Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5 Inches Travel Chess Set - Folding Board with Storage Box & 2 Extra Queen.

Bought for my grandson and he loves it

Excellent product. Solid build quality. Secure latching mechanism. Strong magnets (but not too strong to lift the board). Excellent customer support from Chess Armory when I needed replacement pieces. Thrilled.

Great little set for travel

I ordered this on a whim as an inexpensive travel chess set and am pleasantly surprised. I read a number of reviews that have commented that this set was smaller than expected and about QC issues so I wanted to make some comments on my experience. I actually quite like this little travel set that can be purchased for about what a McDonalds value meal costs.The good: The plastic pieces, although quite light, are well made with no rough edges or seam marks. They have a thin faux felt sticker bottom that cover small magnets in the base. The magnets are well balanced in that they are not too strong during movement, but they keep the pieces from sliding or falling with minor vibration such as from in a plane or car. The folding board is stable in the open position, has a tasteful design, and has chess notation references along the edges which is welcome. An extra queen is included for both players which is really nice. The board is a bit stiff to open at first, but becomes smoother after a few dozen openings. Overall, very playable and well executed.The bad: Although I have had no issues thus far, the board’s hinges are simply folding plastic (like a flip top bottle lid) and I don’t think they will hold up over time if used often. The latching mechanism is also plastic, and again just my opinion, likely won’t last with frequent repeated us over time. All in all, the board seems a bit fragile in its construction if dropped or stuffed in a backpack hauled around on the subway and used a lot. If that is the case, I would pass on this one.A few more comments. Yes, it is small so check the measurements before ordering. I have had no QC issues.this should not be considered a primary chess set. I was looking for an occasional travel board I could take with me and use on an airplane seat tray table to go over chess games, or perhaps in some kind of vehicle for not a lot of money. For me, this set is perfect even if only for a couple years of use. If this is your expectation as well, then this is a pretty good set that wont ruin your day or your pocket book if it breaks or gets lost or stolen.If you intend to play on flat surfaces like park tables or in someone’s living room and perhaps haul around in a backpack or duffel bag, then I would say skip this set and get one of the silicone rolled boards and some weighted chess pieces instead. Hope this information helps in your decision.

Very well made the magnetism is perfect not to strong or to little. Good size board. Design is nice.

Set is perfect for traveling, it’s small and all the piece are stored inside of the board when you fold it closed. The pieces are magnetic and hold onto the board really good. They also give you a second king

Pieces stick well to the board, and they don't scratch it. Set comes with an extra pair of queens. The only thing I wish it came with is a small felt bag for storing pieces. I bought a $5 lazy susan and keep it in the corner at work.

Bought this as a temporary place holder for a back-ordered collector's edition House of Staunton wooden set for my 15 year old & he loves it so much that I don't know if he'll use the fancy one!Great for car rides, traveling of any kind. Magnets are strong enough to turn board upside down & shake without moving - this is especially handy when pausing a game overnight so the pieces don't move or for practicing on your own, for studying games, for oblivious canine/feline tails swinging into pieces as they walk by, for car rides, etc.Although the pieces stay put, the magnets don't impede playability at all - you hardly feel them when picking up or moving the pieces. It's also fun to stick your opponent's pieces on a metal surface, not gonna lie hahaha.Sturdy lil' 2" King. All the pieces are surprisingly well thought out & replicated in the classic Staunton style with the knight having more detail than even some high end sets. The extra queens are really nice to have & continue to mimic the feel of a fancy set.The grey & black contrast on the board is surprisingly easy on the eyes & help the pieces stand out, the algebraic notations are super helpful & stand out just enough to not be too distracting.Folds up into a kindle type size, a breeze to take on the go.Can't say enough about this little champion of a set, except that I should've learned my lesson when he was a toddler & the boxes that gifts came in were twice as fun as the toy itself lol, I see a fancy Staunton set collecting dust in our future 😆I've also seen it in smaller & in larger sizes and I honestly think this is the PERFECT size for a take-anywhere-any-time set. You can pop a squat on the front stoop & unfold it right there!I do fear the paint on the squares might easily scratch so keeping the board itself a carrying case/bag may not be a bad idea.Next day delivery too! So if you have read all of this, I say buy the dang board!