Trifold Magnetic Chess

My family absolutely LOVES this thing. We have a regular not-for-travel chess board made out of wood that looks nice at home but would definitely not take traveling because it is big and heavy. This tiny little thing, however, is amazing and we can take it anywhere! The magnets are very strong and the pieces do not slide off the board when you pick it up (or snatch it out of your opponent's hand). The pictures on the chess pieces are easily discernable and they even give you a couple extra blank pieces in case you lose others. Pretty genius. Can't go wrong with this set, seriously. Someone commented that they didn't like the way it closes because the magnet on one end is not strong enough to stay closed. The board folds into thirds; the section outside of the chess board square that holds the chess pieces folds over one half of the actual chess board and the other half of the chess board folds over that (on top of the chess pieces). If the section holding the chess pieces had a stronger magnet on the outside then that would help keep the thing closed. However, because of it's size, it is so easy to tuck away anywhere so I don't see any issues with this coming open during travel. Plus, I care more about the chess pieces staying in place, the size of it all and how difficult or easy it is to move the pieces during play. With that in mind, I would 100% recommend this chess set.

This is my smallest and cheapest chess set, in a collection that includes a couple of $200+ wooden sets and a few travel sets. Very minimalist in appearance, it also happens to be my most useful set. It fits comfortably in a shirt pocket and holds the pieces firmly in place. This small magnetic set is perfect for study and setting up/playing through book positions and problems. I find it superior to a smartphone board for this purpose due to less eyestrain (from staring too long at computer lighting) and no drain on the phone battery. I also like the larger board and the tactile factor of moving pieces around by hand. The third panel for organizing and holding pieces in place is a terrific feature that's not commonly found - if at all - in other pocket chess sets. To sum up: for the low price, a perfect pocket study and analysis set that's very easy to handle and not at all bad looking. It's also OK for actual on-the-go game playing, but for this purpose, I prefer a travel (not necessarily pocket) set that's larger and fully three-dimensional.

This chess set can be used for play virtually almost anywhere, it looks nice, and works well. The magnetic pieces are strong enough to hold onto the board, except for in my case where one of the pawns has a weaker magnetic charge than the rest of the pieces. As such, it is easier to move around by accident and I will often open my set to a haphazard set of pieces bumped around by the rogue pawn, or the pawn will sometimes accidentally fall out of the case. It is impossible to buy individual replacement pieces so you will have to buy a second set if you're worried about this happening.

It's well made, right size, easy to distinguish the pieces and the magnets are strong enough stay in place.

This is a very nice size travel set. You can pull it out at lunch to work on a puzzle or variations. Or if you feel the need to demolish a friend … lol.. However, the pieces , although magnetic, have weak magnets. They cant be stronger otherwise it’d drive you crazy with each move, but they easily fly off if bumped. And the sides of the set do not allow them to stay securely inside. What i do is carry the entire thing in a zip lock so that i don’t lose any pieces and the zip lock doesn’t take up any extra room in my coat pocket or briefcase. These small travel sets are worth the money. Also helps during a commute (only if you’re not driving obviously).

It’s perfect and compact! Easy to grab and go!

This has been great for plane rides and other on the go play. I appreciate the extra queens they add. It’s about the size and thickness of a check book. The quality seems like it’ll hold up for many years of play. I was drawn to this one because there’s space to put the captured pieces. And you can fold it up and stop in the middle of a game and continue later without the pieces moving around. I use the blank pieces to mark who’s turn it is in case I can’t finish a game. This would make a cool gift!

I was hoping to buy a small portable chess set to work on problems and as a study tool. However, it has a rather noticeable musty odor and will require at least a month to air out before I can use it regularly. Apparently the PU leather this set is made out of picks up mold/mildew rather easily. Sort of defeats the purpose of buying it, right? Otherwise, it looks like it would get done what I needed it for.