Tag Archives: chess set

Wearable chess set turns one of the oldest games into a fashion statement

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Although video games today have become a multi-billion dollar industry, there are analog games that have existed for centuries and continue to be a beloved pastime and sport today. Chess, for example, is still going strong across peoples of all ages, but it isn’t just players who find the game to be a treasure trove of inspiration.

The variety of chess set designs shows how the game is so open to interpretation, much more than most video games, resulting in products ranging from artistic to technological. This rather unusual take on the classic strategy game takes chess in a slightly different direction, presenting a game you can literally wear and take with you anywhere, ready to set up a match at a moment’s notice.

Designer: Louis Le Joly Senoville

We’ve seen many interpretations of the classic chess set design, from minimalist to brutalist to self-playing technological marvels. Most of these sets are designed to be installed in one location, while portable chess sets are sometimes too small because they’re meant to fit inside bags. They still take up space, of course, so that means giving up room that’s meant for your other, equally important stuff.

Ha Mat, which is short of “eched ha mat,” (“checkmate” in Breton) solves this problem by turning the chess set into something completely inconspicuous when not in use. In this case, the chess board becomes a scarf, the pieces become rings, and the timer becomes a watch. It’s literally a chess set you can wear as a fashion piece, allowing you to play anywhere there’s a flat plane to place everything on.

Of course, Ha Mat needs to actually look fashionable to qualify as a fashion statement, and it definitely fits the bill. The “board” takes inspiration from silk maps and military training scarves on antiquity, and the color scheme even tries to pay homage to luxurious hues used on chess boards in the past, particularly leather and wood. The watch that’s part of the set is quite peculiar because it can split in half and act as a timer for both sides.

The most interesting designs, however, are the chess pieces themselves. They have flat bottoms so they can stand on the “board,” but they have holes in the middle to wear as rings on your fingers. The pieces have tops that are more symbolic and iconic to identify their position on the board, simplifying their identity in order to fit the need to have flat pieces.

Of the 32 chess pieces, you can wear 16 on eight of your fingers if you pair similar pieces together. These would make you look like you’re wearing knuckle dusters, so they might not exactly be safe to wear in public. Still, the concept is quite intriguing, as it transforms one type of product into a completely different kind, without losing either one’s identity. In fact, it elevates the chess set from a game to something that’s an integral part of your life.

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This beautiful medieval chess set has a cute story to go with – deserves LEGO Ideas official set status

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Why buy a chess set that looks like any other on the market shelves when you can carve them yourselves? That kind of inspiration you are bound to derive when your little daughter picks up the game so well at a very early age. LEGO Ideas user [JonnyBrickz1820] has one of the cutest stories behind this inspiring medieval chess set design proposed to become a LEGO set.

The idea is to LEGO’fy a chess set with a medieval theme while maintaining its aesthetics to accommodate the pieces when not in use. As a novice chess player I have to say the design looks amazing, and one that’ll lure me into playing a game with my best buddies. The project has already been backed by 1,400 users and I hope this one becomes an official LEGO set one day.

Designer: [JonnyBrickz1820]

It all started when Jonny noticed his 5-year-old daughter playing chess on his phone and castling against him. A few months later, she came up and asked him, if she could get her own chess set. Then came the inspiration to design one, instead of buying one since she had a keen interest in the game. After a lot of thinking and trials, he started off the crafting process for each of the pieces. Some pieces like the rook and pawns took less time while the knight was a bit of a grind for him. The major challenge was to craft them in a medieval theme while ensuring they fitted snug inside the box at the bottom when now in use.

Once the basic design was sorted, it was time to embellish the chess set in gold accents to make it pop. To maintain continuity of the design, he located weapons or items in similar pearl gold finish, or ones that could be assembled using smaller pearl gold pieces. Thereafter, it was time to design the board which derives inspiration from other LEGO creations. After much brainstorming, he decided to use a single drawer design with two separate sections for stashing the color pieces.

The interesting thing is this build is crafted without using any computer-aided design and purely on trial and error. In the end, it turned out better than any other chess set on the market!

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A Chess Set That Takes You On An Architectural Journey Through Azerbaijan

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Chess, a game that transcends time and culture, has found a unique expression in the city of Baku. This exceptional souvenir chess set seamlessly combines the ancient and modern architectural wonders of Baku, Azerbaijan, creating a captivating chessboard that doubles as a miniature cityscape.

Designers: Element Visual Studio (Hatam Yunisli and Adam Yunisov)

The Baku Chess Set stands out as a remarkable fusion of chess tradition and architectural innovation. Instead of traditional chess pieces, this set features intricately modeled replicas of Baku’s iconic landmarks. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, boasts a rich tapestry of historical and modern architecture that has gained international praise. Designers of the Baku Chess Set have ingeniously replaced traditional chess pieces with miniature representations of some of Baku’s most significant structures.

Baku is renowned for its architectural splendor, leaving tourists in awe of its historical and contemporary landmarks. The Baku Chess Set captures the essence of this awe-inspiring city, allowing players to engage in a game of chess while navigating through the streets and structures that define Baku’s skyline. This innovative take on the classic game breathes new life into the age-old tradition of chess, transforming it into an immersive experience that reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage.

For those visiting Baku, the Baku Chess Set is more than just a game; it’s a creative and meaningful souvenir. The inclusion of important buildings in the chess set offers a unique way for visitors to take a piece of Baku home with them. It’s almost like laying out the city on a chessboard, allowing players to engage in a strategic battle while appreciating the architectural marvels that make Baku a standout destination.

Azerbaijan has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, and initiatives like the Baku Chess Set exemplify the country’s commitment to showcasing its cultural and architectural richness. The inclusion of landmarks such as the Socar Tower, Maiden Tower, Flame Towers, The Ministry of Economy, Azerbalian House of Government, and the “Ateshgah” Fire Temple reflects Azerbaijan’s desire to share its unique blend of history and modernity with the world.

The modern architectural marvels include:

Socar Tower:

Built in 2016, standing at a height of 200 meters, constructed by Tekfen Construction and Installation Co., Inc.

Flame Towers:

Constructed in 2013, towering at 182 meters, and built by DIA Holding, the Flame Towers symbolize the modern skyline of Baku.

The Ministry of Economy:

Completed in 2021, with a height of 168 meters, constructed by Tekfen Construction and Installation Co., Inc., this building showcases Baku’s contemporary architectural prowess.

The historical architectural gems include:

Maiden Tower:

Dating back to the 12th century, with a height of 28 meters, this historical gem adds a touch of ancient allure to the chess set.

Azerbaijan House of Government:

Built-in 1952 and designed by Lev Rudnev and Vladimir Munts, this historical structure adds a classic touch to the chess set.

“Atesgah” Fire Temple:

Dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries, this ancient temple brings a spiritual and historical dimension to the chess set.

The Baku Chess Set stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity that can be achieved when tradition meets innovation. By integrating the architectural marvels of Baku into a classic game, the designers have not only created a visually stunning chess set but also a symbol of Azerbaijan’s rich history and vibrant present. As tourists explore the streets of Baku, they can now take a tangible piece of the city’s soul home with them through this captivating and culturally significant chess set.

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Chess set concept commemorates Nakhchivan’s 100th anniversary

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If you’re the type to collect special edition chess sets, you’re probably always on the lookout for those that have a pretty unique design. You also probably don’t really play these sets on a regular basis but you’re more likely to display it somewhere in your space or if you’re planning to open a chess museum or something. If you’re also into sets that seem to belong on a set of fantasy epics like Game of Thrones, then this is something you might want to look at if this becomes a reality.

Designer: Adam Yuniso and Hatam Yunisli

Nakhchivan may not be a household name when it comes to places that you’d like to visit someday but based on what I’ve “researched” (read: Googled) so far, it is a place worth considering. The official name is Nakchivan Autonomous Republic, and is a “landlocked enclave” of the Republic of Azerbaijan bordered by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. To celebrate its 100th anniversary, a souvenir project was proposed and it’s a stunning looking chess set (that also seems expensive).

Instead of the usual chess pieces, each one is designed to represent various Nakhchivan architecture like the Garabaghlar Mausoleum, Nakhchivan Memorial Museum, and several other mausoleums that hold significance to the republic. They look like they would look right at home at a classic castle that displays awesome-looking chess sets. Instead of being positioned in the traditional way that the pieces are placed, the designers said that they are placed in relation to the other chess pieces.

Now I don’t know if that means the rules are quite different ofr this Nakhchivan Chess Set but it does look pretty impressive based on the product renders. It may also not be something you’d play on a regular basis but a chess set that can be displayed especially if you have a strong connection to Nakhchivan.

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Take your chess game on the road with unique, portable set

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I never really properly learned chess or at least remembered the basic rules, although I did enjoy Netflix’ The Queen’s Gamit. I also have close friends who really enjoy playing the game or watching people play the game. But the problem sometimes is that chess sets are pretty hard to carry around if you wanted to play outside your home like in the office or when traveling. There are some small, portable chess sets that you can bring around but it’s probably not as stylish as this one.

Designer: Sofia Gegunde

The Hyde Chess set is built for practicality and portability but is also designed to look like something different from your usual chess sets. For one, the pieces aren’t the traditional ones that you see but are a re-imagining of the pawns, rooks, knight, bishop, queen, and king but in circular pieces that can fit easily into the smaller and portable set and box. They’re all the same height except for the king and queen. There is a cylindrical holder inside to store the pieces when they’re not in use and there are also slots on the chess board to “stabilize” them when you’re actually using them to play a game of chess.

When not in use, everything is just stored inside a small box. But when it’s time to actually play chess, just open it and assemble the chess board with the rectangular pieces. You can then remove the circular chess pieces from their storage and arrange them on the board like you would a regular set and start the game whenever you’re ready. The pieces are made with a CNC router while the wooden parts are made from guatambu and dark cedro.

The assembly and disassembly are pretty easy and learning the different pieces should be pretty easy. Even though they’re circular pieces, the designs are based on the traditional chess pieces. If they actually produce and sell this, it would be a pretty neat gift item for my chess-loving friends and they may even eventually convince me to play with them.

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A Modern Chess Set To Serve The Modern Needs

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Chess, the ancient game of strategy and intellect, has a rich history dating back to seventh-century India, where they called it chaturanga, evolving into the familiar rules we know today in Europe by the 15th century. Over the centuries, the materials used to craft chess sets have varied from clay to metal and, more recently, plastic. However, a recent chess design challenges the norm by embracing sustainability by going back and resorting to wood as well as minimalism to cater to contemporary choices.

Designer: Begüm Kılınç

In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, the chess set design opts for birch wood, deviating from the prevalent use of plastic in the market. This conscious choice not only aligns with eco-friendly values but also adds a touch of authenticity and craftsmanship to the pieces.

The evolving trend of minimalism has permeated various aspects of design, now including chess sets. The pieces in this particular set showcase a minimalist approach, a departure from the ornate designs seen in traditional sets. While this may present a slight learning curve for those accustomed to intricate pieces, it adds a contemporary touch to the timeless game.

The minimalist approach in the design might be less intuitive for traditional players initially, as each piece has a unique, modern aesthetic. However, this adaptation encourages players to appreciate the individuality of each chess piece, fostering a deeper connection with the game.

One of the standout features of this chess set is its portability. The design ingeniously transforms into a compact, laptop-bag-like form, making it easy to carry for impromptu games at picnics, school, playdates, or even around the house. This nod to modern lifestyles aligns with the increasing demand for convenience without compromising on the elegance of the game.

The chess set is available in two colors and can be painted in more variety paints, providing users with the flexibility to choose a set that suits their preferences and surroundings. This touch of personalization enhances the overall experience, making the chess set a stylish addition to any setting.

In a digital age, the enduring appeal of chess persists, and this innovative design breathes new life into the classic game. By embracing sustainable materials, minimalist aesthetics, and convenient portability, this chess set not only pays homage to the game’s ancient roots but also paves the way for a more modern and environmentally conscious approach to chess set design.

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Rimowa Chess Attache offers a luxurious way to carry your luxurious game pieces

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Chess is a game that spans centuries and while the basic mechanics haven’t changed much, it has taken various forms over the course of its very long history. Chess sets today come in a variety of styles, from cheap plastic to fragile class, from classic designs to abstract geometric shapes. Some sets, usually the expensive ones, are kept safely at home, while others go wherever their owners go, ready to challenge a fellow enthusiast at a moment’s notice. Rimowa, best known for making premium luggage and bags, is trying its hand at striking a middle ground with a high-quality aluminum chess set housed in a signature Rimowa case, ready to travel and make you the envy of all your chess colleagues.

Designer: Rimowa

Portable chess sets do exist, but the most common design you might see is a thick wooden board that folds in the middle to transform into a miniature suitcase for the wooden pieces. It’s practical and, to be fair, a bit sustainable, but also terribly uninspiring. Nothing lights a chess enthusiast’s fire better than a captivating and elegant chess set, one that embodies the long-lasting legacy of a game that had enchanted and beguiled even monarchs.

The new Rimowa Chess Attache is both a homage to the classic chess design but also a rejuvenation with a more modern aesthetic. Each chess piece is crafted from black and silver (for white) anodized aluminum, emblazoned with a laser-engraved Rimowa monogram. The board, though made of wood, is wrapped in leather materials and has magnets that keep the pieces steadily in place until you or your opponent is ready to make the next move. That board’s aluminum frame also bares Rimowa’s logo, signifying its place in the brand’s selection of premium products.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a Rimowa product if there is no travel container involved, and indeed, a major part of the Chess Attache’s appeal is exactly that attache case. The small suitcase’s rounded edges and ribbed faces carry the hallmarks of Rimowa’s iconic design language. Inside, the chess pieces like in compartments cut out from foam and a suede-like microfiber, securing them in place until the time comes for them to be taken out and played. A delicate protective leather layer then sits in between the pieces and the magnetic wooden board that’s secured to the attache with premium leather straps.

Of course, there’s also plenty of Rimowa branding to be found inside, from the black leather lining down to the monogram-engraved snaps of the leather straps. Every inch of the design screams luxury product, and it’s probably good that a metallic lock system is integrated directly into the case’s shell. Whether it’s the chess set itself or the case that carries them, this Rimowa Chess Attache elevates not just your game but also your traveling experience.

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This beeswax chess set literally burns down without a trace of its existence in time

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Chess sets have evolved over the centuries. We have been through really nice, modern sets, some backed with AI and others made from various sorts of materials, but one thing they all have in common is that they become mundane over time. Not that they lose shape and horses become pawns; the time makes them bland, such that the eyes stop wanting and the hands don’t desire to make the next move on them.

If your chess set, essentially, the chess pieces have lost their luster and are getting too familiar with long-term usage, you can change the set! When you are considering the swap, spend a moment to reflect, and if the thought allows, go ecological with your choice. Presenting a worthy case is the FAUM’s new beeswax chess set that burn down without a trace of its existence in time.

Designer: FAUM

FAUM is a Sydney-based candle manufacturer that thrives on the innovative use of beeswax to create natural candles with minimal effect on the ecosystem. The sculptural candle-making for the Aussie manufacturer has reached a point where the ancient war-board game has been realized from beeswax and it leaves a lasting impression until you play to leave the opponent’s army burned in defeat.

Fancy as it may sound, and as dramatic the gameplay may seem; there is always an element of caution to go with this chess set. If you manage to speed past the burning wicks of your infantry, you can win the game on the usually fashioned 64 square board. Each square has to be assembled at home and together they give you a board measuring roughly 16- x 16 inches.

The set itself comprises the regular 32 pieces, each measuring 2- to 3-inches in height. The board and the pieces are all hand-poured with beeswax sourced from independent beekeepers in Northern New South Wales. The beeswax used (FAUM notes) is obtained without disturbing the beehives and the honey production. Since there is no use of additives, the chess set and piece made from beeswax arrive in the natural pigmentation of beeswax: light Ivory and dark yellow. The former is obtained from bees feeding on farm flowers, while the latter comes from bees that feed on eucalyptus.

Since this game of chess will include little bloodbaths and more fire, the chess pieces are bound to fade out. The company provides refills of beeswax to go into your pieces so the game can go on even after the burns of defeat. Each add-on costs AUD 20, while the chess set itself is priced at AUD 880. If you are in a dilemma of burning your hands at the war on board, you can gift it to yourself; for it is bound to look safe and equally pleasing – just sitting there – in the room.

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This Unconventional Chess Set chooses ‘Peace’ and ‘Truce’ over War and Destruction

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Chess, often considered as the game of intellect, has been a canvas for storytelling throughout history. It weaves narratives of wars and strategies and tales that mirror the complexities of human existence. The characters, like kings, queens, knights, and pawns, carry the weight of history and symbolism. However, in the hands of visionary artist Taras Yoom, chess transcends its traditional boundaries, stepping into a realm where two kingdoms declare a truce – a symbolic new stage in life.

Designer: Taras Yoom

Yoom’s creation, “Another Kingdom: Light Stage,” is not your average chess set; it’s a handcrafted collectible that breathes life into the timeless game. Yoom, known for his work with Yoomoota, introduces a limited edition collection of 21 chess sets that embody a harmonious exchange between two realms. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each set is a masterpiece of 3D printing from photopolymer plastic, molding, sculpting, polymer casting, and acrylic paint detailing.

The color palette, dominated by light pastels and blues, mirrors the essence of the truce and the exchange of knowledge and goods between the two kingdoms. The fusion of acrylic, metal, plastic, silicone, and wood adds a tactile richness to the pieces, making them not just strategic tools but also works of art. To further elevate the chess sets, Yoom incorporates a digital secret in the form of an NFC chip. This digital certificate validates, authenticates, and records the ownership and provenance of each artwork, ensuring a unique connection to its collector.
The Another Kingdom: Light Stage chess sets serve as a tangible link to the Yoomoota universe, specifically the planet Us2BeBetter.

According to Yoom’s narrative, the inhabitants of this celestial body are on the cusp of a new story, one that avoids conflict and destruction. The chessboard becomes the stage for this narrative, a conceptual landscape where pieces rise on two mountains, guarding a coveted artifact resembling an old pocket watch. This artifact possesses the unique power to temporarily revert the past, offering players the chance to rewrite history as they engage in the age-old game.

Describing Another Kingdom: Light Stage as the dawn of a new era in the development of the Yoomoota kingdom, Taras Yoom infuses the chess set with a festive ambiance reminiscent of an endless fair. It goes beyond the physical victories dictated by classical chess rules, offering a symbolic triumph through the discovery of a hidden treasure at the board’s center. The chess set personifies not just a game but a celebration of peace and the rewriting of destinies.

As the game unfolds, players or residents are presented with a unique opportunity to reshape the narrative of their world. The alien-like creatures that inhabit this planet add an element of otherworldliness to the playful chess set, transporting it into a realm beyond our own – the vibrant and imaginative Yoomoota.

In the intricate craftsmanship of Another Kingdom: Light Stage, Taras Yoom invites chess enthusiasts and art collectors alike to partake in a journey where strategy meets symbolism, and where the truce declared on the chessboard echoes into the vast expanse of Yoomoota.

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How the most powerful chessboard is giving a centuries-old game a 21st-century upgrade

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Gaming is a multi-billion dollar industry today, but video games come and go, regardless of how popular or revolutionary they may have been. Very few games have stood the test of time compared to chess, which has been around back when years were counted in single digits. Its simple yet challenging mechanics have endeared the game to people from all walks of life across the centuries. And despite its age, chess continues to be a favorite not only among professionals but also among hobbyists of all ages. While the game itself has more or less already reached perfection, that doesn’t mean there’s no longer any room to spice things up. Imagine an almost magical playing experience worthy of Hollywood. That’s the new kind of joy that this ingenious chessboard brings to the table, no pun intended, giving chess a fresh coat of paint that will entice and encourage even novices to pick a side.

Designer: Daniel Leibovich

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $279 ($80 off). Hurry, less than 48 hours left! Raised over $2,000,000.

Chess pieces move on their own.

Some people see chess as a game of strategy, while others consider it more of memorizing and replaying dozens of moves. Whatever your opinion might be, the one thing that remains true is that you need someone to play it with, unless you’re a master of playing against yourself. Finding an opponent isn’t always easy, especially if you’re just starting out. Thanks to today’s technologies, that’s not really a problem anymore, especially with online or even AI opponents. GoChess, however, takes that a huge step further by turning chess into a magical Hogwarts-like experience, complete with self-moving pieces.

Your game is automatically set up.

Of course, the only magic involved here is the magic of science, specifically that of magnets and small robots underneath the chessboard that can move each piece to its target square. You might think this is just some whimsical feature, but imagine playing with someone half a world away. Rather than the boring and impersonal game on a computer or phone screen, you get to play with actual physical chess pieces and still see them move in real time as if the other person is just across you. The king even falls on its own when checkmated. The GoChess app syncs with the chessboard and lets you connect with other chess lovers and learners over popular online platforms such as Lichess.org and Chess.com, turning the whole world into your arena.

Smart lights guide and coach you.

This ability for pieces to move on their own is especially important when playing with AI, which is your friend rather than some nefarious disembodied brain out to defeat humanity. In addition to being a worthwhile rival, the GoChess AI is also a patient and knowledgeable mentor that can guide you and challenge you as you learn the ropes. In fact, the advanced chessboard has plenty of features that aid players of all levels. Each side’s pieces light up when it’s their turn to move, providing visual cues at each turn. Picking up a piece also lights up the squares where it can land, making it easier for beginners to memorize the moves.

Despite these technological marvels, GoChess remains a work of expert craftsmanship that players will be able to appreciate. Made from fine materials and with great attention to detail, the well-designed product adds tactile and visual elegance to an already impressive chessboard. Whether you opt for the $199 non-robotic GoChess lite or the $269 GoChess 1XR with a single robot or the $359 four-robot GoChess 4XR, you will be getting a game that’s steeped in the traditions of the past, brimming with modern features, and crafted to last well into the future, providing you with enjoyment and learning for years to come.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199 $279 ($80 off). Hurry, less than 48 hours left! Raised over $2,000,000.

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