The 1950 Dubrovnik chess set by “NOJ”.

What they did…

In 1950, the IX Chess Olympiad was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, an event that saw 16 teams compete, culminating in a victory for the Yugoslav team, with Argentina taking silver and West Germany securing bronze. What made this tournament particularly memorable, beyond the matches, was the introduction of a specially crafted chess set known as the “Dubrovnik.” Designed by the esteemed academic painter and sculptor P. Poček, and approved by a special art commission in Belgrade, this set quickly captured the admiration of the chess world for its elegant and distinctive design.

Only 50 of these sets were ever produced, with the majority gifted to the players participating in the Olympiad. A few were made available for public sale, making it a rare and highly sought-after collector’s piece.

The set gained even more notoriety in 1992 when Bobby Fischer requested it for his famous rematch against Boris Spassky on Sveti Stefan. Nikola Karaklajic, the chief referee, lent his personal set for the match, and the box was later signed by both Fischer and Spassky, further cementing its iconic status in the annals of chess history.

My opinion of this design…

The reproduction of the 1950 Dubrovnik set by NOJ is nothing short of masterful. As a collector and player, I find that this set perfectly captures the essence of the original design while ensuring the highest quality craftsmanship. NOJ has done a remarkable job in preserving the aesthetic details and proportions that made the Dubrovnik set so iconic, from the smooth lines to the balanced weight of the pieces.

The knights, in particular, stand out with their elegant yet functional design, and the entire set retains the refined simplicity that Fischer himself admired. The pieces feel sturdy, well-weighted, and ideal for serious play, while maintaining an aura of historical significance that resonates with any chess enthusiast.

For a reproduction, this set doesn’t just mimic the past—it revives it, making it accessible to a new generation of players and collectors. Owning a NOJ Dubrovnik reproduction is like holding a piece of chess history in your hands, and it’s one that will undoubtedly be treasured for years to come.

USA team (Evans, Steiner, Horowitz, Shainswit, Kramer, Reshevsky) finished in 4th place.