ChessBaron

ChessBaron: Staunton chess and high-quality board games

ChessBaron is an online shop based in the United Kingdom that sells a wide range of chess-related products and other board games. Its catalogue includes Staunton and themed chess sets, individual pieces, boards, chess computers, clocks, software, books, DVDs, backgammon, cribbage, wooden puzzles, draughts and jewellery boxes. The company presents itself as a specialist in chess and backgammon, and states that its boards are made of solid wood, not veneer.

Chess catalogue

The chess range is organised into several categories: luxury sets from £100, mid-price sets from £50, economy sets from £19, marble chess, themed chess, travel or magnetic sets, sets for clubs and schools, chess for the blind, unusual chess, boards, cases, clocks, software, DVDs and videos, books, chess computers, DGT electronic boards and backgammon. It also has a bargains section and another for miscellaneous products such as cribbage, wooden puzzles and jewellery boxes.

Among the featured products shown on the website are the Tuscany set in ebony and antiqued boxwood (X2122), the Jefferson pieces in bud rosewood (X3117), the Manchester set in bud rosewood (X3118), the Marina and Boticini black marble set (M2092), the thick leather chess with Staunton pieces (E2047 and E3047), the King Cross bone set (X2009), the King John in heavy brass (X2026), the Bronte in bud rosewood (X2021) and the Sebastian in steel and copper (X2029). The shop indicates that these products have list prices and reduced prices, and that shipping is free.

Pieces and materials

ChessBaron describes some of its sets in detail: the Tuscany is made from Grade One ebony and antiqued boxwood, with triple weighting and two queens; the Jefferson and the Manchester are made from Grade One bud rosewood, also with triple weighting and two queens, and the Manchester king stands 4.5 inches high. The Marina and Boticini marble set includes pieces, board and case, with a 16-inch board. The leather sets are presented as an alternative to traditional materials. The King Cross bone set stands out for its carving, and the King John brass set is described as very heavy, with a king just over 4 inches. The Sebastian combines steel and copper.

Other games and accessories

In addition to chess, the shop sells backgammon, cribbage, draughts, wooden puzzles and jewellery boxes. It also offers chess-related books, software and DVDs, as well as chess clocks and computers. The company states that it has more than 200 books in its collection and 38 titles between software and DVDs.

Customer service and shipping

ChessBaron offers free shipping and has a returns policy that, it says, protects the buyer's choice. The website shows a contact phone number and a WhatsApp number for product or customer service enquiries. It also has a contact email address. The company encourages customers to call if they need guidance in choosing a product.

History and philosophy

The website includes a section on the history of chess in which it mentions Howard Staunton and his contribution to the standard design of the pieces, as well as the association of the Jaques house with that style. ChessBaron notes that most of its sets are in the Staunton style, although it also sells themed sets such as the Isle of Lewis, Sherlock Holmes or the Battle of Waterloo. The company presents itself as a lover of chess and backgammon, and maintains that these games help to develop a strong mind.

Presence and customers

The shop operates mainly online and serves international customers, as reflected in testimonials from buyers in the Netherlands, Norway and various locations in the United Kingdom. The comments highlight the quality of the products, the speed of shipping and the service received. ChessBaron also offers a US version, with free shipping within that country.

Location and contact

Email: chessbaron@gmail.com