My new Noj Dubrovnik Minceta set

I have been waiting for someone to mention this.

If You want accurate Dubrovnik copy You should buy maple nad walnut. Also NOJ set size is more accurate from other copies.

king should be cca. 90 mm tal with cca. 38 mm base diameter

Hey Just to level set. Dragos (another congrats to him) bought an NoJ Minceta that is an improved dub version based on a design by a Croatian cartoonist Andrija Maurovic. The pictures are being compared to is a repro 1950s SC designed by Pero Poceks. (I think someone already mentioned this earlier in the post) To me these are apples and oranges as they are different versions. I'm not sure, but I don't think SC makes a set designed off of Andrija Maurovic dub version? However, being I have both sets Id like to share my thoughts. The SC 1950 dub is a nice set and Mandeep does his best to provide quality pieces from his resources. I don't think maple and walnut is widely available in India. I spoke to Mandeep a few times over the phone and is pleasant to deal with. But, I do find boxwood pieces can dent and crack a bit easier than other types of wood namely maple and walnut. Also, they tend to be a bit too yellow for my taste. The SC 1950 to me is bigger in size and also heavy. I cant imagine an ebony version as I play a bit rigorous at times. Also, Ebony wood is prone to cracking over time in an unfit environment. I also think types of ebony will age with different tones over the years (unless its dyed black). In terms of the NoJ Minceta, Its probably one of the most used chess set in my collection. Used waaaayyyy more than my SC 1950s dub. The NoJ is superior and I would class it in a sperate league hands down. <- my opinion -> The NoJ Minceta is soo fun to play with, feels great when maneuvering, perfect balance and looks incredible in any light. My Minceta set is not for decoration, its used as intended and to this day is still flawless just like the day I bought it. All posts on chess.com and reviews about NoJ sets I have never seen anyone say they regretted buying one even when they increased their price. I certainly have zero regrets. I hope this helps folks - Stums

Hey Stum, Thanks for the comparison between Noj and SC. Also, I just noticed your board. It is beautiful! Is that new? Did you post about it before? If so I probably forgot.

Great post and very nice pictures Stum! I see,like me,you keep the original Noj box. When I ordered my Tal from Noj,I was going to buy another wooden coffer,but decided to wait for the pieces to arrive first.

Really glad I did because the Noj box is just waaay coool! At least to me. It didn't hurt to save a few bucks too.

Oh My God! Desperate one, thank you for being the chess set/authenticity police!

I've actually never been mad at you....Really! I'm simply disappointed in you and your quest to keep others from enjoying their treasures. Yeah! I understand the authenticity "thing"!

Who the heck cares if a set isn't in the absolutist realm. If someone likes it, it's their business.

Getting old!

Btw, Aside from(more importantly)being a superb chess "player", MCH happens to be without a doubt the nicest,kindest and most considerate forum member on this site!...By far!

His past grievances have been rectified. Why rake up more muck?

Oh! I know why.....Sorry I asked.

@MCH818 - Aw thanks! Yep its a new board. I hesitated to post pictures as I didn't want to take away from dragos's post. His photos are top notch and really hope he posts more. I was thinking about doing a review as these framed boards do come up from time to time. Do you think I should?

@magicwanger - I couldn't agree more on the NoJ black boxes. Very nice, well thought out! Facts, in the past I requested with Gregor to have the black box over the newer BCE jewelry boxes, I like them that much. I feel like they are the perfect size and the gold logo is very striking. Once the gift wrapping comes off its the first thing you see (: That experience is part of what I chase.

Oh come on!!! Is that the best you got? You can do better than that.

I am pretty sure every Noj owner has seen my thread. There was even a Youtube video about it which I posted at the end of my thread. I think the video author said something like Noj changed the design and this guy (me) noticed. You should read post 104. @Pawneria and @TheOneCalledMichael had a good laugh about it. And guess what... @Pawnerai and @TheOneCalledMichael still bought a Noj set even after seeing my thread.  I am also sure everyone that has been or still is on the Noj list has read my thread after all I am the FIRST owner to every speak out against Noj. Noj still has a waitlist until 2026.

Again I am an owner of a Noj set. I spoke out after I bought the set and was unhappy about something. Noj made it right in the end and I was happy. I can do that because I bought the set. What I say matters more than what you who have just seen photos of it says.

Do you know what... every active member like @Magictwanger, @Lighthouse, @TheOneCalledMichael, and probably all who have been around since I joined in 2019 has read what I wrote about anything. Anything that could have been called out was already called out. You can keep searching but you won’t find anything that will surprise anyone, but go ahead keep searching to your hearts content.

Maybe instead of digging up things that I wrote about which everyone here at CB&E has read why don’t you post photos of those 20 wood sets you said you bought... none of which were from HoS or any the current Indian manufacturers. I still question your claim about the number being 20 and the claim that you have never needed a replacement piece. In case you don’t remember, see my post #45 where I quoted you. https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/new-chess-pieces-am-i-being-too-picky?page=3 Why don’t post those 20 sets in the Post your chess set thread. Everyone there loves chess sets. They will eat it up like it was candy.

A review would be great! I think those framed boards are really nice and I think most people would agree.

Btw....besides my feeling self conscious about normal people rolling their eyes over all of this ridiculous back biting....Correct me if I'm wrong,but doesn't Noj offer their particular woods because of longevity? They are extremely durable and last a long time!

Beautiful is a side benefit.

Mark, I actually do not know the answer to that question. I assume maple and walnut can be locally sourced by Noj. I once asked Gregor if he could make the set in other woods. He said no. It was either maple with stained maple or maple and walnut.

I'm only going by what I remember about those woods as they related to acoustic guitars, when I had quite a few and sold due to hand issues.I think Gibson and Martin felt they were very durable and long lasting.

Were the guitars made from walnut and maple?

What a beautiful chess set. I wish I had your kind of money and patience to buy this chess set @ddragos

I think it's because maple is more easily sourced. I will ask Gregor next time we chat. I wonder if it has to do with his tools as well.

He did produce a version of BCE in a hard plastic that was carved (I forget what the name of the material was).

DesperateKingWalk , I don't disagree with you , As i had said too you many post back the Noj is a modern day rendition / interpretation in design ,

If you feel so strongly about this you can ask Gregor at Noj / Just email him ,

Just to add this is not your thread & has been hijacked by you , May be start your own thread over what is & what is not in design & the right Dubrovnik for yourself .

Ok ,so is it over the 50's original Dubrovnik chess set ?

There is a member here who has one , This is a holy grail as we all know beyond most people reach + you need them $$$$$$ ,

So moving on ,I would be very happy with a Dubrovnik chess set from the Balkan be it from the 70's 80's by Jakopović still this is no easy find or cheap to buy even in The Balkan . Just to add I do not own a Noj chess , As I like vintage + antique chess set & i do have a Dubrovnik chess set from the Balkan which is a rare gem for me .