Glossary of Terms
Don't know your Kasparov for Karpov? That's ok! Our glossary of common chess terms will help make sure your chess buying experience is a breeze.
Staunton Chess Set
The Staunton chess set is composed of a particular type of chess pieces of a standardised shape that have been used as the standard pieces in tournament play world wide since the mid 1800's.
Nathaniel Cook is credited with the design, and they are named after Howard Staunton, an English Chess Master of the 1800's who championed the original design. The first 500 sets were hand signed and numbered by Staunton. This style of set was first made available by Jaques of London in 1849, and they quickly became the standard. They have been used around the world ever since.
Nathaniel Cook is credited with the design, and they are named after Howard Staunton, an English Chess Master of the 1800's who championed the original design. The first 500 sets were hand signed and numbered by Staunton. This style of set was first made available by Jaques of London in 1849, and they quickly became the standard. They have been used around the world ever since.
Original Staunton chess pieces, left to right: pawn, rook, knight, bishop, queen, and king
Chess Clocks
Chess clocks are used to limit the amount of time each player can think about their moves in tournament chess games. They were originally analogue, which makes a great looking timer. However, more commonly these days the digital clocks are used in chess tournaments.
