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Reykjavik 1972 is the most written about match in chess, and the set on the table has been copied ever since. This is the version two reproduction of the low knight variant, in bud rosewood against boxwood, with a 96mm king on a 42mm base.
The knight is what the name refers to and what you notice first. At 55mm it stands lower than the rook on most sets and well below the 71mm bishop, so the officer rank steps down sharply rather than running level. It is a deliberate proportion, not a shortfall.
Supplied with a 55cm board in red ash burl and maple. It sits among our reproduction chess pieces.
Four Fischer Spassky products sit on this store and they are genuinely different objects rather than the same one relabelled.
The ebonised set is the black and white version, offered with a choice of two boards, and its knight is carved to the taller standing profile. Those same ebonised pieces are also sold on their own. This listing is the bud rosewood low knight, which is a warmer timber and a visibly different officer rank, and the fourth product is that low knight sold as pieces alone, in bud rosewood or sheesham, for anyone who already owns a 55mm board.
If the timber is what matters to you, buy on timber. If the knight is what matters, this is the one to look at. Both sit within our Staunton chess pieces.
A Staunton knight is usually carved to stand near the bishop, so the officer rank runs at a fairly even height and the king and queen alone break the line. The low knight does the opposite. At 55mm against a 71mm bishop it drops sixteen millimetres, which is enough that the four officers read as two pairs rather than a row.
On the board that has a practical effect. A short knight is harder to knock and easier to see past, so the rank behind it stays visible during an exchange. It also puts more of the carving detail at eye level when you are sitting rather than standing, which is where a knight is actually judged.
Bud rosewood is a warm reddish brown with a close figure that darkens as it ages. It is not black and does not try to be, which is why sets in it look quite different from ebonised ones of the same pattern under the same lamp.
Against natural boxwood the contrast is moderate rather than stark. That suits a reproduction: the 1972 photographs show a timber set, not a black and white one. It also means this set is easier on the eyes across a long game than a high contrast pairing, at the cost of some legibility in poor light.
These pieces are cut for 55mm squares and that is exactly what is supplied, so nothing is being stretched to fit. A 42mm king base on 55mm squares leaves clear space around the royal pair, and the narrow 35mm officer bases sit comfortably.
The board is 55cm across, 12mm thick and 2,950g, red ash burl on the dark squares and maple on the light, in a high gloss finish. It is a veneer construction. Thirty four pieces including two spare queens. No storage box. Other sizes sit across our chess boards collection.
The low knight is the reason to choose this over the ebonised Fischer Spassky, and it is a real design difference rather than a marketing one. Sixteen millimetres below the bishop changes how the back rank reads and it puts the carving where you can actually see it from a chair. Bud rosewood is the right timber for the pattern too, closer to what was on the table in Reykjavik than any ebonised copy. Two things to weigh. The board is high gloss, which looks superb in a photograph and throws more lamp glare than a matte surface does, so think about where it will live. And at 12mm it is a veneer playing surface rather than furniture, which is fair at this price but worth knowing. If you want the 1972 pattern in timber and you want the low knight, this is the version.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
55cm x 55cm with 55mm squares, 12mm thick and around 2,950g, in red ash burl and maple with a high gloss finish.
The knight is carved at 55mm, sixteen millimetres below the 71mm bishop, so it sits noticeably lower than the other officers. It is the pattern's defining feature.
That one is ebonised boxwood with a taller standing knight and comes with a choice of two boards. This one is bud rosewood with the low knight and a 55cm red ash burl board.
They are closely related timbers and the two names are often used interchangeably. We list this one as bud rosewood, which is how the same pieces are sold on their own page.
No. This listing is the 34 pieces and the board only.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
96mm (3.79 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
42mm (1.65 inch) |
|
Queen height |
76mm (2.99 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
38mm (1.53 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
71mm (2.80 inch) |
|
Knight height |
55mm (2.19 inch) |
|
Rook height |
52mm (2.05 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
48mm (1.90 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
35mm (1.39 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Bud rosewood |
|
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, thick green felt on every base |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Chess pieces weight |
1,150g approximate |
|
Board size |
55cm x 55cm (21.6 inch) |
|
Board square size |
55mm (2.16 inch) |
|
Board thickness |
12mm |
|
Board construction |
Red ash burl and maple, high gloss finish, 2,950g |
|
Total set weight |
4,100g approximate |
|
Pieces origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Storage box |
Not included |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
One 55cm red ash burl and maple chess board with 55mm 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.
Reykjavik 1972 is the most written about match in chess, and the set on the table has been copied ever since. This is the version two reproduction of the low knight variant, in bud rosewood against boxwood, with a 96mm king on a 42mm base.
The knight is what the name refers to and what you notice first. At 55mm it stands lower than the rook on most sets and well below the 71mm bishop, so the officer rank steps down sharply rather than running level. It is a deliberate proportion, not a shortfall.
Supplied with a 55cm board in red ash burl and maple. It sits among our reproduction chess pieces.
Four Fischer Spassky products sit on this store and they are genuinely different objects rather than the same one relabelled.
The ebonised set is the black and white version, offered with a choice of two boards, and its knight is carved to the taller standing profile. Those same ebonised pieces are also sold on their own. This listing is the bud rosewood low knight, which is a warmer timber and a visibly different officer rank, and the fourth product is that low knight sold as pieces alone, in bud rosewood or sheesham, for anyone who already owns a 55mm board.
If the timber is what matters to you, buy on timber. If the knight is what matters, this is the one to look at. Both sit within our Staunton chess pieces.
A Staunton knight is usually carved to stand near the bishop, so the officer rank runs at a fairly even height and the king and queen alone break the line. The low knight does the opposite. At 55mm against a 71mm bishop it drops sixteen millimetres, which is enough that the four officers read as two pairs rather than a row.
On the board that has a practical effect. A short knight is harder to knock and easier to see past, so the rank behind it stays visible during an exchange. It also puts more of the carving detail at eye level when you are sitting rather than standing, which is where a knight is actually judged.
Bud rosewood is a warm reddish brown with a close figure that darkens as it ages. It is not black and does not try to be, which is why sets in it look quite different from ebonised ones of the same pattern under the same lamp.
Against natural boxwood the contrast is moderate rather than stark. That suits a reproduction: the 1972 photographs show a timber set, not a black and white one. It also means this set is easier on the eyes across a long game than a high contrast pairing, at the cost of some legibility in poor light.
These pieces are cut for 55mm squares and that is exactly what is supplied, so nothing is being stretched to fit. A 42mm king base on 55mm squares leaves clear space around the royal pair, and the narrow 35mm officer bases sit comfortably.
The board is 55cm across, 12mm thick and 2,950g, red ash burl on the dark squares and maple on the light, in a high gloss finish. It is a veneer construction. Thirty four pieces including two spare queens. No storage box. Other sizes sit across our chess boards collection.
The low knight is the reason to choose this over the ebonised Fischer Spassky, and it is a real design difference rather than a marketing one. Sixteen millimetres below the bishop changes how the back rank reads and it puts the carving where you can actually see it from a chair. Bud rosewood is the right timber for the pattern too, closer to what was on the table in Reykjavik than any ebonised copy. Two things to weigh. The board is high gloss, which looks superb in a photograph and throws more lamp glare than a matte surface does, so think about where it will live. And at 12mm it is a veneer playing surface rather than furniture, which is fair at this price but worth knowing. If you want the 1972 pattern in timber and you want the low knight, this is the version.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
55cm x 55cm with 55mm squares, 12mm thick and around 2,950g, in red ash burl and maple with a high gloss finish.
The knight is carved at 55mm, sixteen millimetres below the 71mm bishop, so it sits noticeably lower than the other officers. It is the pattern's defining feature.
That one is ebonised boxwood with a taller standing knight and comes with a choice of two boards. This one is bud rosewood with the low knight and a 55cm red ash burl board.
They are closely related timbers and the two names are often used interchangeably. We list this one as bud rosewood, which is how the same pieces are sold on their own page.
No. This listing is the 34 pieces and the board only.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
96mm (3.79 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
42mm (1.65 inch) |
|
Queen height |
76mm (2.99 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
38mm (1.53 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
71mm (2.80 inch) |
|
Knight height |
55mm (2.19 inch) |
|
Rook height |
52mm (2.05 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
48mm (1.90 inch) |
|
Officer base diameter |
35mm (1.39 inch), bishop, knight and rook |
|
Dark pieces |
Bud rosewood |
|
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood |
|
Weighting |
Weighted, thick green felt on every base |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Chess pieces weight |
1,150g approximate |
|
Board size |
55cm x 55cm (21.6 inch) |
|
Board square size |
55mm (2.16 inch) |
|
Board thickness |
12mm |
|
Board construction |
Red ash burl and maple, high gloss finish, 2,950g |
|
Total set weight |
4,100g approximate |
|
Pieces origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Storage box |
Not included |
34 chess pieces, including two spare queens
One 55cm red ash burl and maple chess board with 55mm 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.
