2021 Sinquefield Cup Chess Set

[Update: the "swag" bag has arrived.  Photo is latter down this thread]

I was super excited when this set arrived.  I've never owned a wood chess set and this one does not disappoint. The only difference between this $500 "Player's Edition" and the $2000 set is that the black pieces are ebonized and not ebony wood and no DGT. The webpage states that the kings are "Embossed with Sinquefield Tournament Logo". Instead mine have the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz logo.  A minor detail that doesn't bother me since the box is engraved with the Sinquefield Cup 2021 logo. I may bring it up with customer support because the images does show the Sinquefield logo.

https://www.houseofstaunton.com/the-2021-sinquefield-cup-player-s-edition-chess-pieces.html

The patented weighting method (https://patents.google.com/patent/US11000757B2/en?oq=11000757) is outstanding.  I can tip the pieces over 45 degrees and they will stand back up.  The king, perhaps 25 degrees.

I knew the set came with a box, but I had no idea which one (it isn't pictured).  It's a black version of their "Premium Chess Box" which they do not sell.  Here are some pictures:

Good review, thanks!  Good job with the photos as well - maybe a glamour shot of the pieces on your favorite board?

Beautiful set. I'm officially jealous! I was right on the edge of ordering it when it was first released, but the lazy HoS customer service couldn't be bothered to answer a simple question for me about the pieces. By then, the base "Players" $495 sets sold out.

@digispin, if the mismatched pieces/box is ok with you, it's ALL GOOD. Enjoy the heck out of the set. The "Players" Saint Louis Rapid Blitz pieces are identical to the "Players" Sinquefield Cup pieces in every way except for the printing on the bottom pads of the Kings. I guess you have a combined souvenir from BOTH events. Bonus! LOL

I'm curious though, what does the paperwork say? There should be a Certificate with reproduction (printed) signatures of the tournament and players. Hikaru Nakamura only played in the Rapid Blitz. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave only played in the Sinquefield Cup. The higher priced sets have hand-signed (real) signatures. 

The differences between this base "Players" set and the higher priced sets are a combination of: hand-signed autographs of the players, ebony wood, DGT, and that crazy expensive tournament-used set.

I am not 100% sure of this. But I don't think this $495 Players edition has the patented weighting system. I think that weighting system is used for the DGT sets. The product description may be a mistake.

@Powderdigit, the bishop's finial ball is definitely cut, as it should for this set. You'll see it, if you zoom in on the image of the pieces in the box. 

Nice! I really love those knights. Sorry to hear about the mismatched box. The set is nice thought. I would email HoS if you haven't done it already.

I want one of these so badly.

The documents (CoA, poster, etc) will arrive later.  Customer service has told me.

Being the geek I am, I did go through the patent documents.  This set does use it.  The patent is not DGT specific, it is mainly about how it is using tungsten powder. 

I have no board to display it on. I am presently considering the non-DGT DGT board. So far they all come with pieces.  There is a SKU with board only, I just need to find a retailer that has it. The pandemic has affected the supply chain according to a supplier.

@digispin I'm sorry to say that according to Frank Camaratta, only the Sinquefield sets that are DGT enabled use the patented weighting system. House of Staunton also uses the weighting system in their "Forever" chess sets which are in the $1300-$1500 range. The product description is unfortunately a mistake.

In any case, it's a beautiful set to own. Definitely in my Top 5. LOVE IT!

I will push back a little (since it seems you have a relationship with Camaratta). The patent describes using this method for pieces with a DGT coil and without.  See image below.  Some of the information on the Player's Edition page says "Median Set Weight 49.3 ounces" and the patent number (which also describes crack prevention) which is the same across all products. All sets also have the same anti-cracking/defect warranty of 1 year. We can blame web devs for copy and paste issues or there are indeed differences that were not revealed by the web devs.

The Forever sets have a lifetime warranty against "hairline-cracks".

So, send that off to Mr Camaratta and await his response.  Whatever he says, that will finish this interesting debate for me.

Poster, CoA with signature reproductions, and a plaque (set #2!) that can be attached to the inside of the top of the storage box (or where ever else you like it).

Nice! Are you going to stick the plaque to the inside of the box? I always thought about doing that with my plaques but I never end up removing the plastic from the back side of the plaque.

Would be nicer - it there gave you your own red GPO telephone box as used in HOS photos

Haha! That's true it would be nicer if the vintage telephone box was included. 

Was the paperwork sent directly from Saint Louis? That's why it came afterwards and not bundled with the chess pieces? Very classy looking! Love it. I will have to wait another year for my set.

Not  forgetting a plant or too

Haha! That's not for me. You can have my share of the plants.

I forgot the inside is felted on all surfaces, so I don't think it would be a good idea.  I think I'll do it on the bottom.  There are "feet" that raise the box and it's enough to not interfere with the plaque.

That's a good way. I believe Jaques placed the label on the inside of the lid. I think even HoS suggested this for their sets with a plaque and felted box, but I could never understand how a plaque with double-sided tape could stick to the felt. 

speaking of a plaque & the red English telephone box ,  You can always stick it to you wall

Haha! That's a good one. I was never too much into David Bowie's music. I believe the one song I have from him is Under Pressure.