Search this forum for NOJ and Dubrovnik pieces. There have been several lengthy discussions, debates, etc. you will find useful.
Noj - BCE or Dubrovnik II
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Thanks so much, I’ve been reading them. Love the info . . .
If you decide for a Dubrovnik, I suggest you look into the Minčeta, it's the reproduction of the set Bobby Fischer carried with him always. If BCE, the Blitz version is the latest, the refined version (and my favorite). Just a suggestion of course, de gustibus non est disputandum.
-Izmet Fekali
Thanks so much for your suggestion Izmet. I’ve spent a lot of time on the site looking over the sets. For whatever reason, I’m find the Dubrovnik II to be just about perfect. They are by far my favorites of the Dubrovnik style. I sent an email on your site to begin the process of buying a set. I’m looking forward to hearing back from someone. My mind is made up. I’m going to choose the Dubrovnik II. The BCE set will be next.....
Thanks!
Thanks!
Decided to go w 3D printed BCE and Dubrovnik II (natural). So excited!!!!
Dec 6, 2020
0
#7
@krames I hope you’ll send some pictures and let us know what you think of them. I have a BCE but also considering 3D version as well.
I will definitely send pics when they arrive. I’m actually rethinking my decision. I just can’t decided between the Dub II and Mincetta.....
Dec 6, 2020
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#9
I'll put in a vote for the Mincetta. I own a NOJ Mincetta set and I absolutely love it. If you are trying to decide between those two sets, I think you should focus on the Rooks. The fat Rooks of the Mincetta set are great in my opinion. They exude the the power of the piece in my opinion.
Dec 6, 2020
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#10
I agree with FluxBlunders.
I own 3 Noj Dubrovnik II sets, Walnut, Red stained and Brown stained. I also own the Noj Minceta in Brown stain. So I know what I speak of in this Dubrovnik area.
The first I bought in 2010, the Walnut one. That set is good for a more refined game that is slower. The Walnut is just a bit more brittle than the stained European Maple.
I next bought the Red stain Dubrovnik II. I bought this in 2015 when the red Dubrovnik craze hit on this forum. Red is my favorite color and I pull this set out every Christmas season and on other occasion when the mood strikes.
I got the Brown stain version right about 2 years ago. I bought this in the maple to hold up better during play that is less refined.
When Gregor of Noj came out with the Dubrovnik Minceta version, about a year and a half ago, I bought one of their first batch releases. I got this in the Brown stain maple because that is the most durable. This set is my every day carry set. I have used it in all time controls and it’s great. Yes, those fat rooks are exceptional.
If I was to own only one of these sets, it would be the Minceta.
Re: the Minceta and Dubrovnik2 knight piece.
On the dubrovnikchessmen site, the base of the Minceta and D2 knight does not appear to match the king, queen, bishop or pawn. The knight base more closely resembles the rook base. Right under the knight's base lip, there's no gentle curve. It goes straight into the bulbous shape of the base. Similar to the rook. The Dubrovnik 1950 knight has the gentle curve under the base lip.
Does the Menceta and D2 knight base not look a bit odd to anyone? Was there a reason for this change to the knight base?
I agree 10000% about the Mincetta rooks. The issue for me is that I think prefer the Dub II knights and bishops based on the pics I’m seeing....
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and hands on experiences. Before reading your posts I would have ordered the walnut, now I think I’ll chose the stained maple. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and hands on experiences. Before reading your posts I would have ordered the walnut, now I think I’ll chose the stained maple. Thank you!
For those of you who own the sets . . .
What size squares do you find best?
Do either of the sets maybe play slightly better on smaller squares?
I tend to like a ‘tighter’ look and feel to the relationship between the board and pieces.
Thanks again!!!
Ted
What size squares do you find best?
Do either of the sets maybe play slightly better on smaller squares?
I tend to like a ‘tighter’ look and feel to the relationship between the board and pieces.
Thanks again!!!
Ted
Dec 7, 2020
0
#14
The best size square for the Dubrovnik II or Minceta is actually 2.125”. It works fine on either a 2.0” square or a 2.25” square.
Since you like things tighter, as you say, I would not hesitate using a 2.0” board.
Thank you!!!!
A week ago it was Dub II or BCE. I ordered a BCE 3D printed, very excited about that and now I’m almost completely sold on Mincetta instead of Dub II. Not even exactly sure why, I’m just leaning heavily in that direction. And strangely enough, I always like natural, but I’m thinking black stain for the Mincetta set..... Any thought? Anyone want to tell me I’m making a good choice? A bad choice?
Thanks for the pic and you're right, the grain is beautiful!
@MCH818 - That's a great photo of staining from Noj. I hadn't realized you could actually see the grain until I saw your photo. Thanks for sharing. Wow... that's beautiful.
After much reading through threads on here, I went for the Minceta set myself. I prefer the look of the knight and rook compared to the 1950 and II, plus it looks sturdier for play. Although, honestly, I would be happy with any of their sets, I just prefer the Minceta by a very small margin.
Not to derail the thread, but does anyone know how the order process usually works? I sent my cart this morning, but then what will happen?
Dec 12, 2020
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#20
The set must be made first. They usually do not inventory sets. I would expect an email from Gregor telling you when they are making that design set.
Once the set is made an email from Gregor will go to you with the exact invoice to pay. Once that is paid, the set is shipped.
Good luck.
I'm going to buy a new set of pieces and I'm going to buy them from Noj, I find their designs to be head and shoulders above the other options. I'm torn between the Best Chessmen Ever and the Dubrovnik II. Just curious to hear from anyone who has purchased either. Anything you really like about them after the fact? Anything maybe you wish you had done differently? What size squares are you placing them on? I'd love to hear any and everything from anyone who has purchased either set. Thank you!!!!