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Like Soviet chess sets with a story? The Averbakh 1949 Moscow Championship set pairs 105mm ebonised boxwood pieces with a 55cm black poplar and maple board.
The pieces are double weighted, with a low rook that's barely taller than the pawn. The pieces are handmade in India and the board is made in Spain.
The light pieces are antique boxwood, and two spare queens are included. See more in our reproduction chess sets 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 knights are carved by hand, so each one has its own small differences, while the turned pieces match closely across the set.
The board is 55cm across with 55mm squares, which gives the 39mm king base plenty of room.
It's a veneer board with black dyed poplar dark squares and white erable (maple) light squares, in a matte finish. It's 13mm thick and weighs about 3kg.
The clean black and white squares make the tall Soviet shapes easy to read.
Already have a board? The Averbakh 1949 pieces are also sold on their own, with a choice of natural or antique boxwood, or browse our tournament chess sets collection.
"This is a distinctive Soviet set with real character, thanks to its low rooks. It's light 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
The pieces are handmade in India and the board is made in Spain.
No. You get the pieces and the board. A storage box is sold separately.
Yes. They're double weighted with thick green felt on the base. The 34 pieces weigh about 960g together.
He was a Soviet grandmaster famous for his work on endgames.
That's how this Soviet design is proportioned. The low rook is one of its signature details.
Yes. A 39mm king base on 55mm squares gives the pieces plenty of room.
Yes, one in each colour, so you get 34 pieces.
No. It's a veneer board, made in Spain and 13mm thick, with a matte finish.
Wipe the pieces and board with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat and water, as neither is waterproof.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
105mm |
King base diameter |
39mm |
Queen height |
88mm |
Queen base diameter |
37mm |
Bishop height |
76mm |
Knight height |
76mm |
Rook height |
53mm |
Pawn height |
52mm |
Officer base diameter |
34mm to 36mm |
Pawn base diameter |
32mm |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood |
Light pieces |
Antique boxwood |
Weighting |
Double weighted, thick green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Chess pieces weight |
960g approx. |
Board size |
55cm x 55cm |
Square size |
55mm |
Board |
Black dyed poplar and white erable (maple) veneer, matte finish, 13mm thick |
Board weight |
3kg approx. |
Origin |
Pieces handmade in India, board made in Spain |
32 chess pieces in ebonised and antique boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
55cm black poplar and maple chess board
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? The Averbakh 1949 Moscow Championship set pairs 105mm ebonised boxwood pieces with a 55cm black poplar and maple board.
The pieces are double weighted, with a low rook that's barely taller than the pawn. The pieces are handmade in India and the board is made in Spain.
The light pieces are antique boxwood, and two spare queens are included. See more in our reproduction chess sets 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 knights are carved by hand, so each one has its own small differences, while the turned pieces match closely across the set.
The board is 55cm across with 55mm squares, which gives the 39mm king base plenty of room.
It's a veneer board with black dyed poplar dark squares and white erable (maple) light squares, in a matte finish. It's 13mm thick and weighs about 3kg.
The clean black and white squares make the tall Soviet shapes easy to read.
Already have a board? The Averbakh 1949 pieces are also sold on their own, with a choice of natural or antique boxwood, or browse our tournament chess sets collection.
"This is a distinctive Soviet set with real character, thanks to its low rooks. It's light 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
The pieces are handmade in India and the board is made in Spain.
No. You get the pieces and the board. A storage box is sold separately.
Yes. They're double weighted with thick green felt on the base. The 34 pieces weigh about 960g together.
He was a Soviet grandmaster famous for his work on endgames.
That's how this Soviet design is proportioned. The low rook is one of its signature details.
Yes. A 39mm king base on 55mm squares gives the pieces plenty of room.
Yes, one in each colour, so you get 34 pieces.
No. It's a veneer board, made in Spain and 13mm thick, with a matte finish.
Wipe the pieces and board with a soft, dry cloth. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat and water, as neither is waterproof.
Spec |
Detail |
King height |
105mm |
King base diameter |
39mm |
Queen height |
88mm |
Queen base diameter |
37mm |
Bishop height |
76mm |
Knight height |
76mm |
Rook height |
53mm |
Pawn height |
52mm |
Officer base diameter |
34mm to 36mm |
Pawn base diameter |
32mm |
Dark pieces |
Ebonised boxwood |
Light pieces |
Antique boxwood |
Weighting |
Double weighted, thick green felt bases |
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
Chess pieces weight |
960g approx. |
Board size |
55cm x 55cm |
Square size |
55mm |
Board |
Black dyed poplar and white erable (maple) veneer, matte finish, 13mm thick |
Board weight |
3kg approx. |
Origin |
Pieces handmade in India, board made in Spain |
32 chess pieces in ebonised and antique boxwood
2 spare queens, one per colour
55cm black poplar and maple chess board
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.
