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Collection by Kelsey Keith

Game On! 8 Designs for the Modernist at Play

For young designers, making their mark with great furniture and lighting is a must—but creating a well-designed game is a very fun bonus. Taking cues from art-edition games of the past, like Man Ray's famous chess board, here are a few sets to encourage well-designed play.

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A lifelong friendship with fellow chess enthusiast Marcel Duchamp inspired Man Ray to create his unique chess set in 1920. In his set, Man Ray offers a personal interpretation of each character on the chess board: an Egyptian pyramid for the King, a medieval headdress for the Queen, a flask for the Bishop and the carved scroll of a violin for the Knight. Each beech wood character is rendered in sculptural, geometric forms. $590 at Dwell Store.
A lifelong friendship with fellow chess enthusiast Marcel Duchamp inspired Man Ray to create his unique chess set in 1920. In his set, Man Ray offers a personal interpretation of each character on the chess board: an Egyptian pyramid for the King, a medieval headdress for the Queen, a flask for the Bishop and the carved scroll of a violin for the Knight. Each beech wood character is rendered in sculptural, geometric forms. $590 at Dwell Store.
Brooklyn designer Joe Doucet's playing cards are as minimalist as they come. $12 for a pack at the Dwell Store.
Brooklyn designer Joe Doucet's playing cards are as minimalist as they come. $12 for a pack at the Dwell Store.
Backgammon is one of the oldest games on record--archeological digs in Iran reveal that similar games were played there around 3,000 BC! This modernized version, on painted baltic birch, includes 30 playing pieces, four dice, and an instructional booklet. $160 at Fredericks and Mae.
Backgammon is one of the oldest games on record--archeological digs in Iran reveal that similar games were played there around 3,000 BC! This modernized version, on painted baltic birch, includes 30 playing pieces, four dice, and an instructional booklet. $160 at Fredericks and Mae.
This game is a bit more cerebral, as the pleasure is not in winning but creating. It's also a bit like Jenga, but with a designer's favorite module: the chair. Pico Pao designed this game in 2010 and it's now sold exclusively at the MoMA Store. $75 at MoMA Store.
This game is a bit more cerebral, as the pleasure is not in winning but creating. It's also a bit like Jenga, but with a designer's favorite module: the chair. Pico Pao designed this game in 2010 and it's now sold exclusively at the MoMA Store. $75 at MoMA Store.
Brooklyn studio The Principals re-designed the classic “double 6” domino set with men's retailer Billy Reid. Cast from concrete and completely rethought in terms of shape, weight, and numbering style. $70 from The Dwell Store.
Brooklyn studio The Principals re-designed the classic “double 6” domino set with men's retailer Billy Reid. Cast from concrete and completely rethought in terms of shape, weight, and numbering style. $70 from The Dwell Store.
If calm, on-the-tabletop and by-the-fireside games aren't your thing, may we suggest a ping pong table? The experts at SPiN, a New York City ping pong club, have teamed up with The Standard hotels to release this limited edition design. $5,995 at The Standard.
If calm, on-the-tabletop and by-the-fireside games aren't your thing, may we suggest a ping pong table? The experts at SPiN, a New York City ping pong club, have teamed up with The Standard hotels to release this limited edition design. $5,995 at The Standard.
Another great option is the Bola Service Table introduced by RS Barcelona this year. We like the hidden drawer for stashing the net, balls, and paddles. $3,950 at Design Within Reach.
Another great option is the Bola Service Table introduced by RS Barcelona this year. We like the hidden drawer for stashing the net, balls, and paddles. $3,950 at Design Within Reach.