Chess Sets of Champions
From Alekhine's gift to Kosteniuk's childhood treasure, explore the unique chess sets of legendary players.
Chigorin’s Regence Chess Set
The Regence Chess Set, which was the favorite of Russian chess legend Mikhail Chigorin, is inspired by the romantic 19th century. Similar chess pieces were used at the famous Parisian Café de la Régence, which hosted Europe’s top chess players.
Alekhine's Chess Set
Russia’s first World Champion, Alexander Alekhine, gifted this chess set to a good friend before leaving Soviet Russia. Alekhine was permitted to leave Russia for a visit to the West in 1921. He never returned.
Bronstein's Shatranj Set
In 1976, grandmaster David Bronstein acquired this 12th century shatranj set inlaid with mother of pearl. The golden era of shatranj, chess's predecessor, began in the 10th-11th centuries, highlighted by masters like Al-Suli.
Kosteniuk's "Chess Suitcase"
This chess set, gifted to Alexandra Kosteniuk as a child, holds a special inscription: "To Sashenka - the future world chess champion!!! From Uncle Vasya."
Karpov's Invincible Chess
This chess set was designed by the 12th World Chess Champion Anatoly Karpov. The pieces are unique: they wobble back to a standing position due to a weight at the bottom and a special shape, much like Russian toy called "Nevalyashka".
Pieces from the metal travel chess set (1885/1899) by Photo by Viktor BoykoInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
Chess sets aren't just for playing the game; they become an obsession for collectors worldwide. Many are unique and distinctive.
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