Awesome Chess

Chess goes from elegant metaphor to geopolitical reality with History Chess; it uses major 20th century events and icons as pieces, including the Titanic and the WTC towers.

Here’s one thing they do better than transistors: this Vacuum Tube Chess Set should send engineers into a frenzy; they actually plug into the board and light up to show their type.

A crazy mix of brains and brawn, Chessboxing is an actual sport where you alternate between 4-minute chess rounds and 3-minute boxing rounds; checkmate and K.O., anyone?

Because even gearheads need a little strategery once in awhile: this Carbon Luxury’s chessboard is made with carbon fiber, stainless steel and 24 carat gold or sterling silver.

Available for preorder, this Star Wars Chess Set features 32 shiny silver and gold pewter renditions of Han, R2-D2, Darth; the board features a glass top etched with the Death Star.

Created for a 3D design class, this maple and walnut chess board by Dave Picket features actual brass skeleton keys; one set sandblasted while the other sports a liver sulfur patina.

LEGO has really outdone themselves with this LEGO Castle Giants Chess Set; it’s stuffed to the gills with 31 minifigs and pieces, including knights, trolls, wizards and siege towers.