Non-Euclidean Chess Board (Sphere)

Game play remains the same but instead of moving in straight lines, pieces move in arcs across the positive Gaussian curvature of the sphere.

Magnets are required to hold the pieces in place, unless you are playing in a non-Euclidean universe.

The “Non-Euclidean Chess Board Frame” is provided with and without supports. The version with supports provides extra stability around the base of the pillars when printing. You will still need to add your preferred support for the rest of the structure, but you’ll need less of it.

You will need a total of four “Tile Quadrants,” two of each colour.

Playing pieces are remixed from “Mini Chess for Altoid Box” by “humphrey_b52.” Holes have been added for 1/8” by 1/8” magnets.

You will need a total of 96 1/8” by 1/8” magnets, one for each square and one for each piece. Insert the magnets into the square tiles before gluing them on to the frame. The magnets used in the design and assembly of this model were purchased through www.kjmagnetics.com.

Proper positioning of the “square” tiles on the board framework is the most challenging part of assembly. There are a few pieces that have very subtle differences in curves and edge lengths, and it is easy to put them in incorrectly. To make this easier, small dimples have been added to the bottoms of each “square” tile. There is a single dimple on the uppermost corner of every tile to ensure proper orientation. There is a single dimple on the outer chamfer of the four inner “squares,” and two dimples on the outer chamfer of the outer twelve “squares.” Refer to the picture provided.

Arrange the pieces first, do a dry fit to make sure you’ve got it right, then use glue to attach the tiles to the framework. CA glue works well.

The magnet holes on the pieces and tiles are designed for a tight fit and shouldn’t need glue. Make sure you get the polarity right so that all the pieces stick to all the squares!

The final picture above is with the board magnets painted. This is an option if you don't like the bare magnet look!

See here for a hyperbolic paraboloid board: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4647738
wormhole board: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4655805
And "print in place" chess set: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4689389