Chess Set

Chess set is a plain descriptive compound: a set consists of a chessboard and, nominally, white and black chess pieces for playing chess, sixteen pieces of each colour. The concept predates the term, and the oldest surviving sets are abstract in form, following the traditions of the Muslim game shatranj; the most famous medieval survival, the Lewis chessmen, dates from the 12th century and was found in 1831. Standardisation of what counts as a proper set is comparatively recent and follows the Staunton pattern, which is preferred or required for tournament play. Governing bodies now specify dimensions: FIDE gives a king height of 3.35 to 4.13 inches and the USCF 3.375 to 4.5 inches. No source located in this session gives a first documented use or coinage date for the phrase chess set itself.

First documented: n.a. — n.a.