What’s in a Name: Howard Staunton and the Staunton Chess Set
If you’ve played much chess at all, you’ve played with a set based on the famous and ubiquitous Staunton design. The iconic shape of the Staunton chess pieces may be what everyone thinks of when they imagine a chess set, but have you ever wondered why they’re called “Staunton” pieces? The answer is an interesting dive into London history and the career of a Golden Age chess celebrity, Howard Staunton.
The Real Howard Staunton
Life of a Chess Professional
Howard Staunton was born in London in 1810. Despite rumors that he was the illegitimate son of the Earl of Carlisle, he claimed to be the son of a “William Staunton” on his marriage certificate. He did not have a privileged upbringing, quite the opposite in fact. He completed very little formal education, and while he claimed to have studied at Oxford, he did not receive a degree. Despite his unschooled childhood, Staunton had a lifelong interest in Shakespeare. He was fond of recounting his youthful turns at acting in Shakespearean plays.
At the relatively late age of 26, Staunton developed a passion for chess. He possessed a natural talent for the game, quickly establishing a reputation for himself in London. In 1843, he won most of a series of games against Pierre Saint-Amant, considered the top European player at the time. Staunton was “declared” the world champion at that point, likely with his own encouragement. He had a reputation for bombastic and self-aggrandizing behavior that suggests this self-promotion would be unsurprising. He was regarded as the world’s strongest player until the London International Tournament in 1851.
The Not Entirely Gentle Decline of a Chess Player
By 1851, Staunton’s star was on the decline in competitive chess, and he placed 4th in his self-organized London International Tournament, billed as a “world championship.” Several of the leading players of the time were unable to participate, casting some doubt on the result representing an actual world contest. His health was a concern during his matches with Saint-Amant. Heart palpitations plagued him for the rest of his life. While it affected his play, he’d become well-regarded as a chess journalist. His column in the London Times was the authoritative source for chess news. Chess players had high regard for his chess books and analyses.
In 1958, the international chess community was eager to have legends meet. Promoters proposed a chess match between Staunton and Paul Morphy, which both initially agreed to. It’s doubtful Staunton was well enough to compete with Morphy, and his behavior surrounding the match (which never happened) has been a dark spot on his career. In a brutal give-and-take waged both in Staunton’s chess columns and the regular press, the two great players accused, confronted, and insulted each other. The match never happened. We can only speculate, but it's likely Staunton knew he was outmatched and preferred to avoid confirming the fact.
The Morphy episode was the last major event before Staunton’s de facto chess retirement. He’d moved on by then, focusing on his critiques and analyses of Shakespeare’s work. He continued to write his column in the London Times and publish books on chess. He died in London in 1874 at age 64 while working at his desk.
Howard Staunton’s Legacy
Howard Staunton was a controversial figure in life and continues to inspire rousing discussions, especially around the Morphy affair. He could be difficult and often went on the attack in his column when people displeased him. Even so, it would be unfair to allow his excesses in mood to diminish his excellence as a chess player and lasting impact on the sport. His organization of the 1851 championship was a model for future international contests. His play was more “modern” than many of his contemporaries, with strong strategic and positional understanding.
Staunton’s writings on chess, though often vitriolic or self-serving, did much to further the profile of chess in London. His chess column in the London Times ran for most of his life, and included analysis, player features, and (ahem) information about new products. It was, despite its whims, or perhaps because of them, the most successful and respected chess column of the time. His books made a significant contribution to the study of openings and remained relevant long after his lifetime. His work “The Blue Book of Chess” is still in print.
Celebrity Endorsements Sold Chess Merch, Even in 1849
Jacques of London launched the Staunton chess set in 1849. The actual designer is up for some debate, as the introduction of the design involved three men: Nathaniel Cooke, John Jacques, and Howard Staunton. Nathaniel Cooke, a publisher by trade, filed the patent. The premier sports equipment manufacturer, Jacques of London, made the sets. Howard Staunton signed the sets and promoted them.
Who was the real designer? It’s highly likely that John Jacques designed this set based on the Northern Upright set (c. 1840), as he had a solid design history, but Cooke may have contributed. Staunton’s complaints about ornate Victorian designs were influential, but he wouldn’t have been sketching pieces by candlelight. (Interesting note: Jacques of London still produces a replica set with Staunton’s signature stamped on the lid.)
Staunton used his dual positions as a chess celebrity and journalist to promote the new chess set. It addressed issues he’d raised with ornately embellished pieces, such as stability and durability. As chess moved from genteel drawing rooms to coffeehouses and rousing tournaments, it was essential that the pieces resist tipping and breakage. While Staunton’s modus operandi was to attack competitors to elevate the new design, he was correct about its superior play.
Why the Staunton Chess Set Has Become the Standard
Staunton chess sets are designed for chess players, first and foremost. The simplicity of the set is its own version of elegance, but the player-focused design is very practical. The introduction of the Staunton design as the Golden Age of Chess began (1851-1886) was critical to both the expansion of chess as a game for everyone and the popularity of the design. Simple wooden chess pieces could be produced quickly and affordably. Ownership of a chess set was suddenly within reach for nearly everyone.
In addition, the Staunton chess pieces are universally identifiable for chess players from anywhere in the world. This removes any barrier to high-level play that a more unique set might pose. It’s quite a valuable attribute to be able to sit down anywhere in the world and play a game of chess, even if you don’t share a language.
Adding weight to the Staunton design is easy. Inserting a metal weight into the flared base of the piece makes the set more stable and easier to play with. Heavily weighted pieces also feel luxurious in the hand, a not insignificant quality.
Official Recognition and Celebration of Staunton Chess Sets
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) adopted the Staunton chess piece design as the standard for international tournaments in 1924. A FIDE regulation Staunton chess set must comply with published standards, including the relative proportions of the pieces to one another and the squares on the board. Very little variation on the design is permitted, but different materials and sizes may be acceptable.
Many famous games have been played with Staunton-style chess pieces, often specifically designed for a special event or important match. A beautiful example of these bespoke sets is the Reykjavik II Series Chess Pieces - 3.75" King. Imagine playing with an exact replica of the pieces Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky used in Iceland in 1972, maybe in classic ebony and boxwood? Staunton designs are clean and easy to play with, but they are equally at home at the highest level of competition.
One last towering monument to the Staunton design—literally—is the World’s Largest Chess Piece outside the Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri. Designed by Frank Camaratta, this Staunton king measures 20 feet high and weighs over 10,000 pounds! This wooden chess piece is a classic. Be sure to snap a picture when you visit the Hall of Fame.
How to Evaluate a Staunton Chess Set for Yourself
You don’t have to be a serious chess player to want a set that’s a pleasure to use and display. Before purchasing a set, consider three key factors. First, what material would you like for your pieces? Materials range from plastic and less expensive woods, such as boxwood, to mammoth tusk and precious metals. Your budget may also narrow this down. Second, what size and weight would you find most enjoyable to play with? This is a highly personal preference, but the pieces should be comfortable in your hand and stable enough for your style of play. Last, how will you use and display your chess set? Staunton chess sets can be highly portable or showpieces that add to the décor in a favorite room.
If you’d like to play with these timeless pieces on a budget, a tournament set is a good option. Check out this Drawstring Chess Set with a durable silicone board and heavily weighted pieces, or many others at USCF Sales.
What Would Howard Staunton Think of Modern Staunton Design?
Howard Staunton would be pleased to see that the most widely used chess set design still bears his name. He might have some acerbic words for mass-produced, low-quality versions, but the vast selection of high-quality traditional Staunton sets would make up for it. His accomplishments as a chess player are remarkable, but his greater legacy may be the popularization and expansion of chess made possible by the sturdy, practical, ubiquitous Staunton design.