Travel chess sets provide the convenience of being able to play chess on the go, whether it be on a long journey, a picnic, or a vacation. These compact sets can easily fit into your luggage or backpack, allowing you to indulge your passion for chess wherever you may be.
Choosing the best travel chess set comes down to factors such as portability, durability, and aesthetics. The ideal set will balance these features to offer a pleasant and practical playing experience, without taking up excessive space or weight. Magnetic pieces can be a particularly useful feature, as they stay securely in place on the board, preventing disruptions due to movement or accidental bumps.
When selecting a travel chess set, pay attention to the size of the board and the pieces, ensuring they are easy to handle and comfortable for both you and your opponent. Material quality is also crucial, as you’ll want a set that can withstand the wear and tear of regular travel. Additionally, consider storage options with your set, as they should securely hold the pieces to avoid losing any during transportation.
In this article, we have spent numerous hours researching and testing various travel chess sets to identify those that offer the optimal balance of portability, durability, and ease of use, ensuring that your chess experience remains enjoyable no matter where you find yourself.
Best Chess Sets for Travel
Discover the top-rated chess sets that cater to the needs of avid travelers and chess enthusiasts alike. Dive into our curated list of the best travel-friendly chess sets available on Amazon.
AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set
A great choice for both kids and adults who enjoy chess and want a portable, high-quality set for travel.
Pros
- Enlightening and engaging for all ages
- Magnetic chessmen for stable gameplay
- Lightweight and foldable for easy travel
Cons
- Not suitable for highly competitive players
- Pieces may arrive chipped
- Magnets could be stronger in some cases
The AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is designed to be both an engaging tool for beginners and a versatile option for chess enthusiasts who want to take the game with them. The hand-carved wooden chess pieces are magnetic, so they remain securely on the board during travel, allowing you to enjoy the game without worrying about pieces falling off.
The lightweight and foldable design of the board make it easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in your luggage or bag when traveling. The compact size doesn’t compromise on playability, as the chess pieces are large enough to handle with ease. The smooth surface of the chess board and pieces provides a pleasant tactile experience, giving the set a premium feel.
Overall, the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is an excellent investment for those who want to combine fun and learning with a portable option. While it may not be suitable for highly competitive players, it’s perfect for casual players, beginners, and travelers who appreciate the convenience of a well-made magnetic chess set.
Vahome Magnetic Chess Board Set
The Vahome Magnetic Chess Board Set is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players looking for a portable, high-quality chess set.
Pros
- High-quality wood construction
- Strong magnetic pieces
- Convenient foldable design with storage slots
Cons
- Slightly expensive compared to other sets
- Possible occasional missing magnets in pieces
- Might feel small for some players
The Vahome Magnetic Chess Board Set, with its 15-inch wooden board, is made from pine and peach wood, giving it both a premium feel and durability. It’s an ideal travel companion, especially with its strong magnets ensuring that the pieces stay in place even when turned upside down. This feature comes in handy during outdoor play, where windy conditions may pose difficulties.
Each chess piece is crafted meticulously, with a great size and easy-to-grasp design. The handmade wooden pieces wear a thin layer of felt on their bottoms to maintain magnetism and protect the chessboard from scratches. Additionally, the foldable chessboard offers convenience when storing away or during travel. Foam inserts keep the pieces secured in place within the box when it’s closed.
Suitable for beginners and proficient players alike, this chess set makes for a thoughtful gift for kids and adults. The classic strategy board game brings together families and friends for a perfect game night or for occasions such as birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries.
In summary, the Vahome Magnetic Chess Board Set is an excellent and reliable option for those looking for a portable and beautifully crafted chess set for every occasion. Its high-quality wooden construction and magnetic features provide a fantastic gameplay experience both at home and on the go.
Bucher&Rossini Magnetic Chess Set
This Bucher&Rossini Chess Set is an excellent choice for travel enthusiasts and casual players alike due to its magnetic, compact, and stylish design.
Pros
- High-quality faux leather and wood materials
- Magnetic board and pieces for stability during travel
- Compact and portable foldable design
Cons
- Not suitable for serious competitive players
- Faux leather might not be as durable as genuine leather
- Limited to 6 years and up due to small pieces
This Bucher&Rossini magnetic chess set offers a unique and appealing design, covered in faux leather. It adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining functionality for the players. The snap closure makes it secure, and the individually protected compartments keep each piece in its proper place.
The magnetic feature of this chess set is a game-changer for those who travel or play on the move. It ensures the pieces stay in place, allowing players to focus on their game without worrying about disruptions. The board also has coordinates on the sides, which can help beginners or those trying to improve their skills.
Overall, the Bucher&Rossini Magnetic Chess Set is ideal for both adults and kids who enjoy chess and appreciate a touch of style. Although it is not designed for serious chess players, it is perfect for the casual player or as a gift for someone starting to learn the game. With its portable design and magnetic features, it is definitely worth considering as your next travel chess set.
QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set
An ideal travel-sized chess set with light magnetism that’s perfect for both kids and adults seeking an engaging and portable game.
Pros
- High-quality and lightweight HIPS plastic material
- Light magnetism for stable gameplay
- Compact and foldable for easy storage and portability
Cons
- Magnets not strong enough to hold pieces when turned upside down
- Could be pricey at full cost
- Top of the board may have a little bump
The QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set is a fantastic option when looking for a compact and portable chess set. It’s made of durable and lightweight HIPS plastic with a fine texture, providing a smooth hand-feel. The chess pieces themselves are well-crafted and make this set look more high-end than it is.
One of the main highlights of this set is the light magnetism that the individual pieces have with the 64-square playing field. This feature is great for a stable yet enjoyable game, without making it difficult to move the pieces around. But take note that the magnetism may not be strong enough to hold the pieces if you turn the board upside-down.
The portability of this chess set is unbeatable. Its foldable design allows you to store the chess pieces inside the board, making it super easy to carry and pack for trips, vacations, or even just a day at the park. With an open size of 9.84 x 9.84 x 0.78 inches, it’s big enough for a comfortable gaming experience while not taking up too much space when closed; measuring a mere 9.84 x 4.92 x 1.56 inches.
Overall, the QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set is a great investment for those who love chess and want a convenient and portable way to play. Despite some minor drawbacks like the magnetism, it offers a quality experience and can be used by players of any age and skill level.
Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever
A fantastic travel chess set with a foldable silicone board and weighted Staunton pieces, perfect for players of all levels.
Pros
- Durable, foldable silicone board
- Weighted, easy-to-handle Staunton pieces
- Includes a strategy guide for beginners
Cons
- Not as compact as other travel sets
- Silicone board may require cleaning
- Weight may not be suitable for very young kids
Having recently played with the Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever, I was impressed by the quality of the components and the convenience of the foldable silicone board. The 20″x20″ board is spill-proof, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, making it a great option for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Staunton pieces themselves are weighted and have a nice feel to them. They feature 4″ kings and 2.2″ pawns, as well as extra queens which I found useful during gameplay. Although the set might be a bit larger and heavier than other travel sets, I think it strikes a good balance between playability and portability.
The addition of a 32-page illustrated strategy guide is an excellent touch, especially for beginners who want to improve their skills. The guide covers various tactics and strategies, which I found helpful in understanding the game better.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Chess Geeks Best Chess Set Ever to anyone looking for a high-quality travel chess set. The foldable silicone board and the weighted Staunton pieces ensure a great playing experience, and the strategy guide can help beginners improve their game.
Buying Guide
Size and Portability
When looking for the best chess set for travel, the first thing to consider is size and portability. Look for a set that is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry without sacrificing the quality of the pieces and board.
Magnetic or Non-Magnetic
Magnetic chess sets are helpful for keeping pieces in place during travel or if playing in a moving vehicle. If you don’t need this feature, a non-magnetic set might be more suitable and may come in a wider range of designs.
Material
Choose a material that will be durable and easy to clean as it may be exposed to different environments and wear during travel. Common materials for travel chess sets include:
- Plastic: Lightweight and low-cost, but may not be as durable as other materials
- Wood: Classic look and feel, but may be bulkier and heavier than other options
- Silicone: Flexible and easy to clean, but may not hold its shape as well as plastic or wood
Storage
Some travel chess sets come with built-in storage for the pieces, which can be a great feature for keeping everything organized and protected during transport. Consider sets with compartments or pouches to store the pieces when not in use.
Ease of Use
Consider the design of the board and the size of the pieces when selecting a travel chess set. Smaller pieces may be more difficult to handle and move, while larger pieces may take up more space on the board.
Price
Think about your budget when searching for the best chess set for travel. Keep in mind that higher-priced sets often have more features and are made from higher-quality materials. However, there are still good options available within a lower price range.
By considering these features and factors, you will be able to choose the best travel chess set that meets your needs and preferences.