The 1933 Botvinnik Flohr-l chess set by “Royal Chess Mall”.

What they did…

The Botvinnik-Flohr 1933 Chessmen holds a place of profound significance in both the chess world and my personal collection. This set is a meticulous recreation of the pieces used during one of the most pivotal matches in Soviet chess history: the 1933 contest between Mikhail Botvinnik and Salomon Flohr. Not only does this set serve as a tribute to the intense rivalry that helped shape modern chess, but it also embodies the craftsmanship and durability required for high-level tournament play.

Crafted from the finest Boxwood and Golden Rosewood, these chessmen are built to withstand the rigors of competitive and rapid play, yet they retain a grace and elegance characteristic of premium chess sets. Each piece is carefully designed to balance aesthetics with functionality, making it equally suitable for tournament use or as a striking display piece in any serious chess collection.

At the heart of this set is the 3.6-inch King, with a robust 1.7-inch diameter base that provides excellent stability on the board. The King is crowned with a Formeé cross finial, a modern adaptation that ensures the set adheres to USCF Tournament Equipment rules, allowing it to be used in competitive play. The attention to detail in the design of the King, and indeed the entire set, reflects the era’s emphasis on both regal stature and tournament readiness.

One of the standout features of this set, typical of Soviet-era chess design, is the absence of miter cuts on the Bishops, giving them a clean, bold profile that accentuates their role as commanding pieces on the board. The Rooks, with their solid, stately appearance, project the proper majesty befitting a major piece. They are designed with a deep turret and a wide base, ensuring they stand out in both form and function.

Perhaps the most striking piece in the set is the Knight, which embodies the perfect balance between aggression and elegance. The Knight’s finely carved features reflect the horse’s natural strength without being visually overwhelming, making it a favorite among players and collectors alike. The artistry in the design of the Knight speaks volumes about the craftsmanship behind this set, offering a subtle nod to the powerful yet controlled play style of Mikhail Botvinnik himself.

The Botvinnik-Flohr 1933 Chessmen are designed to be paired with a chessboard featuring 2-1/4-inch squares, which is the standard size for serious tournament play. This ensures that each piece has ample space to move freely, without overcrowding the board, and allows the beauty of the individual pieces to be appreciated during gameplay.

The historical significance of these chessmen cannot be overstated. The set commemorates the famous 1933 match between Mikhail Botvinnik and Salomon Flohr, a critical moment in chess history that marked Botvinnik’s emergence as a dominant force in Soviet chess. After Botvinnik’s victory in the 1933 USSR Chess Championship in Leningrad, a match was organized to test his mettle against Flohr, a Czechoslovakian grandmaster believed by many to be capable of challenging Alexander Alekhine for the World Championship title. The match, played across Moscow and Leningrad, was a tense and hard-fought contest that ended in a dramatic tie, with both players scoring six points.

My opinion of this design…

The set’s design echoes the intellectual rigor and artistic sophistication of that era, where chess was not merely a game but a battlefield for ideological and national supremacy. Botvinnik’s perseverance, particularly in the latter half of the match in Leningrad, is mirrored in the robustness of this set, which, like the man himself, combines strength with refinement. The chess pieces themselves, while crafted to withstand the pressures of tournament play, are also a celebration of the rich history and tradition of Soviet chess, making this set not just a tool for play but a symbol of one of the most iconic moments in chess history.

For any collector or serious player, the Botvinnik-Flohr 1933 Chessmen is an essential acquisition. It is more than a simple reproduction; it is a tangible link to a defining era in chess, where the game’s greatest minds clashed not only on the board but in the broader context of world events. This set is a tribute to the legacy of Mikhail Botvinnik, a player whose impact on the game is still felt today, and a reflection of the craftsmanship that continues to define the highest standards in chess set design. Whether used for play or proudly displayed, this set commands attention and respect, making it a jewel in any chess enthusiast’s collection.