Tetranitrate previously posted an excellent instructable on how to make an LED chess set here: http://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Chess-Set/ I found it through BoingBoing, but couldn't be bothered making one that looked so flash. I just wanted one to work, quick and easy. So all credit to Tetranitrate for the concept and what follows is a quick and easy solution to get a 'similar' result. This Instructable shows you how to turn a glass chess set into one with glowing pieces that go out when you take them off the chess board. It uses: 40 LEDs $7.50 Australia (I love Jaycar - electronics supplier) a resistor or two Free from junk some copper wire 2m maybe. Free from junk glue - I used Crystal Clear Araldyte $17.00 or so. Have heaps left. a glass chess set $5.00 from toy store Unwanted phone charger Free from Junk - if you don't have one, a friend will. Solder Free from around If you have glue, the rest should be less than $15 Tools: Soldering Iron (can manage without) Pliers for twisting wire Knife for stripping wire Something to cut wire with Some soldering is required but if you can't, you could still get a working one by just twisting the wire. Took me about 4 hours to assemble.
http://www.instructables.com/id/LED-Chess-Set-Simple-Version/