Chesset: A Modern Take on a Timeless Game

Designer Duval Patterson's Award-Winning Chess Set

Chesset's design was born out of Patterson's desire to create a chess set that required only basic tools to make. The inspiration came from a friend who had learned to play chess while recuperating from war injuries. Seeing his friend struggle to carry his chess set while walking with crutches, Patterson decided to create his own set, one that was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

What sets Chesset apart from other chess sets is its modern design and the materials used. Patterson chose manufactured birch hardwood dowels and blocks, eliminating the need for carving. The result is a chess set that is both a piece of art and a functional game set. The chessmen are easily recognizable to the average player, and the game board appears to float, thanks to the square wooden separators between each block.

The creation of Chesset was not without its challenges. The main difficulty was figuring out how to assemble the pieces of the chess board. The solution came in the form of a hidden plywood base, attached to the board using sixty-four spiral groove pins. This not only made the board structurally stronger but also added to its unique design.

Chesset's design and production took place over forty years, beginning in the early 1970s in New York City and culminating in South Carolina in 2014. Over the years, Patterson made six chess sets, each one an improvement on the last. The shapes of the pieces evolved, and the board changed from round to square, enhancing its structural strength.

Chesset's unique design and innovative construction have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, it was awarded the Golden A' Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design Award, a prestigious accolade granted to outstanding creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. This recognition is a testament to Patterson's creativity and his ability to transform a traditional game into a modern piece of art.