Messaging with Chess

Shockwave.com has a freaking sweet email chess website. Move notifications are delivered by email with a link to a web page. The pages has a Flash chess board and a small message area to write notes. Move the pieces to take your turn and then hit submit to notify the other player. Quick and easy, and a good way to stay in touch with your friends and enemies.

The hardest part of the game is coming up with clever names, and not getting caught playing at work.

Find plans for making custom chess pieces from nuts and bolts and other hardware here.