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The German knight is a distinct carving tradition. Where the English Staunton knight arches its neck and drops its muzzle, the German version holds its head higher, cuts the mane in deeper ridges, and squares the jaw. It reads as more alert and less decorative.
This is a straightforward tournament set built around that carving. A 96mm king on a 38mm base is standard competition sizing, the set weighs 966g, and the timbers are sheesham on the dark side against boxwood on the light.
It sits at the accessible end of our Staunton chess pieces, and it is the kind of set that gets used rather than admired.
Tournament sets are bought for use, so the things that matter are unglamorous: does the king sit at a legal height, will the set fit the club's boards, and will it survive being carried around. Aesthetics come after that.
This one answers all three plainly. A 96mm king is squarely within competition convention, the 38mm base fits the 45mm to 50mm boards most clubs own, and at 966g it travels without being a burden.
What it is not is a collector piece. The timber is sheesham rather than ebony or rosewood, and the finish is workmanlike. For something more substantial, the weighted sets further up our chess pieces collection are the better direction.
Knight carving is where chess sets reveal their origin, because it is the only piece that cannot be produced entirely on a lathe. Every other piece is turned; the knight is cut by hand, and the workshop's habits show.
The German pattern holds the head higher and further forward than the English Staunton, cuts the mane as a series of defined ridges rather than a smooth sweep, and finishes with a squarer jaw. Against an English knight the difference is obvious once you have seen both, and it is the main reason to choose one over the other at this level.
At 966g across 34 pieces this set averages around 28g a piece. That is light enough to carry comfortably and heavy enough that the pieces do not slide when a table is bumped. Felt on every base protects a timber board and keeps the sound of a move soft.
The 38mm king base is the practical number here. It suits 45mm to 50mm squares, which covers the great majority of club and home boards, so this is a set you can buy without first auditing what you already own.
Squares of 45mm to 50mm suit this set. That range is the most common sizing in circulation, so an existing tournament board will very likely work without measuring.
Neither a board nor a storage box is included, and the supplier states both exclusions explicitly. Our chess boards collection lists square size on every product if you need to match one.
The strength here is fit for purpose: a 96mm king on a 38mm base lands squarely in competition convention and will suit almost any board a club already owns, which removes the most common buying mistake at this level. The caveat is that this is a working set rather than a showpiece, with sheesham rather than a premium dark timber and a light 966g weight that will feel modest to anyone used to weighted pieces. We would recommend it to a club player who wants the German knight carving without paying collector prices.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 45mm to 50mm, which is the most common sizing in circulation. The requirement comes from the 38mm king base rather than the 96mm height.
No. The supplier states both exclusions explicitly. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens.
It is a carving tradition distinct from the English Staunton knight. The head sits higher and further forward, the mane is cut in defined ridges rather than a smooth sweep, and the jaw is squarer.
The 96mm king and 38mm base follow standard tournament proportions. Individual events set their own equipment rules, so check with your organiser if you intend to supply the set.
They sit at the accessible end. For heavier weighting or premium timbers, browse the full wood chess pieces range.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
96mm (3.7 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
38mm (1.5 inch) |
|
Queen height |
80mm (3.1 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
34mm (1.3 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
73mm (2.8 inch) |
|
Knight height |
68mm (2.6 inch) |
|
Rook height |
57mm (2.2 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
48mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
966g |
|
Recommended square size |
45mm to 50mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in sheesham and boxwood
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.
The German knight is a distinct carving tradition. Where the English Staunton knight arches its neck and drops its muzzle, the German version holds its head higher, cuts the mane in deeper ridges, and squares the jaw. It reads as more alert and less decorative.
This is a straightforward tournament set built around that carving. A 96mm king on a 38mm base is standard competition sizing, the set weighs 966g, and the timbers are sheesham on the dark side against boxwood on the light.
It sits at the accessible end of our Staunton chess pieces, and it is the kind of set that gets used rather than admired.
Tournament sets are bought for use, so the things that matter are unglamorous: does the king sit at a legal height, will the set fit the club's boards, and will it survive being carried around. Aesthetics come after that.
This one answers all three plainly. A 96mm king is squarely within competition convention, the 38mm base fits the 45mm to 50mm boards most clubs own, and at 966g it travels without being a burden.
What it is not is a collector piece. The timber is sheesham rather than ebony or rosewood, and the finish is workmanlike. For something more substantial, the weighted sets further up our chess pieces collection are the better direction.
Knight carving is where chess sets reveal their origin, because it is the only piece that cannot be produced entirely on a lathe. Every other piece is turned; the knight is cut by hand, and the workshop's habits show.
The German pattern holds the head higher and further forward than the English Staunton, cuts the mane as a series of defined ridges rather than a smooth sweep, and finishes with a squarer jaw. Against an English knight the difference is obvious once you have seen both, and it is the main reason to choose one over the other at this level.
At 966g across 34 pieces this set averages around 28g a piece. That is light enough to carry comfortably and heavy enough that the pieces do not slide when a table is bumped. Felt on every base protects a timber board and keeps the sound of a move soft.
The 38mm king base is the practical number here. It suits 45mm to 50mm squares, which covers the great majority of club and home boards, so this is a set you can buy without first auditing what you already own.
Squares of 45mm to 50mm suit this set. That range is the most common sizing in circulation, so an existing tournament board will very likely work without measuring.
Neither a board nor a storage box is included, and the supplier states both exclusions explicitly. Our chess boards collection lists square size on every product if you need to match one.
The strength here is fit for purpose: a 96mm king on a 38mm base lands squarely in competition convention and will suit almost any board a club already owns, which removes the most common buying mistake at this level. The caveat is that this is a working set rather than a showpiece, with sheesham rather than a premium dark timber and a light 966g weight that will feel modest to anyone used to weighted pieces. We would recommend it to a club player who wants the German knight carving without paying collector prices.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
Squares of 45mm to 50mm, which is the most common sizing in circulation. The requirement comes from the 38mm king base rather than the 96mm height.
No. The supplier states both exclusions explicitly. This listing is for the 34 pieces only, including the two spare queens.
It is a carving tradition distinct from the English Staunton knight. The head sits higher and further forward, the mane is cut in defined ridges rather than a smooth sweep, and the jaw is squarer.
The 96mm king and 38mm base follow standard tournament proportions. Individual events set their own equipment rules, so check with your organiser if you intend to supply the set.
They sit at the accessible end. For heavier weighting or premium timbers, browse the full wood chess pieces range.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
96mm (3.7 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
38mm (1.5 inch) |
|
Queen height |
80mm (3.1 inch) |
|
Queen base diameter |
34mm (1.3 inch) |
|
Bishop height |
73mm (2.8 inch) |
|
Knight height |
68mm (2.6 inch) |
|
Rook height |
57mm (2.2 inch) |
|
Pawn height |
48mm (1.8 inch) |
|
Dark pieces |
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) |
|
Light pieces |
Boxwood (Gardenia latifolia) |
|
Weighting |
Felt bases |
|
Piece count |
34, including two spare queens |
|
Total set weight |
966g |
|
Recommended square size |
45mm to 50mm |
|
Origin |
Hand carved in India |
|
Board |
Not included |
32 chess pieces in sheesham and boxwood
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.
