The design of the set masterfully blends traditional and modern elements, resulting in a chess set that is both visually striking and highly durable. Serious chess enthusiasts will immediately recognize these pieces from the iconic cover of The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal, one of the most celebrated books in chess literature. This reproduction serves as a respectful tribute to Mikhail Tal, the brilliant and eccentric World Champion renowned for his fearless attacking style and profound strategic insight.

The recreation of this set was a labor of love and dedication initiated by Michel Quellet and Chess Praxis, who first envisioned bringing this historic design back to life. They provided invaluable reference images of the original Tal chess set, which formed the foundation of the project. The process, however, was far from simple. Reproducing the set solely from photographs, without access to physical samples, posed significant challenges. It required an extended development period with numerous refinements and adjustments before the artisans at the chess factory were able to finalize the master sample.

We wish to assure that the chess set we have reproduced is an exact and faithful replica of the original 1962 Soviet Championship Tal chess set, with proportions, profiles, and details carefully matched to the historic pieces. In keeping with the character of the original set, we have created this reproduction in the authentic antique look, capturing the visual depth, patina, and timeless appearance associated with the original Soviet-era pieces.

This set not only honors Mikhail Tal’s enduring legacy but also showcases the high level of craftsmanship required to recreate such an iconic artifact of chess history. Whether for collectors, historians, or serious players, the 1962 Soviet Championship Tal chess set stands as both a functional playing set and a work of art, preserving a tangible connection to one of the most exciting and romantic eras in the history of chess.