Chess Pieces

Quality Chess Pieces For Sale

Chess pieces come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials and designs. Purchasing wooden chess pieces without a chessboard allows you to have more control of the overall aesthetic of your chess set. Typically you will purchase all 32 chessmen at one time, however, you can also purchase varying individual chess pieces for sale to create a truly unique chess combination.

Here at Chessmaze UK, we stock a large variety of chess pieces for sale. We house variations of chess piece materials and styles, so you can be sure to find something to fit your budget and style in our catalogue. We stock everything from the Isle Of Lewis to chessmen to the sough-after Staunton chess pieces, as well as our luxury chess piece range, we stock a large range of economy chess pieces including plastic and wooden pieces. If you are unsure of what chess pieces will suit your chessboard, then speak with one of our dedicated professionals online who are on hand to assist with your every need.

What Makes Wooden Chess Sets So Popular?

Traditional chess sets feature six different types of chess pieces as listed below:

King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook (or Castle) and Pawn.

How Many Chess Pieces Are There In Total?

In a complete chess set, there are 32 chess pieces, 16 on each side. Each side of the board consists of the below (per player):

1 King, 1 Queen, 2 Bishops, 2 Knights, 2 Rooks, 8 Pawns.

Some complete sets offer 34 pieces as they often come with two additional Queens for Pawn promotion.

What Styles Of Chess Pieces Are Available?

There are so many variations of chess pieces available, they come in different materials and styles, from contemporary to traditional.

While more often than not, they are crafted out of fine wood – including oak, mahogany, ebony, and even pine – there are many varying materials available depending on the style and aesthetic you are after, which will help you decide what material to go for. 

Below we have outlined the most popular styles of chess pieces:

Hand-Made Wooden Chess Pieces

Wooden chess pieces are sought after for they are both visually pleasing and have great durability. 
Usually, the high-end chess pieces will be crafted using quality, choice woods. They are more luxurious, with beautifully intricate details. 

At Chessmaze UK, our range of chessmen includes a catalogue of quality wooden chessmen crafted by only the best artisans across the globe.

Plastic & Resin Chess Pieces

With resin chess pieces only costing a fraction of the price of woods, it is easy to see why they are becoming more and more popular. Resin chess pieces area greater quality than alternative types of plastic chess pieces, which means that resin is slightly more pricey than generic plastic pieces. 

Staunton Style Chessmen

We all know that the most popular style of chess piece is the style of Staunton. Staunton chess pieces offer a wonderfully traditional take on chessmen and are a favourite amongst collectors and novices alike. The chessmen are recognised by many due to their design that came to life in 1849. The Staunton design is the only style of chess pieces that are accepted to be used in official chess tournaments across the globe.

Magnetic Chess Pieces

Travel chess pieces are wonderful to have for the avid traveller or daily commute to work. They are often economical, light and magnetic, which makes them a delight to bring on journeys. If you are travelling and you would like to enjoy a game of chess whilst you are away, these portable travel chess sets would be the perfect combination for you. Travel chess pieces are more about practicality than beauty.

At Chessmaze UK, our catalogue of travel chess pieces includes a wonderful range of magnetic, wooden, and even cardboard travel chess sets. 

 

What Are the Most Beautiful Handcarved Chess Sets?

If you're interested in playing the traditional game of chess with wooden pieces, you've come to the right place. While you can buy many different sets of wooden pieces, you may be wondering what sets are the most beautiful. There are many benefits to using wooden pieces, from the aesthetics of the game to its resale value. Listed below are a few of these benefits. Here are the advantages of using wooden chess pieces.

Antique chess sets with matte finishes work best with wooden pieces. But, if you're looking for a contemporary look, try metal chess pieces. They're typically made of brass or other metals, and complement different types of wooden chess boards. Although they're a bit more expensive than wooden pieces, they tend to last for many years. A great chess set can easily cost you a couple of hundred pounds.

Despite its relative scarcity, ebony chess pieces are still a favourite among aficionados. Pure ebony has hardly any grain and is jet black in colour. Ebony is also a high-quality wood that is suited for heirloom chess sets. Rarer wood, Crimson Rosewood, has a reddish tone. It can be extremely expensive but is a rare and valuable item.

Aside, from Boxwood, chess pieces are made of different materials, including rosewood, maple, ebony, and ebony. Wooden chess pieces can be highly valuable and can be used to display in a living room. On the other hand, plastic chess pieces are cheaper and easier to use, which makes them a good choice for chess training and tournaments. This is why so many people are turning to wood chess pieces to play this classic game.

Chess Pieces for Sale

Chess pieces are the heart and soul of the game, and choosing the right ones can greatly enhance your chess-playing experience. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and designs. While many chess sets come complete with pieces and a chessboard, purchasing wooden chess pieces separately allows you to have more control over the overall aesthetic of your chess set.

At Chessmaze UK, we offer a diverse range of chess pieces for sale, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Our collection includes various materials and styles, ensuring that you'll find the perfect chess pieces to complement your style. From the historic Isle of Lewis chessmen to the classic Staunton chess pieces, as well as our luxury and economy chess piece options, we have something for everyone. If you're unsure about which chess pieces will suit your chessboard best, our dedicated professionals are available to assist you online.

The Appeal of Wooden Chess Sets

Traditional chess sets feature six different types of chess pieces: King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, Rook (or Castle), and Pawn. In a complete chess set, there are 32 chess pieces, 16 on each side. Each side consists of one King, one Queen, two Bishops, two Knights, two Rooks, and eight Pawns. Some sets offer 34 pieces, including two additional Queens for Pawn promotion.

Styles of Chess Pieces

Chess pieces come in various materials and styles, from contemporary to traditional. While fine woods like oak, mahogany, ebony, and pine are common choices, there are many materials available depending on your preferred style and aesthetic.

1. Hand-Made Wooden Chess Pieces: Wooden chess pieces are known for their visual appeal and durability. High-end wooden chess pieces are crafted using quality, choice woods, resulting in luxurious sets with intricate details. At Chessmaze UK, our range includes a catalogue of quality wooden chessmen crafted by skilled artisans from around the world.

2. Plastic & Resin Chess Pieces: Plastic and resin chess pieces offer an economical alternative to wood. Resin pieces, while slightly pricier than generic plastic, offer better quality and durability.

3. Staunton Style Chessmen: Staunton chess pieces are the most popular style and are recognized worldwide. Their traditional design, established in 1849, is the standard for official chess tournaments.

4. Magnetic Chess Pieces: Magnetic travel chess pieces are ideal for on-the-go gaming. They are lightweight, practical, and perfect for travel or daily commutes.

Our catalogue of travel chess pieces at Chessmaze UK includes a range of magnetic, wooden, and even cardboard sets.

The Beauty of Hand-Carved Chess Sets

Wooden chess sets, especially those with hand-carved pieces, offer a unique and aesthetically pleasing chess-playing experience. These sets are highly regarded for several reasons:

• Aesthetic Compatibility: Antique chess sets with matte finishes work best with wooden pieces, creating a classic and timeless look. If you prefer a contemporary aesthetic, metal chess pieces, typically made of brass or other metals, can complement various wooden chess boards.

• Durability and Resale Value: Wooden chess pieces, when properly cared for, can last for many years and even become valuable collector's items. While they may be a bit more expensive upfront, their longevity and potential resale value make them a wise investment.

• Variety of Woods: Chess pieces can be crafted from various woods, each with its unique characteristics. For example, ebony chess pieces are highly sought after due to their pure black color and fine grain. Crimson Rosewood, though rarer and more expensive, has a reddish tone that adds a touch of luxury to any chess set.

• Display Worthy: Wooden chess pieces are not just for gameplay; they can also be used as decorative items in your living room, adding a touch of elegance to your decor.

• Plastic Chess Pieces: For those seeking affordability and ease of use, plastic chess pieces are a popular choice. They are practical for chess training and tournaments, making them a preferred option for many players.