Dubrovnik Chess Pieces In The Famous Design, King Height 90 Mm

Dubrovnik Chess Pieces – The Iconic Design – King Height: 90 mm (3.6")

"The best chess set ever created" – Bobby Fischer Step into the annals of chess history with a magnificent replica of the famous 1950 Dubrovnik model. This legendary set broke away from the conventions of the classic Staunton design and became the preferred choice of arguably the greatest chess player of all time.

From the Olympiad to Bobby Fischer

In 1950, the 9th Chess Olympiad was held in the city of Dubrovnik (then in Yugoslavia). For the event, sculptor Petar Poček was commissioned to design a new set of pieces that would embody modernity—moving away from the heavy, ornate style of older European designs (such as the St. George or Selenus patterns) and even departing from the rigid standards of the Staunton model. The result was an ergonomic masterpiece: the pieces featured fluid, sweeping lines, devoid of any sharp corners that might snag on a player's sleeves during fast-paced blitz games. The classic cross atop the King was replaced by an elegant, rounded finial, while the Knight was given a unique, powerful, and dynamic carving—a feature that became the set’s signature. Bobby Fischer loved this set so much that, in 1992 ahead of his historic rematch against Boris Spassky he insisted on playing exclusively with Dubrovnik-style pieces.

Dubrovnik Chess Set

A premium wooden chess set crafted from Rosewood and Boxwood, featuring a 3.6" (90 mm) King. This "Dubrovnik" model (a faithful reproduction) consists of weighted chess pieces. The King stands 3.6 inches tall with a base diameter of 1.6 inches (40 mm). The set is "double-weighted," and the bases are lined with thick green felt. The dark pieces are made of Rosewood, while the light pieces are crafted from Boxwood. The design is an accurate recreation of the "Dubrovnik" chess set from the 1970s—the set used at the 19th Chess Olympiad in Siegen (West Germany), which gained immense popularity thanks to the legendary Bobby Fischer, who was often photographed playing with his own personal set. Unlike many sets characterized by intricate ornamentation, this set prioritizes durability: the pieces feature stable bases and reinforced collars, ensuring they withstand many years of intensive use. The tops of the Bishops are colored in a contrasting shade, and the top finial of the King can be easily replaced.

Who is this set for?

• Collectors and connoisseurs: The Dubrovnik chess set is more than just another chess set; it is a piece of history and a work of art that reflects the transition toward modern chess design in the mid-20th century.
• Chess players (especially blitz enthusiasts): Its perfect ergonomics, wide and stable base, and the absence of fragile elements (such as the cross found on the King in Staunton-style sets) make this set ideal for fast-paced, aggressive play.
• Lovers of aesthetics and luxury chess: The combination of deep-toned Rosewood and light-colored Boxwood creates a mesmerizing contrast on the chessboard.