The leading English player of the 1840s, Staunton won a famous match against France’s Saint-Amant in 1843, organised the first international tournament in London in 1851 and gave his name to the standard design of chess pieces.
In 1843 Staunton beat Pierre Charles Fournier de Saint-Amant in Paris, a match widely seen as deciding the strongest player in the world. He wrote popular chess columns and The Chess-Player’s Handbook, a standard reference for decades.
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The pieces we all play with
In 1849 a London firm released a clear, sturdy chess set design and promoted it with Staunton’s endorsement. The “Staunton pattern” — the familiar crown-topped king, mitred bishop and horse-head knight — became the standard used in every serious tournament today.
Staunton also organised the London 1851 tournament, the first international chess tournament, which was won by Adolf Anderssen.
Did you know?
♞Fact #1Tap to revealEvery tournament set today uses the Staunton design.
♝Fact #2Tap to revealHe organised the first international chess tournament in 1851.
Three lessons from Staunton for your own games
1Clear organisation helps you play better
2Study openings with purpose
3Keep learning from stronger players
Howard Staunton’s games
Watch the featured game replay itself, or pick any game below. Every game opens move by move with engine analysis.