Zagreb 59 Staunton Chess Set with 82mm (3.25") King, 41cm (16") Folding Chess Board

From 6 September to 31 October of 1959, eight of the world's best Grandmasters competed in a powerful quadruple Round-Robin Tournament, played in Bled, Zagreb and Belgrade, Yugoslavia,  to determine the challenger for the crown of World Champion currently held by Soviet Grandmaster Mikhail Botvinnik.

Competing were Pal Benkö, born July 15, 1928, in Amiens, France; the young American Robert James Fischer, born March 9, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois; Grandmaster Svetozar Gligoric, born February 2, 1923, in Belgrade, Yugoslavia; Paul Keres, born January 7, 1916 in Estonia; Fridrik Olafsson, born January 26, 1935 in Reykjavik, Iceland; Tigran Petrosian, Born November 17, 1929 in Armenia; Vasily Smyslov, born March 24, 1921 In Moscow, USSR; and Mikhail Tahl, born November 9, 1936 in Riga.

Mikhail Tahl who went on to successfully capture the world title from Botvinnik ultimately won the tournament. Fischer tied for 5th place, losing all 4 games to Tal.

 To commemorate this classic struggle the Zagreb 59 Staunton pattern chessmen was recreated and has since become a favourite for Chess players the world over.

The stunning Zagreb 59 Staunton Chess pieces supplied with this board/box combination set are accurate reproductions of one of the most popular Chess sets used in the major International Tournaments during the 1950s and 1960s, most notably the World Championship Candidates Match that was held in Bled, Zagreb in 1959. 

The Zagreb 59 Staunton Chess set is robust, made from premium grade Ringy Rosewood & Boxwood, the King stands 82mm (3.25") tall, includes 2 Free Extra Queens, all Chess pieces are weighted, a hand polished lacquer finish producing a beautiful lustre. As a Premium Quality Chess set all Chess pieces have a bevelled base cushioned with luxurious billiard cloth pads.

The Chess set is ideal for those that are interested in both the historical importance of the game of Chess, as well as those looking for an attractive Chess set that is both economical and durable.

As with all of our Chess sets, the New Zagreb 59 Staunton Chess set combination exemplifies a perfect combination of distinct beauty and functionality. It has been designed to withstand the rigors of practical play while maintaining an elegance which has become the hallmark of a The Chess Store Australia chess set.

The design, quality, workmanship and finish of each piece are superb and is truly impressive for a set in this price range, and will surely impress any Chess connoisseur and collector.