British design studio Design by Joffey has unveiled a concept for infinite chess that transforms the traditional chessboard into a rotating cylinder. Part of the board remains hidden from view, so players must rotate the cylinder to see the positions of the pieces.
To prevent the pieces from falling off as the cylinder rotates, they are magnetic and stay attached to the board's surface.
The design also departs from the classic aesthetic: instead of the traditional black-and-white squares, it features blue contrasted with white. However, the pieces retain their familiar silhouettes, making them easy for players to recognize.
The rules of the game have yet to be developed. Could a rook move in a continuous loop? Could a knight cross the boundaries between rows? How would players know their king was in check if part of the board remained outside their field of view? The cylindrical geometry raises numerous questions that still need to be answered.
This new geometry could potentially change chess strategy, but everything depends on the rules eventually established. The shape of the board might introduce new tactical possibilities and force players to rethink their moves.
For now, the project remains a concept. Design by Joffey has no plans to put the game into production, although the idea offers an unusual new perspective on one of the world's best-known board games.
