Anatomy of Staunton Chessmen
The Anatomy of the Staunton Chess Pieces
We examine each chess piece and identify its unique qualities.
The fundamental characteristics of the Staunton chess set
- The pieces are all clearly of the same family, yet their design makes it impossible to mistake one piece for another.
- Wide base that allows large weights to be inserted so the balance is ideal for chess games. The pieces won’t topple or fall over easily.
- The pieces have a high level of detail but very few fragile parts making them durable.
- Ergonomic - each piece has a wide top (easy to pick up and put down).
- Sweeping shank design.
- Design cues taken from English architecture in the 1800s.
- Design ideal for mass production using lathes – a common manufacturing method in the 1800s.
Pawn
Moves: Can move one square forward, or two squares from the starting position. When taking another piece it moves diagonally.
Quantity in a full set: 16
Rook
Moves: Horizontally or vertically, any number of squares.
Quantity in a full set: 4
Knight
Moves: Can move in an L shape, two squares in one direction and then one sideways (perpendicular).
Quantity in a full set: 4
Bishop
Moves: Diagonally, any number of squares.
Quantity in a full set: 4
Queen
Moves: Any number of squares in any direction (straight or diagonal).
Quantity in a full set: 2
King
Moves: Moves in any direction, but only one square.
Quantity in a full set: 2
Further Resources
Read our chess rules to learn the rules of the game and learn how to set your pieces up on the board with our guide.