People love chess all across the globe. It can be quite addictive when you make the big move after building up your strategy slowly by slowly. If you play chess at home, why not take it on your vacation? In this way, you can find anyone and play a game of chess. It is a perfect way to relax and unwind the downtime while you are on a vacation. Take a short break from TV and mobile screens and exercise the brain with the best travel chess set while exercising the brain.
If you own nice chess set at home, it is very unlikely to carry it all the time with you. Also, heavy chess pieces are inconvenient to carry around. Here, size and weight can be a problem when it comes to taking a trip with a heavy chess board. That’s why you need to invest in magnetic travel chess sets. So, let’s know more about these magnetic travel chess sets right below!
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Contents
- History of Chess
- Why Should You Buy A Travel Chess Set?
- Top 8 Best Travel Chess Set Reviews
- 1. Chess Armory 15" Wooden Chess Set Interior Storage
- 2. aGreatLife Wooden Chess Set: Wooden Chess Board Game Set
- 3. Yellow Mountain Imports Magnetic Travel Chess Set
- 4. House of Chess - Wooden Magnetic Folding Travel Chess Set
- 5. GrowUpSmart Smart Tactics Folding Chess Set
- 6. Chess Bazar - Magnetic Travel Pocket Chess Set
- 7. KIDAMI Magnetic Travel Chess Set
- 8. Agirlgle International Chess Set with Wooden Chess Board
- Different Kinds of Travel Chess Set
- How To Choose The Best Travel Chess Set?
- Conclusion
History of Chess
The history of chess trails its way back to the 6th century in India. At that time, it was known as chaturanga. This term was used to describe the main four divisions of the military, which were elephantry, cavalry, chariot brigade, and infantry. It was a very popular game and emerged stronger by the 7th century when it stirred to Persia.
In Persia, the game came to know as shatranj, which connotes “100 worries”. When the King used to be under attack, people called out “Shah!” and when the king was helpless, the game used to get over with “Shah Mat!”
Later on, the chess spread over Northern Africa and paved its way to Europe and Russia. Around the 1300s, people from every corner started to play chess. The most noteworthy change occurred in the 15th century to the way we play today. Earlier, the queen could move just one square in all directions. Now, the queen was able to walk as far as she can in all directions. Eventually, it became a rule.
During the 18th century, chess became a subject of strategic manuals and countless books. Competitive players started to come up with unprecedented styles as average players learned how to gambit, taunt, and bait. In the mid-20th century, professional chess had emerged into a chess game with diplomatic propositions throughout Russia. Now, there are over 600 million people who play chess all over the world.
Why Should You Buy A Travel Chess Set?
A chess set works like a battlefield, where you put all of the practiced and learned tricks into the action. Certainly, you cannot play a game of chess unless you own a chess set. Here, you have the option to choose your battlefield. This means that you can opt for the chess board that suits you best. Everything will be quite easier if you have an idea about what you are actually looking for.
When you are selecting a chess set, you should ask yourself whether you are going to use it for home or travel. If you are looking for something that you can travel with, a travel chess set is what you eventually need. It is so because you cannot carry a highly ornate or heavy set while you are traveling on the road. Also, you would be left with enough space for other essential items in your luggage.
It is best for nomadic chess players to go with a chess set that fits perfectly into their bag. Travel chess sets would not undergo wear and tear when you move around. Under this category, you have options like folding chess boards or hollow boards. Within the hollow space, you can keep all the chess pieces inside.
Hollow chess boards are more convenient as you do not have to deal with chess pieces separately. However, folding chess boards can be quite bigger if size matters to you. You can even opt for magnetic boards. These boards allow you to play chess while you travel on airplanes or buses. Undoubtedly, a nice game of chess can alleviate the boredom of a long time perfectly.
So, travel chess sets come handy when you do not want to leave your chess board at home while traveling. These chess sets cheer up your mood when going through the downtime. Thus, buy a travel chess set and do not miss your game while you roam around the world. That’s why you should buy a travel chess set.
Top 8 Best Travel Chess Set Reviews
Here’s a list of the eight best travel chess sets. All of these chess sets are good and perfect for carrying around on your trips. So, let’s move further with the best travel chess set review!
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If you have a firm tabletop to play chess on, then this chess board is the ideal product for you. Chess Armory wooden chess set is a considerably inexpensive board that comes with belt storage. This makes it quite easy for transportation. The chess pieces of this set look really classy. However, these pieces are not heavy at all. It measures around 15” x 15” with 3” King Piece. So, opt for this editor’s pick for taking the level up!
Product Features:
- Wooden board with inlaid walnut
- Felted inside with straps for easier storage
- Handcrafted Staunton design chess pieces
- Foldable chess board
If you are not up for the editor’s pick for some reason, you can have a look at the alternative pick. This chess set is really great for beginners. It measures about 15” and the King piece measures over 3 inches. The chess set from aGreatLife features a foldable chess board and handmade chess pieces. All pieces come with a magnetic closure so that you would not misplace a piece.
Product Features:
- 15” foldablechess board
- Magnetized and hand-carved chess pieces
- Easy to carry and lightweight
- Come with a user manual
This budget pick is one of the perfect-sized magnetic travel chess sets. This is so because it is so small to travel with but enough big for a comfortable play. Its magnetic board and chess pieces make a lot easier to play a game of chess with quite an ease and without disruptions. So, this tiny and shiny chess set would not slip around. All of these features make it great for moving vehicles or vacations. So, choose this chess set at such an exciting price.
Product Features:
- Measurements: 9.7 x 9.7 x .95 inches
- Perfect size for easier transportation
- Come with a magnetic board
House of Chess magnetic travel chess set is the upgrade pick on this list. This chess board measures around 10 inches. It is a foldable magnetic travel chess set. The chess set comes with an extra pair of Queens and Pawns. There are algebraic notations carved on all the four borders of the board. It is a lot easier to carry around due to its protective velvet storage box.
Product Features:
- Chess board made of Maple and Ringy Rosewood wood combination
- Chess pieces made of Boxwood and Ringy Rosewood wood combination
- Come with a protective velvet storage box.
- Higher-quality chess set
GrowUpSmart chess set is another great pick. The chess board measures around 16 inches. It comes with a velvet-creased compartment for chess pieces. There are algebraic notations along the edges for easy and quick move identification. The premium-quality chess board is FSC-certified. There comes an instruction manual with the set for novices.
Product Features:
- Foldable chess board
- Made with FSC verified wood
- Safe to use for kids
- Come with an instruction manual
It is the best magnetic travel chess set as you can play a game of chess anytime anywhere with this chess set. When there is no tabletop to play on, you can have a chess game on this chess set. Place it anywhere on your lap or car seat. It is a fine version of smaller magnetic travel chess sets. The sturdy chess pieces of this set fit perfectly into molded spaces inside the folding chess board.
Product Features:
- Handmade Rosewood chess set
- 7” pocket-sized chess board
- Offer storage for chess pieces
Chess lovers who are in search of a medium-sized chess set can go with this Kidami folding magnetic chess set. In this chess set, magnets are quite reliable and not so strong that you cannot move. Here, the chess pieces have detailing of wood-grain textures. Thus, they are very lightweight without giving a cheap look. It measures about 12.4 x 10.6 x 0.8 inches.
Product Features:
- Well-crafted pieces with a grain-textured board
- Magnetic chess pieces
- Offer great portability
- Manufactured with high-grade plastic
Agirlgle International offers some of the best magnetic travel chess sets. This chess set from the company comprises a beautiful handcrafted folding board and salient metal chess pieces. These chess pieces are nothing like conventional white and black colors. The chess pieces come in copper and brass tones, which offer them a striking look.
Product Features:
- Scratch-resistant chess pieces
- Foldable chess board
- Weight just 3 lbs
- Metal lock mechanism
- Affordable chess set
Different Kinds of Travel Chess Set
Travel chess sets are specially designed so that they adhere to the chess board. These chess sets come mainly in two varieties, which are peg-in-slot and magnetic. Each of these chess sets has its own advantages and disadvantages. The magnetic travel chess sets look nicer, where there are no holes on the board for pieces to put in. There are various luxurious models available for magnetic travel chess sets.
The only problem with magnetic chess sets is that the pieces are prone to fall and lose if the magnet is not strong enough. It usually happens when you play a game of chess on a bumpy car ride. Meanwhile, peg-in-slot chess sets are more safe but more complex to move.
Hence, magnetic travel chess sets are more reliable and durable than the other one. Magnetic chess sets come in so many varieties. It becomes really difficult to choose the perfect chess set with so many choices available out there. To make things easier, we have listed the best magnetic travel chess sets available on the market. So, have a look at these chess sets right above and find perfect chess set for you!
How To Choose The Best Travel Chess Set?
Now, ardent chess players do not have to be away from their chess boards when they are on business trips or vacations. In the market, you will find a whole range of portable chess sets that are designed especially for easier transportation as well as easier playing. Some of the amazing features that make these boards great include:
Weight
The best thing about travel chess sets is they are considerably lighter than other chess sets. This is so because of their small size and materials used. These chess boards are constructed in a way so as to intentionally lessen weight. The lighter weight makes these boards really easy for transportation. So, you would not even feel that you are carrying so extra weight in your luggage.
Size
Travel chess sets are relatively smaller than normal chess boards. It makes them easier to employ in cramped or small places. In addition to this, you can easily pack them in the luggage. Definitely, you would not like to fit a tournament size chess set in your bag. So, travel chess sets are the best to carry around.
Portability
On top of that, the weight and size of a chess set add up to its overall portability. However, these two are not the only factors that determine portability. Moreover, something that is light and small does not always mean it will be a great portable chess set.
Stability
Magnetic travel chess sets come handy when you want the pieces to stick on the board. They are really helpful for people who are not yet graceful or play with an unsteady hand. These chess sets are also perfect for board lovers who play in unstable surroundings like a houseboat or RV setup.
Here, you need to be sure that the chess pieces will stay in place while you play and do not go up flying in all directions when you smash a tiny bump. Most of the travel chess sets also come with magnetized boards to help you with this.
Material
In the market, you will find chess pieces with different materials. Out of all, the most popular ones are wooden chess pieces and plastic chess pieces. If you play with expensive wooden chess pieces, then definitely you are not going to like the feel and weight of plastic pieces. However, if you can play with premium-quality plastic pieces, you can go with this cheapest option. Non-conventionalists will find chess sets that offer pieces and boards in unexpected sizes and shapes.
Budget
Last but not least, your budget also comes into play while buying a chess set. Just like full-sized chess sets, magnetic travel chess sets are also available in different price ranges. Firstly, make a decision on how much you are willing to pay for a new chess set.
Keep in mind that expensive chess sets are more attractive and of premium quality. Additionally, spending more on a chess set will ensure that the chess pieces move around a bit less and have stronger magnets. Now, you know which chess set you need to go with!
Conclusion
A chess set can be a lifesaver thing on the road for your next vacation. Here, you read about some of the best magnetic travel chess sets available out there. There are a lot of varieties available for the best travel chess set from thick chess boards to foldable chess boards. Some chess sets even feature innovative cases and sleeves that store chess pieces and the board perfectly.
As of now, these chess sets are the best ones on the market. Luckily, all of these chess sets are available at reasonable prices. Now, you do not have to sit through a boring train journey, road trip, or flight ever again with these portable chess sets. So, go with the editor’s pick to enjoy a nice game of chess. If you are looking for something cheaper, then the buyer’s pick is the right option for you. Other options are also great, check out all of them to find perfect magnetic travel chess set for you!
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