VERY cool chess set

http://yasminsethi.com/pd/Alice/Alice.htm

Wow, very clever.  Does it not get a bit annoying when you're setting up the board?

Here is another interesting board http://blog.chess.com/qtsii/chess-and-cigars-the-best-of-both-worlds

 :-)  Probably...  Although I guess the piece will reveal itself as soon as it touches the board, so it's probably not too much of an annoyance...  Generally, I think this is an example of a case where "cool" does not necessarily = usable.  Strictly speaking, isn't it illegal to hide captured pieces in some contexts?  In any case, it would be a good conversation-starter.

this chess set is extraordinarily imaginative. an innovation which I never thought could be seen (or hidden, for that matter).

 the point of the shrewding is symbolic, emotive. perhaps well suited for variations. 

a very romantic set.  

Hey, here's another one that's a bit different:

http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20080706/recycled-auto-part-chess-set/

 weird chess image

click pic to make fatter

that’s pretty cool.  i really like that recycled auto parts link you posted DeepGreen.  i built one out of engine parts.  i call it “High Octane Chess”

check it out: High Octane Chess

Nice!  Wow, the royalty are huge.  I'll bet you can hear it when someone resigns by knocking over the King.  ;-)