The Rising Legacy of the Dubrovnik Chessmen

January 08, 2026 0 Comments

The Story Behind the Dubrovnik Chessmen Design:

When Yugoslavia prepared to host the 9th Chess Olympiad in 1950, no detail was left to chance especially the chess sets. The political leadership wanted the finest chessmen ever placed on a tournament board. However, a unique challenge emerged: most professional chess sets of the time were rooted in Western or “capitalist” design traditions. Yugoslavia needed a set that reflected its own cultural and ideological identity.

The responsibility of designing this new chess set was entrusted to Pero Poček, a respected academic and painter. Poček developed multiple design concepts, which were reviewed by a dedicated art committee overseeing the Olympiad’s visual identity. One strict rule shaped the entire design process: religious symbolism was forbidden. Traditional elements such as the king’s cross were removed, replaced instead by clean, neutral forms—most notably, a simple ball finial atop the king.

Birth of an Icon: Dubrovnik 1950s’

After several revisions, Poček delivered a design that would become one of the most celebrated chess sets in history: the Dubrovnik 1950. The pieces were defined by flowing curves, balanced proportions, and remarkable clarity of form. Distinctive features included opposite-color capped bishops, wide and stable bases, and a legendary knight with an “S”-shaped neck and downward-angled face.

Subtle political symbolism was also embedded in the design. The queen featured twelve coronet cuts, while the rook carried five, echoing the red star commonly seen in Yugoslav imagery. Despite their solid presence, the pieces were unweighted, entirely handcrafted, and paired with a folding veneered chessboard featuring 60 mm squares. Each board was lined with green felt and adorned with a custom metal badge reading:

“IX. Šah Olimpijada 1950s’ Dubrovnik Yugoslavia”.

Only 50 original sets were produced in an unknown workshop, believed to be located in Serbia. Seven were awarded to the gold-medal-winning Yugoslav team, while the remaining sets found their way into private hands. Even after more than seven decades, surviving originals still showcase exceptional craftsmanship.

From Olympiad to Fischer: A Legendary Journey

One notable owner was Nikola Karaklajič, a renowned Serbian chess player, author, and arbiter. At the insistence of Bobby Fischer, Karaklajič agreed to supply his Dubrovnik set for the 1991 Fischer–Spassky match in Sveti Stefan. As his set was incomplete, replacement pieces were borrowed from another original Dubrovnik 1950 set, creating what later became known as the “mixed” set.

This historic collection was later acquired by Matič Novica of Novi Sad, and it was from these very pieces that modern recreations of the Dubrovnik 1950 design were meticulously developed. The set eventually passed to a private collector in Brazil, with a promise that it would one day return to Serbia. A short film was even produced, capturing these legendary pieces in their original home—the city of Dubrovnik.

Bobby Fischer and the Dubrovnik Chessmen

Few players shaped modern chess like Bobby Fischer. A prodigy from the start, he became U.S. Champion at just 14, the youngest Grandmaster of his time, and World Champion in 1972 after his historic victory over Boris Spassky.

Fischer was known for his fierce personality—but also for one undeniable passion: the Dubrovnik chess set. Introduced to the legendary 1950 Dubrovnik pieces by his close friend GM Svetozar Gligorić, Fischer openly praised their balance, design, and feel, calling them the finest chessmen he had ever played with.

Tragically, both Dubrovnik sets Fischer owned—first the rare 1950 version and later a Croatian-made edition—were stolen. Despite his fame and influence, he was never able to replace them. Yet his admiration forever linked Bobby Fischer with the timeless legacy of the Dubrovnik chessmen.

Evolution of the Dubrovnik Design

The Dubrovnik 1950 was only the beginning. Over time, new interpretations emerged, with two versions standing out.

Dubrovnik II (circa 1960) was designed by famed Croatian artist Andrija Maurović. This version featured taller, heavier pieces with sturdier bases, ideal for faster games. The king’s crown became sharper, the queen’s coronet was reduced to five cuts, and the knight underwent a dramatic transformation—larger, more expressive, and far more detailed, making it extremely challenging to carve. These pieces were handcrafted in Zagreb by master craftsman Vjekoslav Jakopović, and their aged golden patina remains highly admired today.

Another variation, known as Dubrovnik Minčeta, refined the Dubrovnik II further. While retaining its robust structure, the Minčeta introduced subtle changes to the king, bishop, and pawn tops—bringing the bishop closer to the 1950 style. The rook became more solid and architectural, the queen slightly smaller, and for the first time, the king and queen bases were no longer equal. Designed for intense, fast-paced play, the Minčeta managed to balance durability with elegance.

Imitations and Legacy

The popularity of the Dubrovnik design inevitably led to widespread imitation. Factories such as Subozan, prison workshops in Zenica, and various local turning shops produced simplified versions for mass consumption. While functional, these sets lacked the refinement, precision, and artistry of the authentic Dubrovnik originals.

Today, the Dubrovnik 1950, Dubrovnik II, and Dubrovnik Minčeta remain unmatched—true icons of chess design history. They are not merely chess pieces, but cultural artifacts that represent craftsmanship, ideology, and timeless beauty on the chessboard.

Bobby Fischer deep in analysis with the legendary Dubrovnik Chess Set.

The Legendary Dubrovnik Chessmen, Recreated by Indian Chess Company

Inspired by the legendary 1950s Dubrovnik design, these faithful replicas are hand-carved by skilled craftsmen using Ebony, Bud Rosewood, Sheesham, and Burnt Boxwood, and finished in elegant Antique and Crimson hues.

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