Physical stones with symbols on them?

[Sivak]

I was wondering if there exist any physical stones that have markings often seen in game reviews such as triangles, circles, X's, or squares. In the absence of a computer for review, I could see these as kind of nice for teaching purposes. Has anyone seen such stones anywhere? Maybe a set of 10 apiece with a circle for instance.

[EdLee]

Hi Sivak,

In the absence of a computer, may I suggest using the organic pointing devices that are attached at the periphery of your hand.

[Elom]

I think sets for the blind have stones with humps and dips in them.

[Sivak]

Hi Sivak,

In the absence of a computer, may I suggest using the organic pointing devices that are attached at the periphery of your hand.

Well, the symbol stones could be used to play out a sequence without having to fully memorize the position prior to said sequence.

[Tryss]

You can't manifacture slate & shell stone like these, yunzi or glass would probably be very tricky, and plastic would be the easiest to manifacture, but far from easy. So I doubt there's a market for it to be worth the hassle and cost.


Why not using stickers of color instead?

So, take an unused set of stones, a set of small color dot stickers, and you can make your own color coded stones !

[EdLee]

Hi Sivak,

Yes... it's an unusual situation.
The markers have their advantages when using a computer;
but if you're using a real set, with your hands, the situation is different.
Somehow markers on real stones feel like the cart before the horse, to me, but YMMV.

[Erythen]

I've never seen anything like that, but perhaps you could try some different colored stones. Mr. Kuroki has clameshell stones dyed pink and green, and I've seen a number of colored glass sets online. There's also semi-precious stones in a variety of colors (I have access to those if you're interested).

What might work best though is a cheap but functional alternative like some glass gaming markers; the kind that are popular in role playing or tabletop gaming. Chessex sells a variety. They're flat on one side with a rounded top. The major disadvantage to these, however, is that their diameter is much smaller than standard stones.

http://www.chessex.com/Accessories/Othe ... oducts.htm

[tchan001]

Hi Sivak,

In the absence of a computer, may I suggest using the organic pointing devices that are attached at the periphery of your hand.

Well, the symbol stones could be used to play out a sequence without having to fully memorize the position prior to said sequence.

Can be achieve by using single-convex Chinese yunzi stones. Flip over to the flat size to play out trial sequences and leave the actual play with the right side up.