Staunton

Staunton Chess Set Pieces

Staunton Chess PiecesOne of the potential problems with chess games is that pieces can be very different from set to set. This requires players to relearn the roles of each piece. Staunton chess pieces solve this problem.

In the mid-nineteenth century a new design for chess pieces was developed and named after a chess master named Howard Staunton due to his endorsement of the new design. Since that time the Staunton chess piece has become the standard when it comes to actual play and the style in which people are probably most familiar.

Staunton style is also often referred to as the Staunton pattern. This includes the king with a cross, the castle as a rook, and a horse head as the knight.

The World Chess Federation (WCF) has specific equipment standards for tournament chess sets. One of these rules requires that the style of pieces need to be such that one is clearly distinguishable from another.

Specifically, the top of the queen should be clearly distinguishable from that of the king. Another being that the top of the bishop may bear a notch of color that distinguishes it from the pawn. These requirements make Staunton chess sets a nice fit and is often the recommended style.

If you're looking for a set that can be used for tournament play be aware that there are other requirements. Chess boards must be rigid. In the case of world championships wooden chessboards should be used according to the WCF rules.

A regulation chess board should use the appropriate light and dark colored squares. Additionally, boards are suppose to have a dull or neutral finish but cannot be shiny. The size of the square should be twice that of the base of the pawn and it recommended that the side of a square should be 5-6.5 cm.

Chess pieces should be dark and light accordingly but should not be shiny. Natural wood color can also be used for pieces. The weight of the pieces should comfortable and suitable for moving.

The king’s height should be about 9.5 cm. The base of the king should be 40—50% of the height. Other pieces are in proportion with the king and well balanced. Pieces should be made of wood, plastic, or an imitation of these materials.

Since many Staunton style sets are used for tournament play many will meet tournament requirements. If you are looking for a that may be just have a more traditional look then Staunton style sets are a good fit also.

Inlaid Walnut Style Wood Chess Set Staunton Wood Pieces Inlaid Walnut Style Wood Chess Set Staunton Wood Pieces Paypal US $33.33 1h 19m
Wooden Standard Staunton Chess Pieces 3 Wooden Standard Staunton Chess Pieces 3" - 2 Extra Qns Paypal US $29.95 1h 30m
Chess Pieces Wooden Standard Staunton 3.5 Chess Pieces Wooden Standard Staunton 3.5" - 2 Ext Qns. Paypal US $39.95 1h 33m
Popular Staunton Wooden Chess Pcs. 4 Popular Staunton Wooden Chess Pcs. 4" - 2 Extra Queens Paypal US $64.95 1h 39m
Chess Set Pieces Wooden Popular Staunton 4 Chess Set Pieces Wooden Popular Staunton 4" Dbl Queens Paypal US $64.95 1h 42m
Chess Board Wooden Book Style w/ Staunton Chessmen Chess Board Wooden Book Style w/ Staunton Chessmen Paypal US $18.42 3h 7m
New Staunton Chess Pieces Set with Chess Game Board NR New Staunton Chess Pieces Set with Chess Game Board NR Paypal 0 Bid US $16.99 5h 59m
1968 E.S. Lowe Magnetic Chess in Box-Staunton Design 1968 E.S. Lowe Magnetic Chess in Box-Staunton Design Paypal 1 Bid US $2.25 8h 54m
Wood Staunton Men Wooden Chess Pieces Board & Box Set Wood Staunton Men Wooden Chess Pieces Board & Box Set Paypal US $159.00 10h 23m
4 1/4 4 1/4" CENTURION KNIGHT EBONY WOOD STAUNTON CHESS SET Paypal US $161.99 10h 45m

One Comment »

  • Popular Chess Sets said:

    [...] Staunton Chess PiecesStaunton chess pieces are considered to be the standard and used in most chess tournaments. If you are looking for a traditional chess set the this style is for you. [...]