This Robotic Chessboard Is Like Something Out of Harry Potter

Old-school purists might argue that the pervasiveness of online chess has ruined the game's tactile appeal. Instead of pushing beautifully carved pieces across a painted board, most players nowadays drag and drop computer icons--a mouseclick is the only tangible element. But like something out of "Harry Potter," Square Off uses motors and magnets to glide an opponent's solid pieces over its rosewood surface, restoring an experience many players thought might be lost to technology. I bought two boards and shipped one to Danny. Paired to our smartphones via Bluetooth, the boards speak to one another over the internet.