28 coolest chess sets ever

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OldScribe2010

Nah, I think a lot of these alternative and themed chess sets take things too far.

 

If I can't play a practical game over it (meaning I can't distinguish the pieces), then I'm not interested really. It would likely impact my game for the worse.

I like standard chess sets that have some subtle designs setting it apart from other chess sets. Reins on the Knights, Bishops that are flaired a bit differently, prominent Queens, etc. Usually the right color woods on both the board and pieces is one of the biggest variables that can make or break a set.

 

That being said, I don't like glass sets, metal, and certain types of stone. Some marble sets are okay. And other members have posted some nice stone sets, one of which was from Afghanistan. 

cormac_zoso

yeah these sets aren't made for 'playing' oldscribe ... they would have a detrimental effect on a game if you have to think about what a piece is lol ... more for looking and appreciating is all :)

Pat_Zerr

Yeah, that's why those Star Wars or US Civil War sets look pretty, but they would be difficult to play a game with.  You'd be too busy trying to remember if Han Solo was a bishop or knight, and which piece Stonewall Jackson was.

Dungeonmaster13

@N2UHC: It's also in Chessmaster 7000. Where can I find Chessmaster 3000, anyway?

abedzaza

Zee Germans.. and their sets. 

 

tmkroll

I submit my collection for consideration: http://www.tykroll.com/chess/

Here are some highlights:

Swiss? 19th century?

 Paris, 20th century. "French Faience"

Germany, 19th century, Selenus Set, bone

England, 19th century, Barleycorn set, bone

Germany, 19th century, "Toy" Selenus set

 England, 19th century, Vegetable ivory set

Charles O. Perry, 1967India, 19th century, Dehli, ivory

Poland, 20th century, Porcelain

Animalier, 20th century

Italy, 20th century

Germany?, 20th century, pewter

I made this set myself, resin/composite

Chessbot hero by Joseph Larson

tmkroll
NickMotto wrote:

Hi folks, while we're on the subject, I was wondering if anyone could help me find a particular chess set, of the  type seen on the cover of "The Chess Players' Bible." Looks pre-Staunton, haven't been able to find one. Thanks.

That's a modern set from Poland. It's not pre-Staunton. You ought to be able to find one on eBay. I know someone already pointed you to a similar one, but you really ought to be able to find that *exact* set still if you look hard enough.... wait here's one: http://shop.nationalgeographic.com/ngs/product/home-d%C3%A9cor/home-accents/handcarved-polish-chess-set

tmkroll

a few more for your viewing pleasure (if anyone cares):

"Old Vienna" horn set, 20th century

England, 19th century

China? India? 19th century, soapstone.

England, 19th century, travel, ivory.

Mexico, 20th century, bone.

Limoges, France, 20th century, porcelain

Jaipur, India, silver enamel, 20th century

Islamic set, bone, India, 20th century.

Isle of Lewis, gypsum/composite

England, 19th century, bone.

tmkroll

also much of the Crumiller collection (mentioned earlier) is now on display here: http://worldchesshof.org/exhibitions/exhibit/prized-and-played/

Luvrug

Im more of a staunton man myself. I do like the idea of getting a massive outdoor chess set one day if the Mrs. will let me build the board on her vegetable patch......

Arquet
mcostan

PrawnEatsPrawn wrote:

lefecious wrote:

These are awesome.  If you've seen a unique chess set that's not in this article then please share here!

http://walyou.com/cool-chess-sets/


 

What a motley collection of awful sets!

That's what I was thinking. Hideous and unplayable.

Drawgood
I looked of these "cool" chess sets but to me most except maybe a couple would be unplayable. They don't follow certain design rules and seems like they're made to be whimsical. I do like the attempts by known artists and sculptors to make minimalist or more abstract chess pieces like Man Ray and other along the same lines. But something like Star Wars set or super Mario set are just meh.
Watchthis15
I just want GMKimJongUn to post some of his badass sets. Can't wait for him to bring the bling!
coolchesssets

If you want to find more cool chess sets, check out this sweet site. http://coolchesssets.net/