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Yuri Averbakh played in the 1949 Moscow Championship and went on to become the first grandmaster to serve as president of the Soviet Chess Federation. The equipment used at that event has a look you can identify across a room, and this is a reproduction of it.
The distinguishing feature is the rook. At 53mm it is barely taller than the 52mm pawn, which is unusual to the point of being startling if you have only played with English patterns. The knight, at 76mm, matches the bishop exactly. The whole back rank is compressed toward the board in a way that later tournament designs abandoned.
Two finishes are offered, natural boxwood and ebonised. Both sit in the more affordable half of our reproduction chess pieces.
Reproductions of famous sets tend to cluster around a handful of celebrated designs, and most of those are western: the 1849 original, the Dubrovnik, the 1972 Fischer Spassky. Soviet domestic tournament equipment is less copied and considerably less familiar.
That is what makes this one interesting. The compressed back rank and the near flat rook are not stylistic flourishes, they are what Soviet tournament sets actually looked like in the late 1940s, and playing on them changes how the board reads at a glance.
The trade off is weight. At 960g this is the lightest set of its size in our chess pieces collection, and anyone expecting a weighted tournament feel should look elsewhere in the range.
The 1949 Moscow Championship sat in a period when Soviet chess was consolidating its dominance of the world game. Domestic championships were fiercely strong events, and the equipment was produced to be functional and reproducible rather than decorative.
That functional priority shows in the design. Nothing here is ornamental. The rook is short because a short rook is stable and cheap to turn, the knight is compact because a compact knight survives being dropped in a bag, and the finials are simple because simple finials do not snap.
At 960g across 34 pieces this set averages around 28g a piece. That is light, and it is the single most important thing to understand before buying. The pieces lift and place quickly, which suits blitz and rapid play, but they do not have the planted heft of a weighted tournament set.
Stability comes instead from the low profile. With the rook at 53mm and the pawn at 52mm, most of the set sits close to the board, and a low piece is hard to knock over regardless of what it weighs.
These pieces want 50mm squares. The 39mm king base is narrow by modern standards, so a larger board will leave the set looking sparse rather than crowded, which is the opposite of the usual problem.
No board is included. Our chess boards collection lists square size on every product so you can match the 50mm requirement directly.
The reason to choose this set is the pattern itself, and specifically the compressed back rank: a 53mm rook against a 52mm pawn is genuinely unusual and it changes how quickly you read the position. The caveat is weight, because at roughly 28g a piece this is a light set and anyone coming from a weighted tournament set will notice immediately. We would suggest it to someone interested in Soviet chess history, or a rapid player who prefers pieces that move quickly, rather than a buyer chasing heft.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 50mm. That comes from the 39mm king base, which is narrower than most modern sets, so a larger board will make the set look sparse.
Both are identical in carving, dimensions and weight. Natural boxwood keeps both sides light with the dark side left in its natural tone, while ebonised gives a black dark side and higher contrast across the board.
No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately and no storage box ships with the set.
It is faithful to the original Soviet tournament pattern, where the rook stood at 53mm against a 52mm pawn. Short rooks are stable and quick to turn on a lathe, which mattered for equipment produced in quantity.
They are light at 960g for the full set, around 28g a piece. For a weighted tournament feel, look at the heavier options in our Staunton chess pieces.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
105mm (4.16 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
39mm (1.55 inch) |
|
Queen height |
88mm (3.50 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
37mm (1.47 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
76mm (3.00 inch) |
|
Knight height |
76mm (2.97 inch) |
|
Rook height |
53mm (2.08 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
52mm (2.02 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Natural boxwood or ebonised boxwood, by option |
|
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
960g |
|
Recommended square size |
50mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in the finish you select
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.
Yuri Averbakh played in the 1949 Moscow Championship and went on to become the first grandmaster to serve as president of the Soviet Chess Federation. The equipment used at that event has a look you can identify across a room, and this is a reproduction of it.
The distinguishing feature is the rook. At 53mm it is barely taller than the 52mm pawn, which is unusual to the point of being startling if you have only played with English patterns. The knight, at 76mm, matches the bishop exactly. The whole back rank is compressed toward the board in a way that later tournament designs abandoned.
Two finishes are offered, natural boxwood and ebonised. Both sit in the more affordable half of our reproduction chess pieces.
Reproductions of famous sets tend to cluster around a handful of celebrated designs, and most of those are western: the 1849 original, the Dubrovnik, the 1972 Fischer Spassky. Soviet domestic tournament equipment is less copied and considerably less familiar.
That is what makes this one interesting. The compressed back rank and the near flat rook are not stylistic flourishes, they are what Soviet tournament sets actually looked like in the late 1940s, and playing on them changes how the board reads at a glance.
The trade off is weight. At 960g this is the lightest set of its size in our chess pieces collection, and anyone expecting a weighted tournament feel should look elsewhere in the range.
The 1949 Moscow Championship sat in a period when Soviet chess was consolidating its dominance of the world game. Domestic championships were fiercely strong events, and the equipment was produced to be functional and reproducible rather than decorative.
That functional priority shows in the design. Nothing here is ornamental. The rook is short because a short rook is stable and cheap to turn, the knight is compact because a compact knight survives being dropped in a bag, and the finials are simple because simple finials do not snap.
At 960g across 34 pieces this set averages around 28g a piece. That is light, and it is the single most important thing to understand before buying. The pieces lift and place quickly, which suits blitz and rapid play, but they do not have the planted heft of a weighted tournament set.
Stability comes instead from the low profile. With the rook at 53mm and the pawn at 52mm, most of the set sits close to the board, and a low piece is hard to knock over regardless of what it weighs.
These pieces want 50mm squares. The 39mm king base is narrow by modern standards, so a larger board will leave the set looking sparse rather than crowded, which is the opposite of the usual problem.
No board is included. Our chess boards collection lists square size on every product so you can match the 50mm requirement directly.
The reason to choose this set is the pattern itself, and specifically the compressed back rank: a 53mm rook against a 52mm pawn is genuinely unusual and it changes how quickly you read the position. The caveat is weight, because at roughly 28g a piece this is a light set and anyone coming from a weighted tournament set will notice immediately. We would suggest it to someone interested in Soviet chess history, or a rapid player who prefers pieces that move quickly, rather than a buyer chasing heft.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 50mm. That comes from the 39mm king base, which is narrower than most modern sets, so a larger board will make the set look sparse.
Both are identical in carving, dimensions and weight. Natural boxwood keeps both sides light with the dark side left in its natural tone, while ebonised gives a black dark side and higher contrast across the board.
No. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens. Boards are sold separately and no storage box ships with the set.
It is faithful to the original Soviet tournament pattern, where the rook stood at 53mm against a 52mm pawn. Short rooks are stable and quick to turn on a lathe, which mattered for equipment produced in quantity.
They are light at 960g for the full set, around 28g a piece. For a weighted tournament feel, look at the heavier options in our Staunton chess pieces.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
105mm (4.16 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
39mm (1.55 inch) |
|
Queen height |
88mm (3.50 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
37mm (1.47 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
76mm (3.00 inch) |
|
Knight height |
76mm (2.97 inch) |
|
Rook height |
53mm (2.08 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
52mm (2.02 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Natural boxwood or ebonised boxwood, by option |
|
Light pieces |
Natural boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
960g |
|
Recommended square size |
50mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in the finish you select
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.
