Slanted: A Unique Chess Set Symbolizing the Battle

Designing a Chess Set with a Metaphoric Twist

Chess sets have been a popular pastime for centuries, but the designers Süha Süzen, Asım Kaya, and Mahmut Çankaya have taken this classic game to a whole new level with their innovative creation, Slanted. This unique chess set not only provides a platform for strategic battles but also adds a metaphorical twist to the game.

What sets Slanted apart from traditional chess sets is its design. While the chessboard itself is flat, the squares on the Slanted table are blank, creating a minimalist and modern aesthetic. However, the most striking feature of Slanted is the protrusions under the chess pieces. These protrusions ensure that the chess pieces can only stand upright on the chessboard. When a chess piece is taken out of the game, it loses its ability to stand upright, symbolizing defeat.

Slanted is made from white and sour cherry marble, sourced from Elazig, Turkey. This high-quality marble is known for its strength and texture, making it the perfect material for this unique chess set. The production process involves cutting the marble panels with water jet technology, followed by corner chamfering to create the final product.

The packaging of Slanted is also well-thought-out. The chess pieces are securely placed in a flat box, with the part surrounding the stones made of vacuum plastic. This plastic has a space on its surface, allowing users to see the color of the stone. The rest of the box is made of cardboard, providing both protection and an elegant presentation. The dimensions of the box are 320 x 320 x 46 mm.

Slanted is not only a functional chess set but also a piece of art. The abstract forms of the stones, combined with the use of natural stone material, make it suitable for exhibition purposes. Its compact size also makes it an ideal gift for chess enthusiasts.

Since its inception in 2019, Slanted has garnered attention and recognition in the design world. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products Design category. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and adherence to professional and industrial standards.

Slanted is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its designers. By infusing the game of chess with metaphorical meaning and utilizing unique materials, they have transformed a classic pastime into a work of art.

Image Credits: Illustrator Asım Kaya, Slanted, 2019

Intellectual Property Notice: Patent pending, Süha Süzen, 2019

Awards and Accolades: This Design was awarded Iron in A' Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design Award in 2019. Iron A' Design Award: Awarded to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, they provide fulfillment and positive feelings, contributing to a better world.