Weight - If chess is your downtime go-to activity, your travel chess set is with you every day. You can't have the weight of a nice wooden set dragging you down while on-the-go. But you also don't want the pieces to be too light that they might skip a square while going through some turbulence. Be sure to assess the weight of your chosen travel chess set against where you'll be playing and what you'll be carrying.

Storage - Whether you're slipping your travel chess set into your briefcase or playing across a coffee table, there will always be 32 individual pieces to gather up and safely store. Many boards will fold in half, and the storage for the chess pieces will be inside the folded board. Others, the travel chess set will come with drawstring bags for the pieces. Just be sure you always remember to grab both the pieces and the board before heading out on your trip.If you opt for a travel set, there are magnetic chess boards that will hold the pieces in place if you’re playing on a moving vehicle like a car or a plane. A magnetic chess board should be lightly magnetized so that pieces stay in place but aren’t difficult to move around. When it comes to travel you need a set that’s portable in size with strong magnets to keep the pieces in place. The perfect small playable gift chess set. Portable, fun and lightweight with great looking magnetic pieces, this 9″ chess set is large enough to play and yet small enough to easily travel with you. The best travel sets will not only have portability while on the move but also stability during play. Some travel chess sets will have "feet" of sorts that keep the board sturdy during play; some will have fasteners to keep the board level if moved across tray tables. Portability is the whole reason you're looking for a travel chess set and not a chess set. Travel Chess Set FAQ Q: Do travel sets lay flat? Get the chequered challenge underway with two ways to play, with the Jaques of London Magnetic Chess Set with draughts pieces. The perfect beginners travel game for those looking to learn, or for more experienced players hoping to take their chessmen mobile, Jaques continue our proud heritage of chess design. From the world-standard design of the Staunton chess pieces, to our broad range of modern family games, when it comes to chess play, Jaques are the Kings and Queens.

No matter what your level of experience with chess is, you can benefit from a chess board in your home. To start, there are many decorative chess boards that will enhance your décor. You can set it up in a home office, den or other area to add a little something. If guests come to visit, they may even choose to start up a game. It’s a pleasure to play chess on this set with beautifully crafted wood chessmen and matching board in Rosewood color. The magnets easily keep the pieces in place on the board even if it’s tilted or bumped while in use. Magnetic pieces keep the pieces in place when it gets bumpy. The chessboard is protected inside a soft, zippered case with an extra section for pieces. Chess pieces can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal and plastic. To get the darker chess pieces, manufacturers will typically use a darker wood like ebony or rosewood. Sheesham is a popular wood type for the natural brown types of chess pieces. You’ll find chess pieces made from bud rosewood are extremely rare, which means you’ll pay a premium for sets made from it.

Our Picks For The Top Chess Boards

Look at the size of the chess pieces. While piece size is a matter of personal preference, you likely want to make sure your chess pieces are proportionate to your board. There is some wiggle room here, as long as the pieces fit comfortably within the squares. USCF regulation chess boards have squares that are 2.25 inches, with the king’s height being 3.75 inches. This unique, magnetic chess set is designed with a very unusual round style, a beautiful contrast to the every day square chess set. It will easily entertain children or adults who venture into a game with one another. Magnetism - Most travel chess sets will have magnetic boards and pieces. Weigh the size of your fingers, the size of the pieces, what you're traveling in against the strength of the magnets in the pieces. If you're traveling on a train, the magnets don't need to be as strong; train rides are relatively smooth. But in planes and cars with unexpected bumps and turns, a travel chess set with stronger magnetism is ideal.