Chess is an ancient game, widespread throughout the world and loved by many statesmen, famous scientists, musicians and writers. Professional players and strong amateurs are able to fight without using a board, keeping all the moves in their heads. Such battles look quite impressive. But the chess sets themselves, some of which are real works of art, can make no less an impression. Let’s look at the most expensive of them.

Chess is a sport, and, for example, in blitz tournaments, not only the depth of a player’s thought is important, but also its speed. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the most expensive chess sets is the Renault F1 Team Collection. This set is made of stainless steel, aluminum and titanium – those materials that are used in the production of Formula 1 racing cars. For the playing field, the designers chose carbon fiber. Price: 39,523 euros.

Chess is an art with an ancient history. The Italian sculptor Piero Benzoni created a whole series of “historical” sets.” The price of the most affordable ones is about 10,000 euros, but there are also those that are much more expensive. In Ingmar Bergman’s film The Seventh Seal, crusader Antonius Block plays chess with Death. The two most expensive sets by Benzoni are dedicated to the Middle Ages – “Carolingian Moors” worth 90,434 euros and “Carolingians XIV” – 106,879 euros. The figures, about 30 cm tall, are made of bronze coated with gold and silver. The boards are made of polished marble.

Chess is a game where games can be played with the greatest grace. This is what distinguishes the set, created in honor of the 250th anniversary of the French crystal company Baccarat. The choice of material seems obvious. It costs 270,723 euros.

Chess is a hobby that many of the powers that be are prone to. Therefore, the luxury of the Royal Diamond Chess Set from Charles Hollander is quite appropriate. The design was developed by the French artist and jeweler Bernard Maquin.