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Reykjavik, 1972. Bobby Fischer against Boris Spassky, twenty one games, and a result that made an American world champion for the first time. The match was followed well outside chess, and the equipment on that table has been reproduced ever since. This is a copy of that set.
The pieces are turned from ebonised boxwood, with the light side offered in either natural boxwood or antique boxwood. The king stands at 96mm on a 43mm base, and the queen follows at 77mm on a 41mm base, so the two tallest pieces read as a matched pair rather than a king and a shorter rival.
Both finishes sit in the same place in our chess pieces collection: a set with a documented tournament behind it and the proportions to be played with rather than shelved. Choose the finish on the light pieces and the rest of the set is identical.
Historical reproductions usually fail in one of two ways. Either the silhouette is right and the proportions are not, because the bases have been shrunk to save timber, or the maker reaches for ebony and triple weighting and the set stops being something you would set up on a weeknight.
This set takes the middle road. A 43mm base under a 96mm king is generous, and it is what keeps the pieces stable without heavy internal weighting to compensate. The trade is mass: at 1120g across 34 pieces, these are light in the hand compared with a competition set.
If you want pieces that land with an audible weight, the triple weighted options in our tournament chess sets range will suit you better. If you want a set tied to a specific match at a sensible price, this is the more interesting buy.
Stockholm and Reykjavik bookend Fischer's run at the title. The 1972 world championship match in Reykjavik is the one most people remember, partly for the chess and partly for everything around it: the forfeited second game, the move to a back room, the wait to see whether Fischer would play at all.
He did, and he won 12.5 to 8.5. Reproductions of this set appeal because the connection is specific rather than generic. It is not a vintage style set. It is a copy of the equipment used at a documented event, which is a better story for anyone who ends up asking about the pieces on your table.
The dark pieces are the same in both options: boxwood dyed black, with the grain still readable under the finish rather than the flat black of ebony heartwood. The choice is entirely about the light side.
Natural boxwood is the brighter of the two. It gives you maximum contrast across the board and a set that looks new, which is what most players want if the pieces are going to be used. Antique boxwood is treated to a warmer, aged tone, closer to how an original set from 1972 looks now after five decades of handling.
Neither is more correct than the other. Collectors chasing the look of a surviving original tend to prefer the antique finish, while players who want the position readable at a glance tend to prefer natural. Both share the same dimensions, the same weight, and the same place in our wood chess sets range.
A 96mm king on a 43mm base wants squares in the 55mm to 60mm range. That is a little larger than the 50mm to 55mm most reproduction sets ask for, and it comes from the generous base rather than the height. Go smaller and the pieces crowd, particularly once both sides have developed.
The board is not included with these pieces. If you are buying one at the same time, our chess boards collection lists square size on every listing, so you can match the 55mm to 60mm requirement directly rather than working it back from the overall board dimensions.
The proportions are the reason to buy this set: a 43mm base under a 96mm king is more generous than most reproductions in this bracket, and it is what lets a lightly weighted set feel planted rather than tippy. Be clear on the weight though, because 1120g across 34 pieces works out around 33g a piece, and anyone used to double or triple weighted tournament pieces will find these light. We would put them in front of a collector who wants the Reykjavik connection, or a club player who values proportion and grain over heft.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Only the light pieces change. Natural boxwood is brighter and gives more contrast across the board, while antique boxwood is finished to a warmer, aged tone. The dark pieces, the dimensions and the weight are identical in both.
Squares of 55mm to 60mm. That comes from the 43mm king base, which needs room to be placed cleanly without touching its neighbours. On 50mm squares this set will feel cramped once both sides have developed.
No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately and are listed with their square size.
Collectors who want a set tied to a documented world championship match, and club players who prefer a lighter, well proportioned piece. If your priority is the weighted thunk of a competition set, the heavier options in our Staunton chess sets range will suit you better.
Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, which is what causes cracking in turned hardwood. Dust with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid furniture polish and anything solvent based, as both can lift the ebonising.
Spec |
Detail |
King |
96mm (3.77 inch) tall, 43mm base |
Queen |
77mm (3.02 inch) tall, 41mm base |
Bishop |
71mm (2.79 inch) tall, 37mm base |
Knight |
66mm (2.58 inch) tall, 37mm base |
Rook |
55mm (2.18 inch) tall, 37mm base |
Pawn |
50mm (1.95 inch) tall, 31mm base |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood or antique boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
1120g |
Recommended square size |
55mm to 60mm |
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in ebonised boxwood and your chosen light finish
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.
Reykjavik, 1972. Bobby Fischer against Boris Spassky, twenty one games, and a result that made an American world champion for the first time. The match was followed well outside chess, and the equipment on that table has been reproduced ever since. This is a copy of that set.
The pieces are turned from ebonised boxwood, with the light side offered in either natural boxwood or antique boxwood. The king stands at 96mm on a 43mm base, and the queen follows at 77mm on a 41mm base, so the two tallest pieces read as a matched pair rather than a king and a shorter rival.
Both finishes sit in the same place in our chess pieces collection: a set with a documented tournament behind it and the proportions to be played with rather than shelved. Choose the finish on the light pieces and the rest of the set is identical.
Historical reproductions usually fail in one of two ways. Either the silhouette is right and the proportions are not, because the bases have been shrunk to save timber, or the maker reaches for ebony and triple weighting and the set stops being something you would set up on a weeknight.
This set takes the middle road. A 43mm base under a 96mm king is generous, and it is what keeps the pieces stable without heavy internal weighting to compensate. The trade is mass: at 1120g across 34 pieces, these are light in the hand compared with a competition set.
If you want pieces that land with an audible weight, the triple weighted options in our tournament chess sets range will suit you better. If you want a set tied to a specific match at a sensible price, this is the more interesting buy.
Stockholm and Reykjavik bookend Fischer's run at the title. The 1972 world championship match in Reykjavik is the one most people remember, partly for the chess and partly for everything around it: the forfeited second game, the move to a back room, the wait to see whether Fischer would play at all.
He did, and he won 12.5 to 8.5. Reproductions of this set appeal because the connection is specific rather than generic. It is not a vintage style set. It is a copy of the equipment used at a documented event, which is a better story for anyone who ends up asking about the pieces on your table.
The dark pieces are the same in both options: boxwood dyed black, with the grain still readable under the finish rather than the flat black of ebony heartwood. The choice is entirely about the light side.
Natural boxwood is the brighter of the two. It gives you maximum contrast across the board and a set that looks new, which is what most players want if the pieces are going to be used. Antique boxwood is treated to a warmer, aged tone, closer to how an original set from 1972 looks now after five decades of handling.
Neither is more correct than the other. Collectors chasing the look of a surviving original tend to prefer the antique finish, while players who want the position readable at a glance tend to prefer natural. Both share the same dimensions, the same weight, and the same place in our wood chess sets range.
A 96mm king on a 43mm base wants squares in the 55mm to 60mm range. That is a little larger than the 50mm to 55mm most reproduction sets ask for, and it comes from the generous base rather than the height. Go smaller and the pieces crowd, particularly once both sides have developed.
The board is not included with these pieces. If you are buying one at the same time, our chess boards collection lists square size on every listing, so you can match the 55mm to 60mm requirement directly rather than working it back from the overall board dimensions.
The proportions are the reason to buy this set: a 43mm base under a 96mm king is more generous than most reproductions in this bracket, and it is what lets a lightly weighted set feel planted rather than tippy. Be clear on the weight though, because 1120g across 34 pieces works out around 33g a piece, and anyone used to double or triple weighted tournament pieces will find these light. We would put them in front of a collector who wants the Reykjavik connection, or a club player who values proportion and grain over heft.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Only the light pieces change. Natural boxwood is brighter and gives more contrast across the board, while antique boxwood is finished to a warmer, aged tone. The dark pieces, the dimensions and the weight are identical in both.
Squares of 55mm to 60mm. That comes from the 43mm king base, which needs room to be placed cleanly without touching its neighbours. On 50mm squares this set will feel cramped once both sides have developed.
No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately and are listed with their square size.
Collectors who want a set tied to a documented world championship match, and club players who prefer a lighter, well proportioned piece. If your priority is the weighted thunk of a competition set, the heavier options in our Staunton chess sets range will suit you better.
Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, which is what causes cracking in turned hardwood. Dust with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid furniture polish and anything solvent based, as both can lift the ebonising.
Spec |
Detail |
King |
96mm (3.77 inch) tall, 43mm base |
Queen |
77mm (3.02 inch) tall, 41mm base |
Bishop |
71mm (2.79 inch) tall, 37mm base |
Knight |
66mm (2.58 inch) tall, 37mm base |
Rook |
55mm (2.18 inch) tall, 37mm base |
Pawn |
50mm (1.95 inch) tall, 31mm base |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood or antique boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
1120g |
Recommended square size |
55mm to 60mm |
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in ebonised boxwood and your chosen light finish
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.
