Rare amber chess set exhibited at TCC Gem Show, from Eastern Europe. (Permission granted. - ed.)

Rare orange alabaster chess set, owned by blog host. Alabaster from Mexico.

Whether from Mexico, Iceland, or Russia, grandmasters can lose their senses in this orange abyss while all their thoughts go amiss...when they cross this great barrier, a razor-thin line between genius and insanity.

Medieval Anglo chess set, owned by blog host (photographed with side lighting) as featured in one of the Harry Potter films.

A small window of light, giving venue to the fight. Eightscore pawns acting as shields, may not be enough to set the score right.

Rare Malachite chess set, from African Congo - taken at International Gem and Mineral Show, Tucson, Arizona. (Permission granted. - ed.)

Rare blue-glaze glass chess set, owned by blog host. Photographed on windowsill of Amsterdam apartment, Netherlands.