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These 1961 Soviet Baku chess pieces are a reproduction of the set used at the 1961 USSR Championship in Baku. It's a classic Soviet design that was used by some of the biggest names in chess. It's a set with a real place in chess history.
The pieces are heavily weighted, with wide bases and knights carved differently on each side. With a 103mm king, this is a full-size set that suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
Choose sheesham, ebonised boxwood or bud rosewood for the dark side, all paired with boxwood. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. Explore more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces collection.
Two USSR Championships were held in 1961. The first was in Moscow and the second in Baku, which Boris Spassky won. The Baku pieces have become one of the best-known Soviet designs.
Photos from the era show Mikhail Tal, Boris Spassky, Anatoly Karpov and Paul Keres playing with this style of set. One of the most famous shows Tal playing Bukhuti Gurgenidze at the 1961 Baku Championship.
Original Baku sets were often filled with sawdust rather than lead. This reproduction is heavily weighted, so it feels much more solid in the hand than the originals did. The knights are carved differently on each side, which adds to the handmade character.
All three options share the same design and boxwood light pieces. The difference is the dark timber.
Sheesham is a warm, reddish-brown hardwood with visible grain. Ebonised boxwood is stained black for a classic black and white look. Bud rosewood is a rich, reddish timber and the premium option of the three.
Each timber has its own photos in the gallery, so you can compare them side by side. If you like Soviet designs, also take a look at our Soviet Latvian chess pieces.
Sheesham and ebonised are the more affordable choices, while bud rosewood is the one to pick for a showpiece set. Whichever timber you choose, the shapes and size are the same, and every set comes with two spare queens and felted bases.
"If you want a Soviet set with real tournament history, the Baku pattern is the one to have. The tall, simple shapes look quite different from a Staunton set, so it's not for you if you want a traditional English look. For a club player or collector who loves Soviet chess, it's one of the best sets we carry."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 55mm squares is ideal. Our Player's Choice 53cm board and Deluxe Sheesham & Maple 53cm board both have 55mm squares, or browse our full chess boards collection.
They're handmade in India. The knights are carved by hand, so expect small differences from one knight to the next.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and storage box are sold separately.
Yes, they're heavily weighted with thick green felt bases. The bud rosewood set weighs about 1,100g.
Photos show Mikhail Tal, Boris Spassky, Anatoly Karpov and Paul Keres with this style of set. Spassky won the 1961 USSR Championship in Baku.
Sheesham is warm brown, ebonised boxwood is stained black, and bud rosewood is a rich reddish timber. The design and size are the same.
Yes. There's a spare queen in each colour, for 34 pieces in total.
Wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth. Keep the set away from direct sun, heat and damp.
Yes. With its link to Tal, Spassky and the 1961 championship, it's a great gift for anyone who loves chess history.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
About 103mm (4.0 inch), varies slightly by timber |
King base diameter |
39mm (1.5 inch) |
Queen height |
85mm to 87mm |
Bishop height |
82mm to 83mm |
Knight height |
79mm (3.1 inch) |
Rook height |
68mm (2.7 inch) |
Pawn height |
58mm to 60mm |
Pawn base diameter |
37mm (1.45 inch) |
Dark pieces |
Sheesham, ebonised boxwood or bud rosewood, by option |
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
Weighting |
Heavily weighted, thick green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
About 1,100g (bud rosewood), varies by timber |
Recommended square size |
55mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in the timber you choose
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.
These 1961 Soviet Baku chess pieces are a reproduction of the set used at the 1961 USSR Championship in Baku. It's a classic Soviet design that was used by some of the biggest names in chess. It's a set with a real place in chess history.
The pieces are heavily weighted, with wide bases and knights carved differently on each side. With a 103mm king, this is a full-size set that suits a board with 55mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
Choose sheesham, ebonised boxwood or bud rosewood for the dark side, all paired with boxwood. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. Explore more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces collection.
Two USSR Championships were held in 1961. The first was in Moscow and the second in Baku, which Boris Spassky won. The Baku pieces have become one of the best-known Soviet designs.
Photos from the era show Mikhail Tal, Boris Spassky, Anatoly Karpov and Paul Keres playing with this style of set. One of the most famous shows Tal playing Bukhuti Gurgenidze at the 1961 Baku Championship.
Original Baku sets were often filled with sawdust rather than lead. This reproduction is heavily weighted, so it feels much more solid in the hand than the originals did. The knights are carved differently on each side, which adds to the handmade character.
All three options share the same design and boxwood light pieces. The difference is the dark timber.
Sheesham is a warm, reddish-brown hardwood with visible grain. Ebonised boxwood is stained black for a classic black and white look. Bud rosewood is a rich, reddish timber and the premium option of the three.
Each timber has its own photos in the gallery, so you can compare them side by side. If you like Soviet designs, also take a look at our Soviet Latvian chess pieces.
Sheesham and ebonised are the more affordable choices, while bud rosewood is the one to pick for a showpiece set. Whichever timber you choose, the shapes and size are the same, and every set comes with two spare queens and felted bases.
"If you want a Soviet set with real tournament history, the Baku pattern is the one to have. The tall, simple shapes look quite different from a Staunton set, so it's not for you if you want a traditional English look. For a club player or collector who loves Soviet chess, it's one of the best sets we carry."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 55mm squares is ideal. Our Player's Choice 53cm board and Deluxe Sheesham & Maple 53cm board both have 55mm squares, or browse our full chess boards collection.
They're handmade in India. The knights are carved by hand, so expect small differences from one knight to the next.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and storage box are sold separately.
Yes, they're heavily weighted with thick green felt bases. The bud rosewood set weighs about 1,100g.
Photos show Mikhail Tal, Boris Spassky, Anatoly Karpov and Paul Keres with this style of set. Spassky won the 1961 USSR Championship in Baku.
Sheesham is warm brown, ebonised boxwood is stained black, and bud rosewood is a rich reddish timber. The design and size are the same.
Yes. There's a spare queen in each colour, for 34 pieces in total.
Wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth. Keep the set away from direct sun, heat and damp.
Yes. With its link to Tal, Spassky and the 1961 championship, it's a great gift for anyone who loves chess history.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
About 103mm (4.0 inch), varies slightly by timber |
King base diameter |
39mm (1.5 inch) |
Queen height |
85mm to 87mm |
Bishop height |
82mm to 83mm |
Knight height |
79mm (3.1 inch) |
Rook height |
68mm (2.7 inch) |
Pawn height |
58mm to 60mm |
Pawn base diameter |
37mm (1.45 inch) |
Dark pieces |
Sheesham, ebonised boxwood or bud rosewood, by option |
Light pieces |
Boxwood |
Weighting |
Heavily weighted, thick green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
About 1,100g (bud rosewood), varies by timber |
Recommended square size |
55mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
32 chess pieces in the timber you choose
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.
