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Travel chess sets are an excellent accompaniment for those who fancy a game on the go. They are designed for ease of transportation and are perfect for long journeys, holidays, or even a quiet afternoon at a coffee shop. Given their remarkable practicality, the right travel chess set can provide hours of leisure and mental stimulation. However, picking the right set involves several crucial considerations, including size, durability, and functionality.
The best travel chess set should be compact and convenient, yet robust and easy to handle. Moreover, it should comprise well-crafted pieces that will not easily break or chip, and a folding board that secures the pieces in place. Choosing the wrong chess set could be cumbersome, with pieces easily lost, board too fragile, or even just too large to be considered “travel-sized.”
When shopping for a travel chess set, factors to keep in mind are the size and weight of the set, the quality of the pieces, the durability of the board, and the ease of storage and transport. The best sets typically comprise of high-quality, heavyweight pieces with felted bottoms for smooth movement and a scratch-resistant board for longevity.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best travel chess set. We have meticulously tested, examined, and compared various sets on the market to provide insights on which ones deliver the best value for money. By the end of this article, you will possess the knowledge necessary to pick a set that not only meets but surpass your expectations.
Best Travel Chess Set
Choosing the right travel chess set is key to enjoyable games on the move. The set should be sturdy, well-crafted, and easy to store and transport. With a myriad of options available, picking the perfect set could be a daunting task. Fear not, as in this article, we have compiled a list of the best travel chess sets that will help ease your decision-making process.
Chess Bazar – Magnetic Travel Pocket Chess Set – Staunton 7 X 7 Inch Folding Game Board Handmade in Fine Rosewood
If you’re looking for a high-quality pocket chess set that’s perfect for travel, the Chess Bazar Magnetic Travel Pocket Chess Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set is made of high-quality rosewood, which gives it a luxurious feel and makes it a pleasure to play with.
- The chess pieces are made of plastic, but they are well-weighted and have a good feel to them. They are also magnetized, which makes them very secure on the board and prevents them from sliding around or toppling over.
- The chess board folds up to fit inside the chess piece storage box, which makes it very compact and easy to carry around. The chess pieces also fit inside the box, so everything can be stored safely and securely in one place.
Cons
- The chess board only comes with a felt storage bag, which is not as secure or protective as the chess piece storage box.
- The chess board is 7 x 7 inches, which is a bit smaller than standard chess boards. This may make it a bit more difficult to play on for some people.
- The set is handmade, which means that it may vary slightly in size and shape from other sets. This may not be a problem for some people, but it could be an issue for those who want a perfectly standardized set.
Overall, we were very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the Chess Bazar Magnetic Travel Pocket Chess Set. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality pocket chess set that’s perfect for travel. The set is well-made, the chess pieces are well-weighted and secure, and the board folds up to fit inside the storage box, making it easy to carry around. If you’re in the market for a new pocket chess set, we highly recommend giving this one a try.
Magnetic Wooden Chess Board Set with Manual for Adults Kids 15 Inch Chess Puzzle with Handmade Pieces, Folding Portable Travel Unique Chess Game for Tournament Professional Beginner
If you’re looking for a high-quality magnetic wooden chess board set, the Magnetic Wooden Chess Board Set with Manual for Adults Kids 15 Inch Chess Puzzle with Handmade Pieces, Folding Portable Travel Unique Chess Game for Tournament Professional Beginner is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The foldable design of the chess board makes it easy to carry around, making it a great option for those who like to play chess on the go.
- The premium quality of the wooden chess board gives it a classic and elegant look, making it a great addition to any home or office.
- The chess board comes with a storage bag, which makes it easy to store and transport the board.
Cons
- The chess pieces are a bit smaller than some people might prefer.
- The chess board is a bit smaller than some people might prefer.
- The chess board might be a bit too light for some people’s liking.
The Magnetic Wooden Chess Board Set with Manual for Adults Kids 15 Inch Chess Puzzle with Handmade Pieces, Folding Portable Travel Unique Chess Game for Tournament Professional Beginner is a great option for anyone who loves to play chess. The foldable design of the chess board makes it easy to carry around, making it a great option for those who like to play chess on the go. The premium quality of the wooden chess board gives it a classic and elegant look, making it a great addition to any home or office. The chess board comes with a storage bag, which makes it easy to store and transport the board. The only downsides are that the chess pieces are a bit smaller than some people might prefer, the chess board is a bit smaller than some people might prefer, and the chess board might be a bit too light for some people’s liking.
6 Inches Magnetic Unique Chess Set Board Game – 2 Extra Queens – Folding Board, Portable Travel Chess Board Game Pieces – Black/Grey
If you’re looking for a portable and magnetic chess set, the 6 Inches Magnetic Unique Chess Set Board Game is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The magnetic feature of the chess pieces is a plus, especially when playing on the go.
- The set comes with 2 extra queens, adding an extra level of excitement to the game.
- The folding board design makes it easy to store and carry around.
Cons
- The chess pieces are a bit small, which may make them difficult to handle for some people.
- The board is made of wood veneer, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- The set only comes with 12 extra pawns, which may not be enough for some players.
We’ve used this chess set for a few games, and we’re impressed with its overall quality. The magnetic feature of the chess pieces is a great addition, as it prevents the pieces from falling off the board when playing on a bumpy surface. The set also comes with 2 extra queens, which is a nice touch and adds an extra level of excitement to the game.
The folding board design is also a plus, as it makes it easy to store and carry around. The set comes with a storage bag, which is a great addition and helps keep the pieces safe during transportation.
However, we do have a few minor complaints about the set. The chess pieces are a bit small, which may make them difficult to handle for some people. Additionally, the board is made of wood veneer, which may not be as durable as other materials. Finally, the set only comes with 12 extra pawns, which may not be enough for some players.
Overall, we think the 6 Inches Magnetic Unique Chess Set Board Game is a great option for anyone looking for a portable and magnetic chess set. Its magnetic feature, extra queens, and folding board design make it a great choice for both casual and serious players.
AMEROUS 15 Inches Magnetic Wooden Chess Set – 2 Extra Queens – Folding Board – Pieces Storage Slots, Handmade Portable Travel Chess Game – Beginner Chess Set for Kids, 6 up Age
If you’re looking for a portable and durable chess set, the AMEROUS 15 Inches Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is a great option.
Pros
- The foldable and portable design makes it easy to carry and store.
- The 100% beech wood pieces are handmade and smooth, with no sharp edges.
- The magnetic locking system keeps the pieces from falling off when the board is folded.
Cons
- The pieces can be a bit heavy for young children to move around.
- The felt storage bag could be more durable.
- The squares on the board could be a bit larger for easier piece placement.
This chess set is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a compact and portable option. The foldable design allows you to easily store the pieces in the board, and the magnetic locking system ensures they stay in place. The handmade wooden pieces are of high quality and have a nice weight to them. The only potential downside is that the pieces may be a bit heavy for young children to move around, but this is a minor issue.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and portable chess set, the AMEROUS 15 Inches Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is definitely worth considering.
Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5 Inches Travel Chess Set – Folding Board with Storage Box & 2 Extra Queen.
If you’re looking for a portable and magnetic chess set, the Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5 Inches Travel Chess Set is a great option.
Pros
- The foldable magnetic chess board is of high quality, and it comes with a storage box that has 2 extra queens.
- The magnetic chess pieces are made of wood and coated with non-toxic paint, making them safe for children.
- The chess set is portable and easy to carry, making it perfect for travel.
Cons
- The chess pieces are quite small, which may make them difficult to handle for people with larger hands.
- The magnetic force of the chess pieces is not very strong, which may cause them to fall off the board easily.
- The storage box is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.
We’ve used the Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5 Inches Travel Chess Set, and we’ve found it to be a great option for those who want a portable and magnetic chess set. The foldable magnetic chess board is of high quality, and it comes with a storage box that has 2 extra queens. The magnetic chess pieces are made of wood and coated with non-toxic paint, making them safe for children. However, the chess pieces are quite small, which may make them difficult to handle for people with larger hands. The magnetic force of the chess pieces is not very strong, which may cause them to fall off the board easily. The storage box is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a portable and magnetic chess set, the Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5 Inches Travel Chess Set is a great option. However, if you have larger hands or want a more durable storage box, you may want to consider other options.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best travel chess set, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various sets, and here are some features to look for:
Size and Portability
One of the most important factors to consider is the size and portability of the set. A good travel chess set should be compact and easy to carry around. It should fit comfortably in a backpack or briefcase without taking up too much space. Look for sets that come with a carrying case or bag for added convenience.
Quality and Durability
The quality and durability of the set are also important considerations. A good travel chess set should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. Look for sets that are made of sturdy materials such as wood or plastic, and that have a durable finish that can resist scratches and other damage.
Design and Style
The design and style of the set are also important factors to consider. A good travel chess set should have a design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Look for sets that have a simple and elegant design that can appeal to a wide range of users. Some sets also come with unique designs or themes that can add a personal touch to your travel experiences.
Playing Surface and Pieces
Finally, consider the playing surface and pieces of the set. A good travel chess set should have a playing surface that is easy to set up and store, and that provides a stable and level playing surface. Look for sets that have a magnetic or snap-together playing surface that can make setup and storage quick and easy. The pieces should also be of high quality and should be easy to move and store. Some sets also come with additional features such as storage compartments or magnets to keep the pieces in place.
By considering these factors, you can find the best travel chess set that meets your needs and preferences.
