders
✔ 100 Day FREE Returns
✔ Authorised Australian Dealer
✔ Questions? Call Us: (03) 7037 0931
Look at the knight before anything else. The mane is cut as separated locks with real depth between them rather than scored into a single mass, and the nostril is opened rather than dimpled. Both are slow to do and both are done freehand, which is why no two knights in the set sit at quite the same angle.
That is where the carving hours have gone. Almost every other piece in a Staunton set is turned against a metal profile, so pawns come out identical and rooks match exactly. The knight is the one piece where a workshop either spends the time or quietly does not, and here it has.
The king stands 113mm on a 45mm base, in genuine ebony heartwood against boxwood, triple weighted with an iron stud in every base. It ships with a 60cm board in black anigre and maple and sits in our luxury chess pieces collection.
Several ebony patterns are offered on this same 60cm board, and the easiest way to separate them is height. The Dominator Staunton is the compact one at 103mm on a 45mm foot. The Dragon Knight Series runs to 120mm and the Noble Bridle Series to 123mm, both on wider bases and both well outside anything a club would use.
The French Warrior sits between them at 113mm. That is still above the 95mm to 100mm tournament band, but it is the option that reads as a large playing set rather than a display piece, and the one most likely to still feel comfortable three hours into a game.
The carving is also listed on its own as the French Warrior Luxury 113mm Chess Pieces, in genuine ebony or in bud rosewood. That page is the route to take if you already own a suitable board, or if you would rather have the warm red brown burl figure of rosewood than the near black of ebony.
A Staunton set is mostly lathe work. The king, queen, bishops, rooks and pawns are turned against a metal profile, which is exactly why they are so consistent: the profile does not get tired and it does not have an off day. The knight cannot be made that way. It has to be cut by hand from a blank, and the difference between a good set and an ordinary one is almost entirely in that one piece.
On this pattern the mane is separated into distinct locks with genuine depth cut between them, rather than scored as lines across a single mass, and the nostril is opened out instead of pressed in. Both add time per knight, and time per knight is where the cost of a set really sits. It also means your four knights will differ slightly in the flow of the mane and the set of the head. That variation is the signature of hand work.
Board fit is decided by base diameter, not by height. At 45mm the king here is proportioned around 55mm squares, and the board supplied runs 60mm. Every piece therefore has a few millimetres more clearance than the pattern assumes, which keeps the back rank open through the middlegame and gives the knights space to be seen from the side.
The board is 60cm across, 60mm squares, 13mm thick and 3,400g, black anigre against maple with a matte finish, made in Spain. Matte rather than gloss is the right partner for polished ebony under a single overhead lamp. Boards in other square sizes are listed across our chess boards collection.
The dark side is ebony heartwood, so the near black is the timber's own colour and shows a faint dark figure under direct light. An ebonised set is pale boxwood carrying a dye: a deep chip reveals white underneath, and the high points of a piece lighten with years of handling. Ebony has neither problem, and it takes a finer edge on the turning, so the crisp lines stay crisp.
What you accept in return is variation. Ebony is not uniform from board to board of timber, and occasional lighter streaking runs through a piece here and there. That is the mark of the real material rather than a defect, and it is worth knowing before the set is unwrapped.
The knight is what you are paying for and it earns the money: separated mane locks with actual depth between them and an opened nostril are slow freehand work that a lot of sets at this level skip, and the ebony holds the detail better than a dyed timber would. At 113mm it is also the more usable height of the large ebony patterns offered on this board, sitting well below the 120mm Dragon Knight Series and the 123mm Noble Bridle Series without dropping to a club size. Two honest notes. It is still above the tournament band, so it will not do for rated play. And the pieces are proportioned around 55mm squares while the board supplied is 60mm, so the set sits with more air around it than the carver drew for, which reads as generous to some players and as sparse to others. Buy it if the knight is what sells you. If you want the same carving in a warmer timber, it is offered in bud rosewood on the pieces listing, alongside the rest of our Staunton chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
60cm x 60cm with 60mm squares, 13mm thick and around 3,400g, in black anigre and maple with a matte finish, made in Spain.
113mm, on a 45mm base. That is above the 95mm to 100mm band used for rated tournament play, so this is a home and display set rather than a club one.
Genuine ebony heartwood on the dark pieces, not boxwood dyed black. Expect some variation in tone and the occasional lighter streak, which is normal for the timber.
Each one is cut freehand from a blank rather than turned on a lathe, so the mane and the angle of the head vary slightly. Every other piece in the set is turned and comes out consistent.
No. This listing is the 34 pieces and the board only.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
113mm (4.44 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
45mm |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony (Diospyros ebenum) |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Triple weighted, iron stud in every base, thick green felt |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Board size |
60cm x 60cm (23.6 inch) |
|
Board square size |
60mm (2.36 inch) |
|
Board thickness |
13mm (0.5 inch) |
|
Board timbers |
Black anigre and maple, matte finish, made in Spain |
|
Board weight |
3,400g approximate |
|
Storage |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in genuine ebony and boxwood, including two spare queens
One 60cm black anigre and maple chess board with 60mm 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.
Look at the knight before anything else. The mane is cut as separated locks with real depth between them rather than scored into a single mass, and the nostril is opened rather than dimpled. Both are slow to do and both are done freehand, which is why no two knights in the set sit at quite the same angle.
That is where the carving hours have gone. Almost every other piece in a Staunton set is turned against a metal profile, so pawns come out identical and rooks match exactly. The knight is the one piece where a workshop either spends the time or quietly does not, and here it has.
The king stands 113mm on a 45mm base, in genuine ebony heartwood against boxwood, triple weighted with an iron stud in every base. It ships with a 60cm board in black anigre and maple and sits in our luxury chess pieces collection.
Several ebony patterns are offered on this same 60cm board, and the easiest way to separate them is height. The Dominator Staunton is the compact one at 103mm on a 45mm foot. The Dragon Knight Series runs to 120mm and the Noble Bridle Series to 123mm, both on wider bases and both well outside anything a club would use.
The French Warrior sits between them at 113mm. That is still above the 95mm to 100mm tournament band, but it is the option that reads as a large playing set rather than a display piece, and the one most likely to still feel comfortable three hours into a game.
The carving is also listed on its own as the French Warrior Luxury 113mm Chess Pieces, in genuine ebony or in bud rosewood. That page is the route to take if you already own a suitable board, or if you would rather have the warm red brown burl figure of rosewood than the near black of ebony.
A Staunton set is mostly lathe work. The king, queen, bishops, rooks and pawns are turned against a metal profile, which is exactly why they are so consistent: the profile does not get tired and it does not have an off day. The knight cannot be made that way. It has to be cut by hand from a blank, and the difference between a good set and an ordinary one is almost entirely in that one piece.
On this pattern the mane is separated into distinct locks with genuine depth cut between them, rather than scored as lines across a single mass, and the nostril is opened out instead of pressed in. Both add time per knight, and time per knight is where the cost of a set really sits. It also means your four knights will differ slightly in the flow of the mane and the set of the head. That variation is the signature of hand work.
Board fit is decided by base diameter, not by height. At 45mm the king here is proportioned around 55mm squares, and the board supplied runs 60mm. Every piece therefore has a few millimetres more clearance than the pattern assumes, which keeps the back rank open through the middlegame and gives the knights space to be seen from the side.
The board is 60cm across, 60mm squares, 13mm thick and 3,400g, black anigre against maple with a matte finish, made in Spain. Matte rather than gloss is the right partner for polished ebony under a single overhead lamp. Boards in other square sizes are listed across our chess boards collection.
The dark side is ebony heartwood, so the near black is the timber's own colour and shows a faint dark figure under direct light. An ebonised set is pale boxwood carrying a dye: a deep chip reveals white underneath, and the high points of a piece lighten with years of handling. Ebony has neither problem, and it takes a finer edge on the turning, so the crisp lines stay crisp.
What you accept in return is variation. Ebony is not uniform from board to board of timber, and occasional lighter streaking runs through a piece here and there. That is the mark of the real material rather than a defect, and it is worth knowing before the set is unwrapped.
The knight is what you are paying for and it earns the money: separated mane locks with actual depth between them and an opened nostril are slow freehand work that a lot of sets at this level skip, and the ebony holds the detail better than a dyed timber would. At 113mm it is also the more usable height of the large ebony patterns offered on this board, sitting well below the 120mm Dragon Knight Series and the 123mm Noble Bridle Series without dropping to a club size. Two honest notes. It is still above the tournament band, so it will not do for rated play. And the pieces are proportioned around 55mm squares while the board supplied is 60mm, so the set sits with more air around it than the carver drew for, which reads as generous to some players and as sparse to others. Buy it if the knight is what sells you. If you want the same carving in a warmer timber, it is offered in bud rosewood on the pieces listing, alongside the rest of our Staunton chess pieces.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
60cm x 60cm with 60mm squares, 13mm thick and around 3,400g, in black anigre and maple with a matte finish, made in Spain.
113mm, on a 45mm base. That is above the 95mm to 100mm band used for rated tournament play, so this is a home and display set rather than a club one.
Genuine ebony heartwood on the dark pieces, not boxwood dyed black. Expect some variation in tone and the occasional lighter streak, which is normal for the timber.
Each one is cut freehand from a blank rather than turned on a lathe, so the mane and the angle of the head vary slightly. Every other piece in the set is turned and comes out consistent.
No. This listing is the 34 pieces and the board only.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
113mm (4.44 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
45mm |
|
Dark pieces |
Genuine ebony (Diospyros ebenum) |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Triple weighted, iron stud in every base, thick green felt |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Board size |
60cm x 60cm (23.6 inch) |
|
Board square size |
60mm (2.36 inch) |
|
Board thickness |
13mm (0.5 inch) |
|
Board timbers |
Black anigre and maple, matte finish, made in Spain |
|
Board weight |
3,400g approximate |
|
Storage |
Not included |
34 chess pieces in genuine ebony and boxwood, including two spare queens
One 60cm black anigre and maple chess board with 60mm 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.
