Its International Chess Day! The game of chess has been played for generations, with a deep history dating back nearly 1500 years. In modern times, the game was becoming somewhat of a lost art that was largely relegated to the elderly and… well, a bunch of nerds (we aren’t shaming, but it is what it is). Frankly speaking, the game has been viewed by many as “boring.” But in the past year, things have changed drastically and chess is back in the game!
Following the release of Netflix’s chess centered drama series The Queen’s Gambit, people all over the world showed a renewed interest in the classic game. According to a report by the NPD Group, within three weeks of the series premiere, sales of chess sets rose an impressive 87% in the U.S.. The same report shows that sales of chess books went up a staggering 603% in that same period!
While The Queen’s Gambit can’t be credited for the longevity of chess’ success, it is certainly easy to give credit where credit is due when it comes to the recent boom in the game’s popularity. The strategy game is a perfect way to bridge the generation gap as it appeals to people of all ages from all over the planet.
With this special edition of I Want That, we wanted to celebrate International Chess Day by highlighting some of our favorite specialty chess boards from our friends at The Noble Collection. Plenty of people have normal chessboards, but if you’re as nerdy as we are then you will absolutely love these themed sets that bring together the love of chess with some of our favorite corners of popular culture! Check out some of our favorites below!
Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set ($145)
Sturdy die cast and acrylic game set includes three static boards and four movable Attack Boards for dynamic vertical gameplay.
Officially authorized recreation of the iconic game seen in Star Trek: The Original Series. Includes 32 retro die cast pieces, sleek three-dimensional playing board, and gameplay instructions.
Enter an intergalactic chess expedition with the Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set.
An iconic Tridimensional Chess Set, as seen in the classic TV series Star Trek.
With three main playing boards and four moveable “attack boards”, this unique chess set measures 13 inches tall!
Featuring translucent acrylic game boards and 32 die cast pieces. Die cast chess pieces measure approximately 1.5 inches tall. Authentic recreation from the classic TV series.
Go head-to-head with history’s fiercest creatures in an epic duel 65 million years in the making! The dinosaurs of Jurassic Park are brought to life with 32 authentic and oversized pieces.
The highly detailed pieces are authentic, officially authorized recreations of the dinosaurs featured in the Jurassic Park film franchise.
Complete with 32 finely sculpted game pieces and full graphic chess board, this chess set will transport you right into the island where dinosaurs roam the earth! Features Tyrannosaurus rex, Spinosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Velociraptor, Brachiosaurus, and Pteranodon as the chess pieces
Chess board measures 18.5 x 18.5 inches. Figural chess pieces vary from 2 to 4 inches in height.
The Batman ‘Dark Knight Vs The Joker Chess Set ($45)
This Batman Dark Knight vs. The Joker Chess Set is the DC way to play chess. The Dark Knight and Batgirl battle The Joker and Harley Quinn. Batman’s chess team also includes the Batmobile, the Bat Signal, and scenes from Gotham City. The Joker’s team includes, guns that go “BANG,” Joker grenades and dynamite, and playing cards.Â
Chess pieces measure 2 to 4 inches. Playing board is 18.5 x 18.5 inches. Detailed chess pieces, including Batman, Batgirl, The Joker, Harley Quinn, Batmobile, as well as others.
Batman Premium Chess Set ($795)
A press of the Batman symbol illuminates 50 LED lights encircling the clear playing surface that lights the board and the Gotham cityscape underneath. No detail has been overlooked in this ultimate Batman collector’s chess set.
The Joker, Catwoman, Riddler and Penguin battle Batman, Robin, Batgirl and commissioner Gordon. The oversized board measures 20 inches in length on each side. Playing pieces measure between 2 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches tall and are made in fine pewter and diecast metal.
Lord Of The Rings Chess Set: Battle For Middle-Earth ($45)
It is the greatest quest of all…The struggle for the One Ring — bringing good and evil together in the fascinating tale that has made both history and legend. Command the forces of good, led by Galadriel, Aragorn, Frodo and Gandalf the Grey, or wield the forces of evil, including Gollum, the Nazgûl, Saruman, and the Dark Lord Sauron!
Finely sculpted and incredibly detailed! Includes 32 finely sculpted pieces, chess board, and two cloth storage bags.
Command the forces of good, led by Galadriel, Aragorn, Frodo and Gandalf the Grey, or wield the forces of evil, including Gollum, the Nazgûl, Saruman, and the Dark Lord Sauron!
The epic battle of good and evil plays out with this intricately detailed chess set. Chess pieces measure 2 to 4 inches. Playing board is 18.5 x 18.5 inches.
Lord Of The Rings Premium Chess Set ($495)
Every detail is authentic, richly realistic and true to the Academy Award winning epic film. The board is a magnificent work of art, detailing the story of Frodo, the reluctant hero of The Shire, and the friends and foes he encounters throughout his amazing journey. An ancient map of Middle-earth is mounted below the playing surface, and the base features actual images of the memorable characters and scenes from the thrilling New Line Cinema motion picture.
The 32 playing pieces are precise miniature sculptures in fine pewter of the actual cast members and each likeness is so realistic-they were personally approved by the individual actor. Board measures 15″ by 15″.
Harry Potter Wizard’s Chess Set ($45)
Bring the Wizarding World home to your family room with the officially licensed Harry Potter Wizard Chess Set. Go head-to-head in the ultimate duel with this highly detailed miniature recreation of the Wizard Chess Set as seen in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Includes 32 chess pieces, playing board, and two drawstring pouches.
Officially authorized by Warner Bros. and manufactured by the Noble Collection. Set includes chess pieces and playing board. Chess pieces measure 2 to 4 inches. Playing board is 18.5 x 18.5 inches.
Each piece is a highly detailed miniature recreation of the Wizard Chess Set as seen in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Harry Potter Quidditch Chess Set ($295)
A unique and striking chess set that allows players to choose their favorite Hogwarts House as their team. Play Gryffindor vs. Slytherin or Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw or any combination. All playing pieces are included and store nicely inside the game board.
Playing pieces are die cast and enameled. Board is made of hardwood with 24K gold plated attachments. Measures 12x12x3 inches.
That’s a wrap for this special International Chess Day edition of I Want That!. We hope you enjoy checking out these fantastic special edition Chess sets that we have curated as much as we do! Which ones are your favorites? Will you be picking any of these up for yourself? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below and stick around Geek Anything for more awesome collectibles updates!
Please Note: If you purchase any of the cool new items featured in this article, we may earn a small commission from this retailer. We thank you for your support but mostly just love showing you all this cool stuff we enjoy talking about!
