Some chess sets are just wood and polish. But the Dubrovnik 1950? It’s history. It’s craftsmanship. It’s a set that doesn’t just sit on athe board; it commands it.
Made in the early 1950s by master carver Jakopović in Yugoslavia, the original 1950 Dubrovnik chess set is iconic. Not just for its looks but for the way it feels in your hand.
Bobby Fischer; yes, that Bobby Fischer famously called it the best chess set he ever played on. And when the great Bobby talks chess, you listen.
Let’s dig into what makes this legendary set so special.
The Design: Clean, Classic, and Collector-Worthy
Forget fancy coloring and oversized crowns. The 1950 Dubrovnik chess piece is all about simplicity done right. Its proportions are balanced.
Every curve feels intentional. The knights are hand-carved and loaded with character, so no other knight design looks like them. And that’s part of the magic.
The pieces have wide, flat bases. This doesn’t just look good; it adds grip and presence to the board.
The bishop’s cut is distinct, the rook’s tower is clean, and even the pawns feel thoughtfully shaped.
While the originals came in natural wood tones, many modern reproductions offer ebonized or antiqued finishes.
The Feel: Balanced, Smooth, and a Joy to Handle
Fischer loved this set for how it played, not just how it looked. The original Dubrovnik sets were unweighted.
That’s surprising today, with most players used to triple-weighted pieces.
But here’s the thing: the pieces don’t need extra weight to feel good. The craftsmanship takes care of that.
They’re balanced. Smooth. They don’t wobble or topple. And when you move one, it just feels right. If you’ve ever played on one, you know the difference instantly.
Modern reproductions now come in both weighted and unweighted versions. So, if you want the original experience, go unweighted.
But if you’re a fan of that solid, anchored feel, you’ve got options.
Playability: Built for Serious Players
This isn’t a set you toss into a drawer. It’s one you pull out for real games. The pieces glide well. Their design helps reduce board clutter, which is a subtle but important detail for tournament players.
Because of the broad bases, the set is very stable. It stays firm during blitz games yet feels delicate enough for long, classical battles.
And because it was originally designed for tournament use, it’s not just pretty; it’s also practical.
Why It Still Stands Out Today
Let’s be honest; there are hundreds of Staunton-inspired sets out there. But the Dubrovnik isn’t just another one.
It’s clean without being boring. Timeless without being outdated. It’s the set that Fischer, a man known for being extremely particular, couldn’t stop praising.
Today, original Jakopović-crafted sets are nearly impossible to find. The few that exist? They sell for tens of thousands, sometimes more. That’s not just nostalgia; that’s recognition of quality.
Thankfully, many top-tier companies have stepped in to offer faithful reproductions. Some are stunningly accurate, complete with aged finishes and handcrafted knights.
Final Verdict on the 1950 Dubrovnik Chess piece
The 1950 Dubrovnik chess set isn’t just a piece of chess history; it’s a masterpiece of chess design.
If you want something elegant but functional, unique yet grounded in tradition, this is your set. It plays beautifully, looks incredible, and has a story worth telling.
Whether you’re a collector, a serious player, or just someone who appreciates fine design, this set earns its place.
Just remember:
Originals are rare. Reproductions are plenty. But if you find a good one, you’ll know exactly why Fischer called it the best he ever played on.