The House of Staunton Chess Set Review (Our Top 8 Picks)
The House of Staunton, known to chess lovers as HoS, is widely recognized as the gold standard in the chess equipment industry. So much so that some movies and tv shows have showcased their sets.
The House of Staunton has created quite a reputation for itself as one of the most reputable and reliable names in the chess product manufacturing sector for their quality pieces, boards, and other chess products.
While it’s widely considered as the world’s finest chess products manufacturer, is the reputation deserved? Are there areas where the company can improve?
We explore all of that and more below in our House of Staunton Chess Set review.
The House of Staunton Chess Set Collection (Our Top 8 Picks)
The Frank Camaratta Signature Series
This is a premium series set that comes with a hefty price tag. The Camaratta Signature Series consists entirely of hand-carved aesthetic items. It uses timber like antique boxwood and ebony to make them.
It incorporates Frank Camaratta’s one-of-a-kind Knight sculpture and the set is heavily influenced by Greek architecture, which makes it stand out.
House of Staunton’s proprietary weighting method is so precise that it’s unlikely you will see any hairline cracks on the pieces.
This design is both functional and beautiful and it enhances the experience chess players will have. You can buy this chess set with the confidence that it will last a long time.
The board measures 22.5 inches and includes 2.25-inch squares.
The biggest downside is that it’s massively expensive. It’s difficult to rationalize spending almost $3,000 on a set when there are others for a fraction of the price.
Pros
- Premium natural boxwood
- Durable
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Expensive
The Burnt Zagreb ’59 Series Chess Set
The tournament size Burnt Zagreb ’59 chess set’s king is 3.875 inches high and the board is 21.6″ x 21.6 inches. It has hand-carved chess pieces out of the highest grade boxwood, which are charred to give them this stunning look.
The 2.25-inch squares on the chessboard are made of maple and blackwood.
The chess box has silver quadrant hinges and a green velour interior that keeps the pieces safe and secure. It includes a split interior with two sections, brass quadrant hinges, and the ability to lock it.
The chess pieces are well-balanced, with lush billiard cloth base pads and a glossy finish that draws attention to the finer features.
To preserve the pieces, the chess box has two inside compartments and cotton lining.
Pros
- Unique design
- Chess box is lockable
- Durable
Cons
- Heavy
The Burnt Golden Rosewood Grandmaster Series Chess Set
If you want a well-crafted, wooden set, at an affordable price, then you might want to consider the Burnt Golden Rosewood Grandmaster chess set.
It has a 4-inch king with a 1.625-inch diameter base designed by the maestro himself. The chess pieces are carved from quality boxwood and golden rosewood. These pieces are comfortably heavy, with billiard cloth base cushions and a gloss finish.
The chessboard is 22.5-inches and aesthetically pleasing, thanks to the combination of olive and blackwood. The squares are big enough to accommodate the pieces without risking knocking other pieces around.
The chessmen, too, are made entirely by hand from boxwood. The fact that they’re weighted, discolored, and burnt brings out their finest features. The pieces are coated and paired with felt base pads for further durability.
Pros
- Comes with a customizable chess box
- Two extra queens
- Available in any choice of woods
Cons
- Heavy
The Golden Collector Series Luxury Wood Chess Set
The Golden Collector Series Luxury Chess Set is exceptionally beautiful.
Naturally, the chess pieces, which are entirely made of ebony and boxwood, are the focal point of the set.
All 34 chess pieces have gold embossed English Leather base pads. The open-mitered bishop and knight design, which is inspired by the Greek Parthenon’s magnificent steeds, is a standout aspect of this collection.
The board is made from a blend of maple and red amboyna burl woods.
The ebony framing and wood inlays complement this wonderfully. The squares measure 2.25 inches long, with the king towering at 4.4 inches tall.
It’s worth noting this set is as tough as it is attractive. To make the parts fracture-resistant, the manufacturer used a patented weighing technique. Each piece gets its own padded bay in the chess box.
Pros
- Durable chess pieces
- Sturdy board
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Pricey
The Savano Series Luxury Wood Chess Set
- King Height: 4.4'' inch / 11.18 cm
- King Base Diameter: 2.0'' inch / 5.0 cm
- 34 Chess Pieces, including 2 Additional Queens (for Pawn Promotion)
- Chess Board Footprint: 23.75" x 23.75" (INCLUDED)
- Square Size: 2.5'' inch / 6.4 cm
If you’re the type of chess player that appreciates handcrafted chess pieces, then the Savano Series Luxury Chess Set is probably your style.
House of Staunton allows you to choose from a variety of wood for the parts. Natural boxwood and real ebony are popular choices for a conventional black-and-white set.
Want something more modern? Choose the crimson rosewood, which you can enhance with natural ebony.
Among its features is a 4.4-inch king with a 2-inch diameter. Each is supported with an English leather foundation pad. The chessboard measures 23.75 inches with 2.5-inch squares.
You also get a certificate of authenticity and an original manufacturer’s plaque stating the production number, in case you want to resell it.
Pros
- Variety of choices
- Two additional queens
- Pieces have English leather
Cons
- Prohibitively expensive
The Superior Grandmaster Chess Set, Box, & Board Combination
This Superior Grandmaster chess set is designed for the serious chess player who wants to save money without losing style.
The components are carved from high-quality wood by artists. It contains 34 heavy pieces for a solid game.
The chessboard is 2.25-inches with a mahogany frame. The board incorporates Blackwood and Maple squares. It has a satin finish with a molded edge.
The chess box has a traditional slide top with a green velour inside that’s partitioned and suitable for a full set of chessmen.
Pros
- Lifetime guarantee
- Stylish and durable
- Two extra queens
Cons
- Pieces don’t fit in the box neatly
US Chess Quiver Chess Set Combo
- Everything you need to play Chess! It comes with full set of Triple-Weighted Regulation Plastic Chess Pieces, Quiver Chess Bag, and a Regulation Vinyl Chess Board
- Exceeds All US Chess Federation and FIDE Requirements for Official Tournament Use
- Perfect for Chess Players of all Ages and all Skill Levels
- Designed for Chess Clubs and Schools that want the convenience of a tournament combination at a low price.
- Manufactured Exclusively by the United States Chess Federation (USCF)
This package is an excellent travel companion. The chess pieces are made of single-weighted regulation plastic, while the board is made of premium vinyl.
The kit includes a quiver chess bag to store the board and pieces. Its handle makes carrying the bag around a breeze. The set comprises 34 pieces, including two extra queens for pawn promotion.
The board is designed primarily for school and college clubs, and it conveniently rolls up. It’s easy to store and has a waterproof coating so you can keep it safe if you get caught in the rain.
The brand is known for its consistent quality, and even though this set is constructed of vinyl and plastic, it will survive for a long time.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Comes with a storage bag
Cons
- Chessmen smell chemical
- Pieces not weighted
The Collector Series Library Chess Set
This is a full-sized tournament set made from natural wood with a base pad made from billiard cloth. The board is 17.5 inches long and is made of walnut, maple, and cherry wood with cherry framing. It also has a couple of segmented drawers for chess pieces underneath.
The box and the board are a single unit with two drawers underneath for storage. The drawer is divided into coffers for each chess piece to prevent the parts from colliding with one another.
Moreover, the Collector Series Library chess set is pleasing to the eye. The playing surface is made of maple woods and walnut-topped off with a cherry frame.
Pros
- Can choose from a variety of woods
- Affordable
Cons
- Bulky
Conclusion
House of Staunton is a giant brand with flawless quality, great prices, and a well-deserved reputation. It’s still carrying on with the tradition of being the best. Be that as it may, there’s always room for improvement.
Their customer service is sorely lacking which, considering how much you have to fork out to afford a House of Staunton chess set, is going to be a massive deterrent for some.