Trapdoor Chess

Trap chess is a variant upon the ancient game. Randomly selected squares open down, eliminating any pieces unfortunate enough to be on top.

Hackaday explains that neighbors Bob and Yann invented this practical model. At the end of a turn, each player taps on the button which will trigger a trapdoor:

The build relies on a PIC16F818, an 8-bit microcontroller from Microchip. This helps interface between the timer and servos and generally runs the whole show. The board is built into a table, and we’re impressed by the fit and finish of the final product. From a distance, it’s difficult to notice anything is awry, and it would make a great prank when playing with an unsuspecting mark. Just make sure there’s no money on the table first.