What do you actually pay for in a Jaques chess set?
A Jaques set is priced for three things: materials, making and provenance. The pieces are turned from dense solid wood, traditionally boxwood for the light side and ebony for the dark, then weighted and felted so they sit firmly and slide smoothly. Each piece is finished with the crisp detail that defines the Staunton pattern, from the cross-topped king to the carved knight. The last element is history: Jaques of London created this design in 1849 and has made it ever since, so you are buying from the original maker, not a copy. You can browse the current range in the Jaques chess set collection. Cheaper sets save money by using lighter, unweighted pieces and rougher finishing, which is exactly where you feel the difference at the board.
How does a Jaques set compare with a cheap set?
A budget set is perfectly adequate for learning the moves, and there is no shame in starting with one. The differences show with regular use. Hollow or lightweight pieces tip easily and clatter on the board. Rough bases scratch the squares. Paint or thin lacquer chips, and proportions drift from the standard, which makes pieces harder to tell apart in a long game. A well made weighted set avoids all of these problems. Our chess buying guide explains the quality markers in more detail. As a rough guide, entry sets cost around 30 to 60 pounds, club sets 60 to 150, and fine sets rise from there, so the real question is how often and for how long you will play.
Is a Jaques set good enough for serious play?
Yes. The Staunton pattern is the design FIDE specifies for official competition, and Jaques of London made the original. A regulation king stands around 95mm, within an accepted range of roughly 85 to 105mm, and the pieces should be matched to the squares of the board. Weighting gives the stable, confident feel that tournament players expect, and clear, distinct silhouettes help in fast games. If you play at a club or want a set that feels right in the hand, read about tournament chess sets and check the sizing in our chess set sizes guide before you choose. A properly proportioned Jaques set meets that standard comfortably.
Will a Jaques chess set hold its value?
A chess set is bought to be played, so think of value as years of use rather than resale. That said, solid wood, good weighting and a respected maker tend to age far better than mass produced alternatives. Wood develops a gentle patina, felt can be refreshed, and a well kept set can be handed to the next generation, which is why many buyers treat one as a family object. Original antique Jaques sets from the Victorian period are keenly collected, and the long history of the firm adds interest to any modern set. For fine editions, the luxury chess sets range is the natural place to look. We cannot promise any set will appreciate, but quality is the best protection for your money.
Who should buy a Jaques set, and who can skip it?
A Jaques set suits regular club and home players, anyone who wants a lasting gift, and collectors who care about the original maker. It is also a sensible choice if you have outgrown a plastic set and want to enjoy the game more. You can reasonably skip it if you need a rugged set for a classroom of young beginners, or a very light travel set for the occasional game on a train. In those cases a durable plastic or folding set will serve you better. If you are unsure, start with our guide to wooden chess sets, decide how much you will play, and then compare options in the Jaques collection. Buying once and buying well is usually the cheaper route.
Jaques of London: Making Chess Sets Since 1849
Jaques of London created the Staunton chess set in 1849 and has kept it in production ever since. Founded in 1795, the firm turns weighted, felted sets in solid wood to the original pattern, built to be played for decades. If you are weighing up whether quality is worth paying for, the original maker is the best place to start.
Shop Staunton Chess Sets →Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Jaques chess sets worth the money?
For most committed players and gift buyers, yes. A Jaques set uses solid wood, proper weighting and felted bases, and follows the original Staunton proportions created by Jaques of London in 1849. That means better feel, longer life and a set you are unlikely to need to replace. If you only play occasionally or need a set for young children, a cheaper option may suit you better, but for regular play the quality is noticeable.
Q: What makes a Jaques chess set different from other Staunton sets?
Jaques of London created the Staunton design in 1849, with Nathaniel Cook, working with and for Jaques, as the named registrant, and has made it ever since. Many other sets copy the pattern, but the original maker brings authentic proportions, weighted pieces and decades of craft knowledge. Traditional sets use boxwood for the light pieces and ebony for the dark, while modern ranges use carefully chosen woods and finishes.
Q: Is a Jaques chess set suitable for tournament play?
Yes. The Staunton pattern is the design FIDE requires for official competition, and a well proportioned Jaques set follows it. Check that the king height, typically around 95mm, suits your board squares, and that the pieces are weighted and felted. Always confirm the exact specification of the set you are considering, as sizes differ between models.
Q: Would a Jaques chess set make a good gift?
It makes an excellent gift because it is practical, durable and carries a genuine story. A weighted solid wood set in a presentation box or case suits birthdays, anniversaries and milestone occasions, and it can be passed down in a family. Match the piece size to the recipient and, if possible, the board they already own.