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Like Soviet chess sets with a story? These Averbakh 1949 Moscow Championship chess pieces are inspired by the pieces used at the 1949 Moscow Championship and named after Grandmaster Yuri Averbakh. It's a tall Soviet design with a look all its own.
The pieces are double weighted, with thick green felt on every base. With a 105mm king, this set suits a board with 50mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, and you can choose natural or antique boxwood for the light side. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. See more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces collection.
Yuri Averbakh was a Soviet grandmaster best known for his deep knowledge of endgames. This set is named after him and inspired by the pieces used at the 1949 Moscow Championship.
Collectors also know it as the Averbakh 1 set. It's a classic Soviet tournament design from the years just after the war.
The rook is the detail that stands out. It's barely taller than the pawn, and the knight matches the bishop in height, so the back rank looks quite different from an English Staunton.
The bases are broad, so the pieces feel steady on the board even though the set is fairly light. The knights are shaped by hand, so each one varies a little, while the turned pieces match closely across the set. Two spare queens are included, so you're always ready for pawn promotion.
Both options use ebonised boxwood for the dark pieces and share the same design and size. The difference is the finish on the light pieces.
Natural boxwood is pale and bright, giving a crisp black and white contrast. Antique boxwood has a warmer, aged tone that suits the vintage Soviet look of the set.
Every piece is double weighted, and the full set comes to about 960g. Thick green felt on each base keeps moves smooth and quiet.
If you like Soviet sets from this era, compare it with our 1950s Botvinnik Soviet pieces, a taller ebonised set from the following decade.
"This is a distinctive Soviet set with real character, thanks to its low rooks. It's on the light side for its height, so if you want a heavy set, look at a triple weighted design instead. For a fan of Soviet chess history, it's a great pick."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 50mm squares is the best match. Our Bud Rosewood & Maple 48cm board and Sheesham & Maple 48cm board both have 50mm squares, or see our full chess boards collection.
They're handmade in India, so each piece can show small natural differences.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and box are sold separately.
Yes, they're double weighted with thick green felt bases. The full set weighs about 960g.
He was a Soviet grandmaster famous for his work on endgames.
Both have ebonised dark pieces. One has natural boxwood light pieces and the other has antique boxwood.
That's how this Soviet design is proportioned. The low rook is one of its signature details.
Yes, one in each colour, so you get 34 pieces.
Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat and water, as the pieces aren't waterproof.
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) |
Officer base diameter |
34mm to 36mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
52mm (2.02 inch) |
Pawn base diameter |
32mm (1.26 inch) |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood |
Light pieces |
Natural or antique boxwood, by option |
Weighting |
Double weighted, thick green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
960g approx. |
Recommended square size |
50mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
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.
Like Soviet chess sets with a story? These Averbakh 1949 Moscow Championship chess pieces are inspired by the pieces used at the 1949 Moscow Championship and named after Grandmaster Yuri Averbakh. It's a tall Soviet design with a look all its own.
The pieces are double weighted, with thick green felt on every base. With a 105mm king, this set suits a board with 50mm squares. Each set is handmade in India.
The dark pieces are ebonised boxwood, and you can choose natural or antique boxwood for the light side. Two spare queens are included, but no board or box. See more historical sets in our reproduction chess pieces collection.
Yuri Averbakh was a Soviet grandmaster best known for his deep knowledge of endgames. This set is named after him and inspired by the pieces used at the 1949 Moscow Championship.
Collectors also know it as the Averbakh 1 set. It's a classic Soviet tournament design from the years just after the war.
The rook is the detail that stands out. It's barely taller than the pawn, and the knight matches the bishop in height, so the back rank looks quite different from an English Staunton.
The bases are broad, so the pieces feel steady on the board even though the set is fairly light. The knights are shaped by hand, so each one varies a little, while the turned pieces match closely across the set. Two spare queens are included, so you're always ready for pawn promotion.
Both options use ebonised boxwood for the dark pieces and share the same design and size. The difference is the finish on the light pieces.
Natural boxwood is pale and bright, giving a crisp black and white contrast. Antique boxwood has a warmer, aged tone that suits the vintage Soviet look of the set.
Every piece is double weighted, and the full set comes to about 960g. Thick green felt on each base keeps moves smooth and quiet.
If you like Soviet sets from this era, compare it with our 1950s Botvinnik Soviet pieces, a taller ebonised set from the following decade.
"This is a distinctive Soviet set with real character, thanks to its low rooks. It's on the light side for its height, so if you want a heavy set, look at a triple weighted design instead. For a fan of Soviet chess history, it's a great pick."
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
A board with 50mm squares is the best match. Our Bud Rosewood & Maple 48cm board and Sheesham & Maple 48cm board both have 50mm squares, or see our full chess boards collection.
They're handmade in India, so each piece can show small natural differences.
No. You get the 34 pieces only. The board and box are sold separately.
Yes, they're double weighted with thick green felt bases. The full set weighs about 960g.
He was a Soviet grandmaster famous for his work on endgames.
Both have ebonised dark pieces. One has natural boxwood light pieces and the other has antique boxwood.
That's how this Soviet design is proportioned. The low rook is one of its signature details.
Yes, one in each colour, so you get 34 pieces.
Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat and water, as the pieces aren't waterproof.
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) |
Officer base diameter |
34mm to 36mm, bishop, knight and rook |
Pawn height |
52mm (2.02 inch) |
Pawn base diameter |
32mm (1.26 inch) |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood |
Light pieces |
Natural or antique boxwood, by option |
Weighting |
Double weighted, thick green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Total set weight |
960g approx. |
Recommended square size |
50mm |
Origin |
Handmade in India |
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.
