Chess, a game renowned for its intricate strategies and profound tactics, is equally celebrated for the elegance and artistry of its pieces. Even those unfamiliar with the rules often appreciate the beauty of a finely crafted set, displaying it proudly as a symbol of sophistication. For over a century and a half, the Staunton pattern has been the standard for international competition, yet the world of chess boasts a rich diversity of designs that predate this iconic style. From the refined grace of Northern Upright pieces to the legendary figures of the Isle of Lewis set, the history of chess pieces is as varied as it is fascinating.

This guide is crafted for the discerning collector, offering an exploration of the myriad patterns that have adorned the chessboard over the centuries. It also provides expert advice on what to consider when acquiring a set, whether for practical play or as a treasured display piece.

       Contents

1. Size and Weighting
2. Staunton Pattern
3. Zagreb and Dubrovnik
4. Northern Upright
5. English Barleycorn
6. Selenus
7. French Regence Pieces
8. Lund Pattern and other English Playing Sets
9. Isle of Lewis
10. Tournament Chess Sets
11. Travel Chess Sets
12. Electronic Chess Boards (E-Boards) 

      Size and Weighting

When selecting a chess set, one often encounters descriptions that include the size of the pieces, typically measured in inches. This measurement refers to the height of the king. For tournament play, a 3.75-inch king is the standard, particularly in countries like the USA, where players may be required to bring their own equipment, including chess clocks.

Larger kings, measuring 4 inches or more, make for impressive display pieces. These sets, often more ornately carved, can be more costly, with the intricacy of the knight’s carving frequently serving as a barometer for the set’s overall value. The knight, unlike the more uniform pieces that can be turned on a lathe, requires significant craftsmanship, making it a focal point of many sets.

A crucial consideration when purchasing a set is the weighting of the pieces. Properly weighted pieces offer a satisfying heft and stability, reducing the likelihood of tipping during play—especially on uneven surfaces or roll-up boards. Since the mid-19th century, high-quality chess pieces have been weighted with lead, typically inserted into a hole in the base of the piece and covered with felt to protect the board. In some less expensive sets, this hole may be present but unweighted, necessitating additional work by the buyer.

    Staunton Pattern

The Staunton chess pieces are the most instantly recognizable and have been the gold standard since their inception in 1849. Named after the English chess master Howard Staunton—who, though he did not design them, lent his name to promote them—these pieces were the brainchild of Nathaniel Cook and were first produced by Jaques of London. Staunton pieces are characterized by their simple yet elegant design: smooth columns that taper upwards from a broad base, each topped with a stylized representation of its rank, with the king’s crown always adorned with a cross.

Before the introduction of the Staunton pattern, a variety of piece styles were used globally. As chess grew in popularity, the lack of a standard set posed a challenge for international competition. The Staunton design’s immediate and widespread popularity brought much-needed uniformity to the game, a legacy that endures to this day.

    Zagreb and Dubrovnik

The Zagreb and Dubrovnik styles are mid-20th-century Eastern European variations on the Staunton pattern, distinguished by their smoother, more rounded forms. These pieces often feature different-colored finials, with white queens sometimes topped with black orbs and vice versa. The knight in these sets is notable for its curved, S-shaped neck and downward-pointing face. While the Dubrovnik style shares much with Zagreb, it typically crowns the king with a simple orb instead of a cross.

    Northern Upright

The Northern Upright, also known as Edinburgh Upright, was a precursor to the Staunton design and enjoyed popularity in the early to mid-19th century, particularly among European aristocracy. These pieces are tall, slender columns with minimalist motifs. The queen, with her orb-topped head, resembles a tall pawn, while the bishop’s split mitre is typical of pre-Staunton designs. Although elegant, the Upright style’s pieces were prone to tipping—a flaw remedied by the sturdier Staunton pieces that eventually replaced them. Nonetheless, the Northern Upright remains a distinguished and refined design, worthy of any collector’s admiration.

    English Barleycorn

The English Barleycorn style was a dominant pattern in early 19th-century England, often crafted from bone rather than wood, with the black pieces typically colored red. The pieces are distinguished by their slender trunks rising from a flat base, with the larger pieces featuring a highly decorated central ‘drum.’ A distinctive feature of this design is the flagpole atop the rooks, though not all sets include this element. While the design was delicate and ornate—qualities that could be distracting during play—it was immensely popular until the Staunton pattern came to the fore.

    Selenus

The Selenus chess set, named after the pen name of the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, was popular in Germany and Northern Europe, particularly in the 17th century. These sets, often carved from bone, feature tall, slender pieces adorned with floral motifs, resembling upward-pointing petals. In England, this style became known as ‘Tulip Chess sets’ due to this floral resemblance. Selenus pieces remained in vogue in Germany until the early 20th century, when sturdier Staunton pieces supplanted them.

    French Regence Pieces

Named after the Café de la Régence in Paris, a hub of chess activity in the 18th and 19th centuries, French Regence pieces were used by many of the great masters of the time. The pieces, with their stacked orbs and disks, often confused players unfamiliar with the pattern, as the queens, bishops, and pawns were difficult to distinguish. This confusion led to the eventual dominance of the Staunton design. However, French Regence pieces continued to be used well into the 20th century.

    Lund Pattern and other English Playing Sets

The Lund pattern was among several English playing sets popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, alongside the St George, Calvert, and Merrifield patterns. These sets featured balustered and ribbed columns resembling stacked orbs and disks, with the queen typically topped with a coronet. The Lund set’s distinguishing feature is the rook’s roofed tower, often capped with a flagpole. These sets, designed for serious competitive play, gradually fell out of favor with the rise of the Staunton pattern.

    Isle of Lewis

The Isle of Lewis set, also known as the Lewis Chessmen or Uig Chessmen, is based on 12th-century pieces discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. These pieces, carved from walrus ivory, are notable for the expressive faces of the figures—the queen appears bored, the king stern, and some rooks gnaw on their shields. While perhaps too whimsical for practical play, they are cherished as display pieces and gained fame through their appearance in the Harry Potter films.

    Tournament Chess Sets

The standard chess set used in clubs, tournaments, and schools is a 3.75-inch plastic Staunton set, typically paired with a roll-up vinyl board. These sets are affordable, durable, and universally recognized, making them ideal for tournament play. While some players prefer to use high-quality wooden sets in tournaments, the risk of loss or damage often deters this practice. Plastic sets, weighted for stability, are also excellent for study, as players can train with pieces identical to those used in competition.

    Travel Chess Sets

Travel chess sets are designed with portability in mind, featuring pieces that adhere to the board. These sets come in magnetic and peg-in-slot varieties, each with its own advantages. Magnetic sets are aesthetically pleasing but can be prone to losing pieces during travel. Peg-in-slot sets offer greater security, though the pegs can be fragile. Travel sets range in size from nearly tournament-sized to miniature wallet-style boards with flat, disc-like pieces. Notably, the American world champion Bobby Fischer was known to carry a small magnetic travel set with him at all times.

    Electronic Chess Boards (E-Boards)

Electronic chess boards, or E-Boards, connect to computers or phones via USB or Bluetooth and use sensors to detect piece locations. These boards are invaluable for recording games and offer a more user-friendly interface for playing against a computer. E-Boards are also used in tournaments to record moves for live broadcasts. These boards often resemble luxury wooden sets, combining traditional aesthetics with modern technology.

-Shane Chateauneuf (NewCastle1974)