For chess enthusiasts who frequently travel, portable chess sets can be quite advantageous. Compact and convenient to carry, these sets enable you to indulge in a strategic game regardless of your location—whether it’s a park, a train ride, or during a monotonous layover. However, it’s important to remember that not all travel chess sets are created equal. Selecting one that is durable, visually pleasing, and equipped with properly sized pieces for ease of play is essential. Through meticulous research, hands-on experience, and comprehensive evaluation, this article reveals the best travel chess sets available in the market.
Best Travel Chess Set
Finding the perfect travel chess set can significantly enhance your gaming experience away from home. The set should be lightweight, easy to pack, yet sturdy enough for regular use. Additionally, the pieces should be substantial enough to handle and clearly distinguishable from one another. Considering the array of choices in the market, it can be quite overwhelming to select the perfect one for your needs. In this article, we have created a list of the best travel chess sets that have been meticulously tested and evaluated, to aid you in making an informed choice.
Our evaluation process considers several essential factors, including size, weight, material quality, design, and overall value for money. We’ve also taken into account the style of the gameboard and the sturdiness of the chessmen. Having used each of these sets ourselves, we are able to provide you with all the necessary details, from the feel of the pieces in your hand to the ease of the board’s setup and pack-up. By the end of this article, you will have all the insights you need to select the best travel chess set for your game on the go.
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 chess set that’s easy to carry around and store, the AMEROUS 15 Inches Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set is handmade and made of high-quality materials, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The chess pieces are made of zinc alloy and coated with a non-toxic ABS material, making them safe for children to play with.
- The set comes with 2 extra queens, making it perfect for beginners who are still learning the game.
Cons
- The chess board is made of eight ply wood and covered with English Walnut veneer, which may make it heavier than some other portable chess sets.
- The pieces may be a bit small for some players, especially those with larger hands.
- The set is a bit pricey compared to some other portable chess sets on the market.
Overall, we would recommend the AMEROUS 15 Inches Magnetic Wooden Chess Set to anyone who is looking for a high-quality, portable chess set. The set is easy to set up and store, and the chess pieces are of high quality and safe for children to play with. The set also comes with 2 extra queens, making it perfect for beginners. However, the set may be a bit heavy and pricey for some players.
Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5 Inches Travel Chess Set – Folding Board with Storage Box & 2 Extra Queen
If you’re looking for a compact and portable chess set, the Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5 Inches Travel Chess Set is a great option.
Pros
- The foldable chess board is made of beech wood, and the pieces are made of high-quality plastic and metal alloy, making them durable and long-lasting.
- The chess pieces are magnetic, which makes them easy to store and transport.
- The set comes with a foldable board, 2 extra queens, a storage box, and a chess board bag, making it easy to take your chess game on the go.
Cons
- The pieces may be a bit small for some players, making them difficult to handle.
- The chess board may not be sturdy enough for some players, causing it to warp or bend over time.
- The set may not be suitable for advanced or professional players, as the pieces may not be of the highest quality.
Overall, the Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5 Inches Travel Chess Set is a great option for those looking for a compact and portable chess set. The foldable board, magnetic pieces, and storage box make it easy to take your chess game on the go, while the high-quality materials ensure that the set is durable and long-lasting. However, the small size of the pieces and potential durability issues may make it less suitable for advanced or professional players.
Magnetic Travel Chess Set with Folding Chess Board Educational Toys for Kids and Adults, 2 Players
If you’re looking for a portable and magnetic chess set, the Magnetic Travel Chess Set with Folding Chess Board is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The magnetic pieces are of high quality and never fall off the board, ensuring a safe and secure game.
- The chess board is easy to store and carry around, making it perfect for travel.
- The chess set is suitable for both kids and adults, making it a versatile option for anyone who loves chess.
Cons
- The chess board could be a bit larger for more comfortable gameplay.
- The pieces could be a bit heavier for a more solid feel.
- The price could be a bit higher for the quality of the set.
The Magnetic Travel Chess Set with Folding Chess Board is a great choice for anyone who wants to play chess on the go. The magnetic pieces are of high quality and never fall off the board, ensuring a safe and secure game. The chess board is easy to store and carry around, making it perfect for travel. The chess set is suitable for both kids and adults, making it a versatile option for anyone who loves chess.
One potential downside of the set is that the chess board could be a bit larger for more comfortable gameplay. Additionally, the pieces could be a bit heavier for a more solid feel. Finally, the price could be a bit higher for the quality of the set.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable and magnetic chess set, the Magnetic Travel Chess Set with Folding Chess Board is definitely worth considering.
Chess Set Board Games, Rinten 12 Inch Leather Magnetic Chess Board Game Sets with Velvet Bag Packaging – Beginner Large Travel Chess Set & Checkers Sets for Kids and Adults
If you’re looking for a high-quality magnetic chess set, the Rinten 12 Inch Leather Magnetic Chess Board Game Set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 12×12 inch magnetic chess board is made of high-quality leather, making it durable and long-lasting.
- The magnetic chess pieces are made of metal, making them heavy and sturdy, which helps to prevent them from toppling over.
- The chess set comes with a luxurious felt bag for easy storage and transportation.
Cons
- The white king piece may have a slight manufacturing defect, causing it to tilt to one side.
- The chess board may have a slight odor when first opened.
- The chess set is a bit expensive compared to other magnetic chess sets on the market.
We’ve used the Rinten 12 Inch Leather Magnetic Chess Board Game Set for several weeks now, and we’re very impressed with its quality and durability. The leather chess board is soft to the touch and feels great on the hands. The magnetic chess pieces are also of high quality and are easy to move around the board.
One of the things we really like about this chess set is the luxurious felt bag it comes with. It’s perfect for storing and transporting the chess set, and it helps to protect the pieces from getting damaged. The bag is also very stylish and adds to the overall appeal of the chess set.
However, we did notice a slight manufacturing defect with the white king piece, which caused it to tilt to one side. This could be a bit annoying for some players, but it’s not a major issue. We also noticed a slight odor when we first opened the chess set, but it went away after a few days.
Overall, we think the Rinten 12 Inch Leather Magnetic Chess Board Game Set is a great investment for anyone who loves chess. It’s a bit expensive, but the quality and durability of the set make it worth the price.
Mini Chess Set – Vikutu 5.11 Inch Small Portable Travel Chess Set – Magnetic Chess Board Set – Super Fun for Party Travel Family Game 2 players
If you’re looking for a portable and compact chess set, the Mini Chess Set by Vikutu is a great option.
Pros
- The chess pieces are made of metal and the chess board is made of wood, giving it a sturdy and premium feel.
- The chess board folds in half, making it easy to store and carry around.
- The chess pieces stay firmly in place on the board due to the strong magnets.
Cons
- The chess pieces are a bit smaller than standard size, which may make them difficult to handle for some people.
- The chess board is only 5.11 inches, which may make it difficult to play for people with larger hands or eyesight issues.
- The chess pieces may occasionally fall off the board when moved too quickly or roughly.
This chess set is perfect for those who want to play chess on the go. The metal chess pieces and wooden chess board give it a premium feel, and the strong magnets ensure that the chess pieces stay firmly in place on the board. The chess board folds in half, making it easy to store and carry around. However, the chess pieces are a bit smaller than standard size, which may make them difficult to handle for some people. Additionally, the chess board is only 5.11 inches, which may make it difficult to play for people with larger hands or eyesight issues. Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and portable chess set, the Mini Chess Set by Vikutu is a great option.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best travel chess set, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various travel chess sets and have found the following factors to be the most important.
Size and Portability
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a travel chess set is its size and portability. A good travel chess set should be compact and easy to carry around. It should fit comfortably in a backpack or a briefcase without taking up too much space.
When looking for a travel chess set, consider the size of the board and the size of the pieces. The board should be small enough to fit in a travel case, but large enough to play comfortably. The pieces should be small enough to fit in the travel case, but large enough to handle comfortably.
Material
Another important factor to consider when choosing a travel chess set is the material. The set should be made of durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. Look for sets made of high-quality wood, plastic, or metal.
When choosing a travel chess set, consider the weight of the set as well. A lightweight set is easier to carry around and will not add too much weight to your luggage.
Storage
A good travel chess set should come with a storage case or a travel bag. This will protect the set during travel and will keep the pieces from getting lost or damaged.
Additional Features
Some travel chess sets come with additional features such as a storage compartment for the pieces, a built-in chess clock, or a magnetic board. These features can enhance the playing experience and make the set more convenient to use.
When choosing a travel chess set, consider your needs and preferences. Look for a set that is compact, durable, and easy to carry around. With so many options available, you are sure to find the perfect travel chess set for your needs.
