The Best Chessmen Ever (stage 1) w/stainless steel bases chess set by “NOJ & designed by Izmet Fekali”.
What they did…
Over 150 years after the first Staunton set was introduced, the chess world continues to rely on the same iconic design. Yet, like many, I often pondered the reasoning behind certain elements: Why the massive bases? Why the collars? And why such delicate finials?
Jonas Žnidaršič, a true polymath—actor, comedian, poker champion, and billiards expert—asked the same questions. Collaborating with renowned chess designer Izmet Fekali and master artisan Gregor Novak of NOJ, they set out to reimagine the Staunton design for the modern era.
Enter the GNovak BCE Chessmen—what they confidently call “The Best Chessmen Ever.” These pieces are the result of extensive research, meticulous design, and painstaking craftsmanship. Made in Slovenia, the BCE Chessmen merge timeless tradition with 21st-century sensibilities. The set offers two design styles—Eastern and Western—and even allows for custom improvements.
The Stage 1 Western Natural set is nothing short of extraordinary. With a king standing at 3.75 inches and a base diameter of 40 mm, these pieces are perfectly weighted for competitive play. Crafted from hardened Slovenian maple and walnut, they are durable and sturdy, yet refined in their aesthetic. The pieces feature a tapered rollover base that provides unparalleled stability, ideal for blitz games or more relaxed classical matches.
Every detail has been refined: the queen’s crown boasts seven curved spikes, while the rook’s five crenellations offer a sleeker, more elegant look (because six is excessive, and four, well…is for the less discerning). And let’s not forget the delicate balance—an 18% balance point that makes these pieces feel perfectly poised in the hand.
There are no fragile parts or sharp edges, making them the most durable pieces available. Each set is serially numbered, with the white king bearing the engraved GNovak trademark beneath the blue leather felt, ensuring authenticity. A certificate of authenticity accompanies each set, which arrives in a heavy-duty box. As a final touch, the pieces are blessed by local Slovenian clergy—a unique nod to their cultural heritage.
In these chessmen, you have not only a set for rigorous play but a work of art that merges history and innovation. For any serious player or collector, these are more than just chess pieces—they are a legacy.
My opinion of this design…
In my opinion, NOJ (led by Gregor and family) stands as the pinnacle of modern chess craftsmanship. Their attention to detail and artistry are unmatched. If you haven’t had the pleasure of holding a NOJ set, you’re truly missing out on something special. If I could only keep one modern chess set from my collection, it would undoubtedly be a NOJ set. The only real challenge would be deciding which one to choose, as each set is just as incredible as the next. For anyone in search of one of the finest chess sets available today, I wholeheartedly recommend NOJ!
