Many who fall in love with chess often start with a basic plastic chess set.
The pieces are light and easy to use, perfect for learning how to play. But as their love for the game grows, so does their wish for something more premium.
The Dal Rossi Sheesham Double Weighted chess set positions itself squarely as the chess set of choice. This Italian-made set promises to deliver quality chess sets at an affordable price.
We got hands-on with this popular chess set to see if it delivers the quality, feel, and durability they proudly advertise.
About Dal Rossi
The Dal Rossi is an Italian family-owned business brand that specializes in making classic board games. It has a comprehensive range of traditional games, including chess, backgammon, and mahjong.
Dal Rossi is most renowned for its extensive collection of chess sets. Their extensive catalog shows a clear focus on classic wooden chess sets. Their Sheesham Double Weighted Chess Pieces represent one of their top options.
Our Dal Rossi Sheesham Chess Piece Review
The Dal Rossi Sheesham Double Weighted Chess Pieces are carved in the classic Staunton style. This FIDE-approved design is practical, stable, universally understood, and easily recognisable.
The pieces are double weighted, meaning extra weight is built into every piece. The weighting is concentrated low in the base, creating a low center of gravity. This makes them more stable and sturdy and prevents pieces from tipping easily.
The dark pieces are made from Sheesham wood, which gives the set its signature honey to reddish-brown color. For the light pieces, Dal Rossi uses traditional Boxwood because of its creamy, pale yellow color and fine grain structure.
Individual Piece Analysis
The pieces are smooth, with no rough spots or lingering machine marks. The pawns have consistent height, with each one a near-perfect twin of its neighbor. The rooks, knights, and bishops on each side are matched in size, shape, and carving detail. Each piece is fitted with a thick, green felted base.
The set is available in 85mm and 95mm king heights, with the 95mm version being the more popular choice.
The king stands at about 95mm or 85mm tall, depending on the sizing configuration you choose. It has a solid base of approximately 35mm to 33mm and rounded edges that feel comfortable in the hand.
The cross-topped crown on the king is proportionally sized and cleanly carved. As the heaviest piece, the double-weighting is particularly noticeable in the king.
The Queen piece maintains the elegant proportions expected in quality Staunton design. Slightly shorter than the King, she stands at approximately 83mm with a base diameter of 35mm.
Her shaft features a prominent, sharp collar below the head. The crown, or coronet, has a deeply serrated design with multiple points (typically 9 or more).
The Bishops have rounded heads with a deep, single cut or groove running through the top. The body is slender, tapering down to a base that is slightly smaller than that of the King and Queen.
Their proportions feel balanced with a height of approximately 72 mm and a base diameter of 32 mm.
The Knights are carved in the form of a horse’s head and neck, mounted on a solid pedestal base. It features a closed mouth, pricked-back ears, a neatly defined mane, and a pronounced jawline.
Comes with a height of approximately 65 mm and a base diameter of 32 mm. Despite being one of the shorter pieces, it is quite stout and has a satisfying heft due to the double weighting.
The Rooks have thick, cylindrical shafts that give them a low center of gravity. Their tops feature crenelated battlements, just like a medieval castle tower. The number of crenellations is typically four or five, and they are cleanly cut.
The base diameter of 32 mm and height of 55 mm provide excellent stability. The proportions feel substantial without being bulky.
The Pawns have the simplest design with a wide, sturdy base and a slender shaft that swells into a smooth, rounded head.
Standing at a fair height of 48 mm, with a base diameter of 28 mm, they are the smallest and lightest pieces. Despite being the smallest pieces, the double weighting is still very noticeable.
Who Is This Set For?
The Dal Rossi Sheesham Double Weighted Chess Pieces are a great choice for many chess players.
For serious players who take part in tournaments, these pieces offer a fine mix of style and function. Their weight and classic shape make them easy to play with. Their rich wood texture gives them a premium feel.
For casual players, these pieces are an ideal upgrade from the basic plastic or unweighted set. Double-weighted sets, like this one from Dal Rossi, are widely considered the “sweet spot” for upgrades.
Final Thoughts
The Dal Rossi Sheesham Double Weighted set delivers what it promises, which is a solid, functional wooden chess set at a fair price point. They are a step up from basic plastic sets and are positioned in the near-premium segment.
However, tempering your expectations is important. This is mass-produced furniture-grade chess equipment, and the pieces serve their purpose well, but won’t inspire the same reverence as premium sets costing three times as much.
Some buyers may find the carving less detailed than expected, or discover minor inconsistencies that remind anyone that this isn’t a luxury product.
The Dal Rossi Sheesham set is a competent rather than compelling piece. It is a practical choice that gets the job done without too much fanfare. For many chess players, that’s exactly what they need.