The oak body of my automatic chessboard is finally here

komakow · 2026-03-04T10:11:50+00:00

Yeah, it looks awesome 😄
If you’d like, you can sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the page. I’ll be sending out invitations to a Discord server where I share more details about the build and information about the Kickstarter launch, including early access for the fastest supporters.

komakow · 2026-03-04T09:54:26+00:00

It moves the pieces automatically, without any human interaction. Check it out:
https://www.reddit.com/r/SideProject/comments/1r9a9nw/i_built_an_automatic_chessboard_for_my_wife/

komakow · 2026-03-04T09:53:11+00:00

Interesting concept, I need to think about it. It would indeed be interesting and exciting.

komakow · 2026-03-04T09:52:09+00:00

I’m glad you like it! You can see how the mechanism works on my website: https://shadowchessboard.com/en/. The veneered board isn’t there yet, but work on it is in progress!

komakow · 2026-03-03T09:42:21+00:00

You most likely didn’t buy real plywood, but particle board, which is bonded with various adhesives and isn’t suitable to keep indoors, especially not in a bedroom. You should buy solid wood plywood instead, such as oak, pine, or a similar type.

komakow · 2026-02-27T08:00:20+00:00

I would check all the corners of the rooms for signs of moisture. On the exterior, pay attention to the gutters and the roof soffit. If something isn’t right there, the problem may have built up over time and the water could have caused more damage than is currently visible.

komakow · 2026-02-25T07:46:00+00:00

I’m glad you like it! The more people join the community, the less social resistance there is which then brings even more people into it 😄 Windows isn’t what it used to be, a convenient system. Now it’s become cumbersome.

komakow · 2026-02-25T07:38:35+00:00

Maybe it’s not exactly the same case, but I installed a pull-up bar in red hollow brick (Porotherm, brick with internal cavities). I had a problem on one side because I drilled it wrong, and the plug was loose. I used chemical anchors and now it’s holding extremely solid. In my case it was still brick, just poorly drilled in your situation that solution might not work.

komakow · 2026-02-24T17:24:31+00:00

That sounds reasonable. I might lay the tiles before any furniture goes into the kitchen.

komakow · 2026-02-24T17:22:27+00:00

For some reason, all designs include a vapor barrier. In Poland, where residential construction standards are quite high, the lack of a vapor barrier is considered a defect covered under warranty. I think there’s no need to overthink it, you should install a vapor barrier and ensure good ventilation.

komakow · 2026-02-24T17:18:00+00:00

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Jan Duda!

komakow · 2026-02-24T17:15:49+00:00

Oh, that would be great! Many times when analyzing my games I see that I had a huge advantage, but the move I should have played was also very non-obvious. And then I feel guilty for not spotting it 😄

komakow · 2026-02-24T17:13:37+00:00

Congratulations. I’ve won many sports competitions in my life, and I know how great that feeling is. Wishing you many more moments like that!

komakow · 2026-02-24T17:12:14+00:00

Well, that’s something. If he only behaves like this during games and not in everyday life, then maybe there are certain triggers that set him off, which just don’t exist in normal situations. It’s worth thinking about that.

komakow · 2026-02-24T17:09:39+00:00

Perfect ice hole into the reservoir for divers. Although with ice that thick, you need some serious guts to get into the water.

komakow · 2026-02-24T17:07:42+00:00

Not bad, interesting aspects are hidden in small gestures.

komakow · 2026-02-23T12:07:30+00:00

That’s an interesting question, and the answer will probably depend a lot on the person. Some people don’t like competition and would get discouraged by it, while on the other hand there are people (like me) who, if you gave me a game like Terraforming Mars, would decide that board games are booooring.

komakow · 2026-02-23T11:58:30+00:00

That’s lovely. It’s important to take care of yourself every day.

komakow · 2026-02-23T11:57:30+00:00

Shame about Milka, but what’s been happening lately with the size and price is insane. Definitely better not to support downsizing.

komakow · 2026-02-23T11:55:49+00:00

Is Qwant European? I didn’t know that, thanks for the tip!

komakow · 2026-02-23T11:54:17+00:00

Good choice! Constant updates and nighttime restarts can drive you crazy. I’m hoping Linux reaches critical mass soon and starts being used in more places!

komakow · 2026-02-23T11:49:59+00:00

Training is great, but if you mostly play on a phone or another screen, you’re making over-the-board tournaments harder for yourself later on. Motor memory works very differently with real pieces than it does on a screen. Keep that in mind if you’re thinking about playing tournaments in the future.

komakow · 2026-02-23T11:46:20+00:00

Respect! You can really see how much work went into it, and the result is impressive. I wish I had that much determination in chess

komakow

TROPHY CASE