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✔ Questions? Call Us: (03) 7037 0931
This is the size that fits in a laptop bag next to the laptop. The board opens to 30cm with 30mm squares, folds to 30 x 15 x 5.6cm, and the whole set weighs 1,064g, which is light enough to carry every day without deciding to each morning.
The pieces are felted and carry magnetic studs in their bases, and the board has a concealed iron sheet inside it, so the position holds through the knocks a game takes in a cafe or on a train. The dark side is sheesham, the light side is maple, and both are under a lacquered finish.
The board is the box. It hinges shut over a soft casing punched with slots, one for each of the 32 pieces, so there is no separate case in the parcel. It sits among our travel chess sets.
The ladder in this series is really a ladder of squares, and 30mm is the point where the folded bundle stops being luggage and starts being something you carry by default. Folded it is 30 x 15 x 5.6cm at 1,064g, and open it is a 30cm board with a 60mm king on it.
One step up, the 70mm king set on a 35cm board runs 36mm squares, folds to 35 x 17 x 6.3cm and weighs 1,540g, which buys easier play in a crowded corner at the cost of a larger bundle. Two steps up, the Travel Series 77mm king set on a 40cm board has 44mm squares and folds to 40 x 20 x 6.3cm at 1,900g, and it is the non-magnetic one in the group.
Below this, the 45mm king set that folds to 25.5cm weighs 700g and folds to 25.5 x 12.75 x 5cm, which is genuinely pocket sized and asks a lot more of your eyes. This 60mm set is the compromise most travellers end up wanting. It sits alongside the others in our magnetic chess sets.
Each piece is felted underneath with a magnetic stud set into the base, and the board carries a concealed iron sheet beneath the playing surface. The pull comes from the piece, not from the square, which is why the pieces hold anywhere on the board rather than snapping to a grid.
What that buys you is a position that survives the small violence of travel: a tray table jolt, a knee under a cafe table, a bag being lifted onto a seat. What it costs is a slight tendency for a piece to settle towards the middle of its square, and the usual caution that a magnetic hold is not a lock. Tip the board right over and the game ends.
Fold the board at its centre hinge and the two inner faces close together. They are lined with a soft casing punched with slots, with a place for each of the 32 pieces, so nothing rolls loose and nothing needs bagging separately. The board is the box, which is worth saying plainly, because a listing that mentions a chess box can read as though a second object is coming.
Closed it is 30 x 15 x 5.6cm and 1,064g, roughly the footprint of a thick paperback and about the weight of a full water bottle. That fits a laptop sleeve pocket, a glovebox or a carry on side pocket, and it opens straight onto a table with no unpacking to do.
Sheesham gives the dark squares their warm brown to purple brown depth and maple keeps the light side pale and clean, both under a lacquered finish that wipes clean rather than needing polish. At this size the timber does more work than usual, because a small board with a plastic surface looks like a toy and a small board in timber does not.
On fit, a 22mm king base on a 30mm square leaves four millimetres of clear board around the king. That is a travel proportion and it plays fine for casual games, though a crowded queenside takes a careful hand and reading the position across a table is harder than it is on 44mm squares. If you play long serious games more often than you travel, size up.
The 30mm squares are the whole argument for this one: a 30cm board that folds to 30 x 15 x 5.6cm and weighs 1,064g is small enough to live in a bag permanently, and it is still real timber with magnetic studs rather than a plastic novelty. The honest caveat is that 30mm squares around a 22mm king base leave only four millimetres of clear board, so a crowded position is fiddly and it is harder on the eyes than the 70mm king set on a 35cm board with its 36mm squares. It suits a commuter, a traveller, or anyone who wants a set that is simply always there. It does not suit a player whose main board this will be at home.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
It opens to 30cm x 30cm with 30mm squares and stands 2.8cm deep. Folded shut it measures 30cm x 15cm x 5.6cm, and the complete set weighs around 1,064g.
No, and none is needed. The folding board is the box. It closes over a soft casing punched with slots that hold all 32 pieces, so the set travels as one object.
Magnetic studs are felted into the bases of the pieces and the board carries a concealed iron sheet. That holds a position through the ordinary knocks of travel, but it is not strong enough to survive the board being turned over.
The king stands 60mm (2.4 inch) tall on a 22mm base, and the rest of the set is scaled to it.
Thirty two, the standard complement for a game. Spare queens are not part of this set, so a promoted pawn is usually swapped for a captured queen or marked with an upturned rook.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
60mm (2.4 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
22mm (0.8 inch) |
|
Piece count |
32 |
|
Dark pieces |
Sheesham |
|
Light pieces |
Maple |
|
Magnetic |
Yes, magnetic studs in the piece bases against a concealed iron sheet |
|
Board size when open |
30cm x 30cm x 2.8cm (12 inch) |
|
Board square size |
30mm (1.2 inch) |
|
Board timbers |
Sheesham and maple |
|
Finish |
Lacquered |
|
Folded size |
30cm x 15cm x 5.6cm |
|
Piece storage |
Punched slots in a soft casing inside the folded board |
|
Set weight |
1,064g approximate |
32 chess pieces
One 30cm folding magnetic chess board with 30mm squares, which closes over the pieces and is the set's carrying box
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.
This is the size that fits in a laptop bag next to the laptop. The board opens to 30cm with 30mm squares, folds to 30 x 15 x 5.6cm, and the whole set weighs 1,064g, which is light enough to carry every day without deciding to each morning.
The pieces are felted and carry magnetic studs in their bases, and the board has a concealed iron sheet inside it, so the position holds through the knocks a game takes in a cafe or on a train. The dark side is sheesham, the light side is maple, and both are under a lacquered finish.
The board is the box. It hinges shut over a soft casing punched with slots, one for each of the 32 pieces, so there is no separate case in the parcel. It sits among our travel chess sets.
The ladder in this series is really a ladder of squares, and 30mm is the point where the folded bundle stops being luggage and starts being something you carry by default. Folded it is 30 x 15 x 5.6cm at 1,064g, and open it is a 30cm board with a 60mm king on it.
One step up, the 70mm king set on a 35cm board runs 36mm squares, folds to 35 x 17 x 6.3cm and weighs 1,540g, which buys easier play in a crowded corner at the cost of a larger bundle. Two steps up, the Travel Series 77mm king set on a 40cm board has 44mm squares and folds to 40 x 20 x 6.3cm at 1,900g, and it is the non-magnetic one in the group.
Below this, the 45mm king set that folds to 25.5cm weighs 700g and folds to 25.5 x 12.75 x 5cm, which is genuinely pocket sized and asks a lot more of your eyes. This 60mm set is the compromise most travellers end up wanting. It sits alongside the others in our magnetic chess sets.
Each piece is felted underneath with a magnetic stud set into the base, and the board carries a concealed iron sheet beneath the playing surface. The pull comes from the piece, not from the square, which is why the pieces hold anywhere on the board rather than snapping to a grid.
What that buys you is a position that survives the small violence of travel: a tray table jolt, a knee under a cafe table, a bag being lifted onto a seat. What it costs is a slight tendency for a piece to settle towards the middle of its square, and the usual caution that a magnetic hold is not a lock. Tip the board right over and the game ends.
Fold the board at its centre hinge and the two inner faces close together. They are lined with a soft casing punched with slots, with a place for each of the 32 pieces, so nothing rolls loose and nothing needs bagging separately. The board is the box, which is worth saying plainly, because a listing that mentions a chess box can read as though a second object is coming.
Closed it is 30 x 15 x 5.6cm and 1,064g, roughly the footprint of a thick paperback and about the weight of a full water bottle. That fits a laptop sleeve pocket, a glovebox or a carry on side pocket, and it opens straight onto a table with no unpacking to do.
Sheesham gives the dark squares their warm brown to purple brown depth and maple keeps the light side pale and clean, both under a lacquered finish that wipes clean rather than needing polish. At this size the timber does more work than usual, because a small board with a plastic surface looks like a toy and a small board in timber does not.
On fit, a 22mm king base on a 30mm square leaves four millimetres of clear board around the king. That is a travel proportion and it plays fine for casual games, though a crowded queenside takes a careful hand and reading the position across a table is harder than it is on 44mm squares. If you play long serious games more often than you travel, size up.
The 30mm squares are the whole argument for this one: a 30cm board that folds to 30 x 15 x 5.6cm and weighs 1,064g is small enough to live in a bag permanently, and it is still real timber with magnetic studs rather than a plastic novelty. The honest caveat is that 30mm squares around a 22mm king base leave only four millimetres of clear board, so a crowded position is fiddly and it is harder on the eyes than the 70mm king set on a 35cm board with its 36mm squares. It suits a commuter, a traveller, or anyone who wants a set that is simply always there. It does not suit a player whose main board this will be at home.
- Blake Sterling, CEO & Founder, Sterling Chess
It opens to 30cm x 30cm with 30mm squares and stands 2.8cm deep. Folded shut it measures 30cm x 15cm x 5.6cm, and the complete set weighs around 1,064g.
No, and none is needed. The folding board is the box. It closes over a soft casing punched with slots that hold all 32 pieces, so the set travels as one object.
Magnetic studs are felted into the bases of the pieces and the board carries a concealed iron sheet. That holds a position through the ordinary knocks of travel, but it is not strong enough to survive the board being turned over.
The king stands 60mm (2.4 inch) tall on a 22mm base, and the rest of the set is scaled to it.
Thirty two, the standard complement for a game. Spare queens are not part of this set, so a promoted pawn is usually swapped for a captured queen or marked with an upturned rook.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
King height |
60mm (2.4 inch) |
|
King base diameter |
22mm (0.8 inch) |
|
Piece count |
32 |
|
Dark pieces |
Sheesham |
|
Light pieces |
Maple |
|
Magnetic |
Yes, magnetic studs in the piece bases against a concealed iron sheet |
|
Board size when open |
30cm x 30cm x 2.8cm (12 inch) |
|
Board square size |
30mm (1.2 inch) |
|
Board timbers |
Sheesham and maple |
|
Finish |
Lacquered |
|
Folded size |
30cm x 15cm x 5.6cm |
|
Piece storage |
Punched slots in a soft casing inside the folded board |
|
Set weight |
1,064g approximate |
32 chess pieces
One 30cm folding magnetic chess board with 30mm squares, which closes over the pieces and is the set's carrying box
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.
