Living alone often means facing unexpected challenges, from a loose screw in the kitchen cabinet to the need for a quick game to unwind. This is where the usual advice comes in: keep a toolbox at hand. Yet, for many, a toolbox is merely a collection of mysteries, sitting in a corner, rarely used. Seongjae Park’s innovative design, “Tips for Chess,” however, is set to transform this underused household item into an engaging, multifunctional piece that appeals to tool users and chess lovers alike.

“Tips for Chess” is a unique combination of a creative chess set and a toolkit, crafted entirely from durable, sleek metal. This isn’t just a set of tools; it’s a conversational piece, a functional game set, and a display of fine craftsmanship. Each chess piece is represented by a different tool, ingeniously integrating form and function. For instance, the pawns are various sizes of hexagonal wrenches, ready to advance across the board, while the more strategic pieces like the bishop and knight take the form of a crosshead and a flat-blade screwdriver, respectively. The royalty of the game, the Queen and King, are symbolized by a larger hexagonal wrench and a U-shaped screwdriver. To aid in recognition, each tool is etched with its corresponding chess role on its base, ensuring that even those new to either chess or tools can appreciate and use this set.
The chessboard itself is a masterpiece, doubling as a workspac...