Best Portable Chess Set for On-the-Go Strategy Gaming

Chess is a game that has been enjoyed for centuries, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. One of the reasons for this is that it’s a game that can be played anywhere, at any time. However, traditional chess sets can be cumbersome and difficult to transport, which is where portable chess sets come in.

A portable chess set is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go. Whether you’re traveling, camping, or just want to play a quick game during your lunch break, a portable chess set is the perfect solution.

When choosing a portable chess set, there are a few things to consider. The size and weight of the set are important, as you want it to be easy to carry around. The material of the pieces and board is also important, as you want them to be durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of travel.

We spent hours researching and testing various portable chess sets to identify the best ones on the market. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out. You can also check out our overall best chess set round up.

Best Portable Chess Sets

We at our website have researched and tested various portable chess sets to bring you the best options available in the market. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, a portable chess set can be a great investment for your entertainment on the go. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best portable chess sets that offer excellent quality, durability, and portability. So without further ado, let’s dive into the list and find the perfect portable chess set for you.

Juegoal 20″ Portable Chess & Checkers Set

If you’re searching for a portable chess set, the Juegoal 20″ Portable Chess & Checkers Set is a great option.

Pros

• The board is dual functional and meets US Chess Federation and FIDE requirements for Official Tournament use.
• The folding chess board mat is made of thick rubber and is UV and scratch-resistant.
• The set is perfect for both learning and entertainment.

Cons

• Not suitable for children under the age of 4 years due to small parts.
• The pieces could be heavier.
• The set does not come with a clock.

We recently purchased this set and were impressed with the quality of the board and pieces. The board measures 20 inches with 2.25 inch squares, and the boundaries are designed using numbers and letters algebraic coordinates to describe and record chess moves. The board is easy to roll up and store in the included green carry storage canvas bag. The bag has plenty of storage space for the chess and checkers pieces as well.

The folding chess board mat is made of thick rubber and features a clear pattern. It can be laid flat on your table, providing a pleasant heavy weight surface that is hard to wrinkle and stain. While we recommend storing it flat or rolled, this floppy chess board mat is very light but very strong and will easily fold to a compact size for travel.

The set includes 32 chess pieces and 24 checker pieces, as well as 2 extra Queens and 2 extra checkers for easy promotions. An easy-to-understand instruction is attached to provide some extra help to use the game board. This portable chess kit is suitable for outdoor/indoor use and is perfect for Christmas gifts, family gatherings, picnics, birthdays, and parties.

In summary, if you’re in the market for a portable chess set, the Juegoal 20″ Portable Chess & Checkers Set is a great option. It’s perfect for both learning and entertainment and comes with a convenient storage bag.

AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set

If you’re looking for a portable and high-quality chess set, the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The magnetic chess pieces are very strong and won’t fall off during the game, making it perfect for playing on the go.
• The folding board is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around and travel with.
• The wooden material used to make the chess set is of high quality, ensuring optimal touch comfort while playing.

Cons

• The chess pieces may be a bit too large for some people to handle comfortably.
• The board may be a bit too small for some players’ preferences.
• The price may be a bit steep for some people.

We recently had the chance to test out the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set, and we were impressed with its practical and multi-functional design. The magnetic chess pieces are very strong and won’t fall off during the game, which is a great feature for playing on the go. The folding board is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around and travel with. The wooden material used to make the chess set is of high quality, ensuring optimal touch comfort while playing.

One thing to keep in mind is that the chess pieces may be a bit too large for some people to handle comfortably. Additionally, the board may be a bit too small for some players’ preferences. Finally, the price may be a bit steep for some people.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the AMEROUS Magnetic Wooden Chess Set to anyone looking for a portable and high-quality chess set. It’s perfect for beginners and those who want to play on the go, and it’s also a great tool for enlightening kids and stimulating their intelligence.

Vahome Magnetic Chess Board Set

We highly recommend the Vahome Magnetic Chess Board Set for anyone looking for a high-quality and portable chess set that is perfect for both beginners and professionals.

Pros

• The high-quality wood chess board is made of pine and peach wood material, which provides a smooth surface with magnetism and is neatly cut without sharp edges. The large chess board measures 15 inches x 15 inches, and 1.61 inches for each square.
• The strong magnetic chess set ensures that chess pieces won’t tip over, even when turned upside down, since there are magnets on the surface of the whole board and the bottom of the pieces.
• The handmade wooden chess pieces are beautifully carved, great size, and easy to grasp. The underside of each piece is covered in the thinnest felt to keep pieces magnetic and protect the chessboard from scratching.

Cons

• The magnets may not be strong enough to hold the board at a slope as illustrated in the advertisement.
• The product has a strong plastic smell when first opened.
• The price is higher than some other options on the market.

The Vahome Magnetic Chess Board Set is a great product for those who are looking for a high-quality chess set. The wood chess board is made of pine and peach wood material, which provides a smooth surface with magnetism and is neatly cut without sharp edges. The strong magnetic chess set ensures that the chess pieces won’t tip over, even when turned upside down, since there are magnets on the surface of the whole board and the bottom of the pieces. Additionally, the handmade wooden chess pieces are beautifully carved, great size, and easy to grasp. The underside of each piece is covered in the thinnest felt to keep pieces magnetic and protect the chessboard from scratching.

One downside to the product is that the magnets may not be strong enough to hold the board at a slope as illustrated in the advertisement. Additionally, the product has a strong plastic smell when first opened, which may be a concern for some users. Finally, the price is higher than some other options on the market. However, we believe that the quality of the product justifies the higher price.

Overall, we highly recommend the Vahome Magnetic Chess Board Set for anyone looking for a high-quality and portable chess set that is perfect for both beginners and professionals. It is foldable and easy to store, making it a great travel game that can easily fit in a backpack. It is also a nice gift for kids and adults, making it a classic strategy board game for all ages.

Hurdaos Magnetic Wooden Chess Board & Crafted Pieces Set

We highly recommend the Hurdaos Magnetic Wooden Chess Board & Crafted Pieces Set for anyone looking for a portable and high-quality chess set.

Pros

• The chess set is made of excellent quality walnut and maple wood, giving it a classic and nicely finished feel.
• The magnetic chess board is large enough to play comfortably but compact enough to be easily carried around. The brass hinges allow the board to be flexibly extended without warping.
• The magnetic chessmen are handcrafted and constructed of nice quality wood, with a built-in strong magnetism that keeps the pieces in place even if the board is jostled or tilted.

Cons

• The magnets on the chessmen could be a bit stronger.
• Some pieces might have glue that is not well installed.
• The smell of the set was awful at first, but it seems to be going away with time.

The Hurdaos Magnetic Wooden Chess Board & Crafted Pieces Set is an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals. The set is easy to set up and store, and the unique board itself is a storage box, with interior foam inserts to securely hold each piece, preventing rattling and loss while carrying.

The folding chess board is also a great feature, making it easy to take the set on the go. The set is perfect for tournaments, learners, or display in living rooms or sitting rooms. It’s a safe and smooth edge chess set for kids and adults, helping to keep your mind and thoughts in shape. Plus, it comes with two extra queens for pawn promotion rule.

Overall, we highly recommend the Hurdaos Magnetic Wooden Chess Board & Crafted Pieces Set for anyone looking for a portable and high-quality chess set.

QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set

If you’re looking for a portable chess set, we highly recommend the QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set. It’s durable, lightweight, and comes with a magnetic board that makes it easy to play on the go.

Pros

• The HIPS plastic material of the board and pieces gives a smooth hand-feel while being lightweight and portable.
• The light magnetism of the chess pieces makes it stable to play while not hard to move the piece.
• The foldable design of the chessboard allows you to store the pieces inside, making it easy to carry.

Cons

• The board is slightly bulkier than expected.
• The magnets are strong enough to keep the pieces on, but be careful if you hit turbulence.
• The price is a bit expensive.

We love the QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set because it’s perfect for all ages and can be used in a variety of settings. It’s great for home, company, school, journey, bus, or picnic. The extra bundle pocket that comes with it makes it easy to store the pieces.

The board is well-crafted, and the pieces are of high quality, making it much more deluxe. The open size of the chessboard is 9.84 x 9.84 x 0.78 inches, while the folded size is 9.84 x 4.92 x 1.56 inches. This perfectly sized Chessboard is small enough to travel with, but also large enough to play comfortably.

Overall, we think the QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set is a great investment for anyone who loves to play chess and wants a portable option.

WE Games Best Value Tournament Chess Set

If you’re looking for a good-quality, affordable chess set, the WE Games Best Value Tournament Chess Set is a great option.

Pros

• The pieces are made of high-quality plastic and have a good weight to them.
• The set includes 34 chess pieces, including two extra queens, and a roll-up vinyl chess board with algebraic notation.
• The set meets the World Chess Federation’s (FIDE) and US Chess Federation’s (USCF) height, weight, and proportions standards for tournament play.

Cons

• The pieces are unweighted, which may not be to everyone’s liking.
• The vinyl board may not be as durable as a wooden board.
• The pieces are not as detailed or decorative as some other sets.

We recently purchased this chess set for our family game nights, and we’ve been very happy with it. The pieces are sturdy and have a good weight to them, and the roll-up vinyl board is easy to store and transport. The set includes two extra queens, which is a nice touch, and the algebraic notation on the board makes it easy to keep track of moves.

One potential downside is that the pieces are unweighted, which means they don’t have the same heft as some other sets. However, we haven’t found this to be a problem in our games. Additionally, the vinyl board may not be as durable as a wooden board, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for something that’s easy to pack and take on the go.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the WE Games Best Value Tournament Chess Set for anyone looking for an affordable, high-quality chess set that’s great for both beginners and experienced players alike.

VentureBoard Magnetic Chess Set

If you’re looking for a portable chess set that’s easy to carry and perfect for indoor and outdoor play, the VentureBoard Magnetic Chess Set is a great choice.

Pros

• The unique design of the VentureBoard Magnetic Chess Set allows you to roll it up into a hard shell, which keeps the pieces in place and eliminates the need for setup time.
• The compact size of the chess board makes it easy to carry and store, making it perfect for travel.
• The sturdy construction of the VentureBoard Magnetic Chess Set makes it a great choice for playing chess in any environment.

Cons

• The pieces can shift slightly during travel, despite the magnetic design.
• The board’s folding design can create gaps where the pieces can get lost.
• The set is a bit expensive compared to other portable chess sets.

We found the VentureBoard Magnetic Chess Set to be a great choice for anyone who enjoys playing chess on the go. The unique design of the chess board makes it easy to transport, while the sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of travel.

The compact size of the chess board makes it easy to carry and store, and the magnetic design ensures that the pieces stay in place during play. However, we did find that the pieces can shift slightly during travel, so it’s important to be careful when transporting the set.

Overall, we would recommend the VentureBoard Magnetic Chess Set to anyone who is looking for a high-quality portable chess set that is easy to carry and perfect for indoor and outdoor play. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chess player, this set is sure to provide hours of entertainment and enjoyment.

ColorGo Magnetic Travel Chess Set

If you’re looking for a portable chess set, we recommend the ColorGo Magnetic Travel Chess Set.

Pros

• The HIPS plastic and wood grain painted chess board is high quality and has a smooth surface for comfortable hand-feel while playing.
• The chess set is designed to be portable and comes with a folding board, making it easy to carry around.
• The magnetic chess set keeps all the chessmen in place, so you don’t have to worry about them falling down unless you move them.

Cons

• The set is smaller than expected, so the pieces may be difficult to handle for some players.
• The materials feel a bit cheap, which could be a turn off for some users.
• The size of the board may not be suitable for all players, especially those who prefer larger boards.

We recently had the chance to try out the ColorGo Magnetic Travel Chess Set, and we were impressed with its portability and magnetic features. The board is made of high-quality HIPS plastic and has a wood grain painted finish, which gives it a premium look and feel. The entire chess board has a smooth surface, making it comfortable to play with for extended periods.

The chess set is designed to be portable, and it comes with a folding board that makes it easy to carry around. The open dimension of the mini chess set is 9.64×8.46×0.74 inches, and the folded size is 8.46×4.8×1.5 inches. This makes it convenient to play indoor and outdoor, and it’s the perfect travel companion for chess enthusiasts.

One of the best features of the ColorGo Magnetic Travel Chess Set is its strong magnetism. The magnetic chess set keeps all the chessmen in place, so you don’t have to worry about them falling down unless you move them. This makes it easy to play on the go, and you can even play it in a moving vehicle without worrying about the pieces falling off the board.

Overall, we think the ColorGo Magnetic Travel Chess Set is a great choice for anyone who wants a portable chess set that is easy to carry around and has strong magnetism. The set is also backed by a customer satisfaction guarantee, so you can buy with confidence.

Syrace Magnetic Chess Set Board Games

If you are looking for a portable chess set, the Syrace Magnetic Chess Set Board Games might be a good option for you.

Pros

• The hand-carved wooden pieces are magnetically attached to the board, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.
• The board has built-in storage slots for the pieces, making it easy to keep everything organized.
• The set is handmade with high-quality wooden material, ensuring perfect details and excellent quality.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the magnets don’t hold the pieces as securely as they would like.
• The set is quite small, so it might not be the best option if you have larger hands or prefer larger pieces.
• The magnets can be a bit finicky, and some pieces may be more difficult to attach than others.

Overall, we think that the Syrace Magnetic Chess Set Board Games is a decent choice if you’re looking for a portable chess set. The hand-carved wooden pieces are attractive and well-made, and the built-in storage slots are a nice touch. However, the magnets could be stronger, and the set is quite small, so it might not be the best option for everyone.

Chess Armory Travel Set

We highly recommend the Chess Armory Travel Set for anyone looking for a portable chess set that is easy to store and transport.

Pros

• The magnetic chess board is compact and sturdy, making it easy to play on the go.
• The Staunton chess pieces are well-made and come with felted bottoms to protect the board from scratches.
• The set is easy to store and transport in the foldable board and elegant storage box.

Cons

• The board does not secure to prevent it from bouncing, causing the pieces to fly off when moved.
• Some customers have reported receiving damaged boards or missing pieces.
• The free online course may not be useful for experienced players.

We found the Chess Armory Travel Set to be an excellent choice for both new and seasoned players. The compact magnetic board and well-made Staunton pieces make it easy to play on the go, while the foldable board and storage box make it easy to store and transport. However, the board does not secure to prevent it from bouncing, causing the pieces to fly off when moved. Additionally, some customers have reported receiving damaged boards or missing pieces. Overall, we think this is a great portable chess set for anyone looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use set.

Buying Guide

When choosing a portable chess set, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look for:

Size and Weight

The portability of a chess set is largely determined by its size and weight. It’s important to choose a set that is compact and lightweight enough to be easily carried around. A good portable chess set should be small enough to fit in a backpack or purse and light enough to carry around without causing any discomfort.

Material

The material of the chess set is another important factor to consider. Portable chess sets are typically made from plastic, wood, or metal. Plastic sets are the most affordable and lightweight, while wooden sets are more durable and aesthetically pleasing. Metal sets are the most durable, but they are also the heaviest and least portable.

Board and Pieces

The board and pieces are the most important components of a chess set. When choosing a portable chess set, it’s important to look for a board and pieces that are sturdy and well-made. The board should be easy to set up and should be able to withstand the wear and tear of frequent use. The pieces should be easy to grip and move around the board.

Storage

Finally, it’s important to consider the storage options for your portable chess set. Some sets come with a carrying case or pouch, while others have built-in storage compartments. It’s important to choose a set that comes with a storage option that is convenient and easy to use.

In summary, when choosing a portable chess set, it’s important to consider the size and weight, material, board and pieces, and storage options. By considering these factors, you can find a set that is both portable and functional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best materials for a portable chess set?

The best materials for a portable chess set are lightweight and durable. Plastic and silicone are popular options for their affordability and ease of cleaning. Wood and metal sets are also available, but they can be heavier and more expensive.

Are magnetic chess sets better for travel than non-magnetic ones?

Magnetic chess sets are ideal for travel because the pieces will not slide around during the game. They are also less likely to be lost during transportation. However, non-magnetic sets can be just as portable and are often more affordable.

What is the ideal size for a travel chess set?

The ideal size for a travel chess set depends on personal preference. A compact set with a board size of around 8 inches is perfect for those who want a lightweight and easy-to-carry set. However, if you prefer a larger board and pieces, there are options available up to 12 inches.

How do roll-up chess sets compare to other types of portable sets?

Roll-up chess sets are lightweight and easy to pack, making them a popular choice for travelers. They are typically made of vinyl or silicone and can be rolled up for storage. However, they do not provide the same level of stability as other types of sets and may require a flat surface to play on.

What are some good options for mini portable chess sets?

Mini portable chess sets are perfect for those who want to play on the go. Keychain sets, pocket-sized sets, and even travel-sized sets are available in a variety of materials and designs. Some popular options include silicone keychain sets and magnetic pocket-sized sets.

Where can I find reviews for the best portable chess sets on Reddit?

Reddit is a great resource for finding reviews and recommendations for portable chess sets. The r/chess subreddit has a community of chess enthusiasts who can provide insight into the best sets for travel. Additionally, the r/boardgames subreddit may also have helpful information on portable chess sets.

Ready to take your chess game to A level?

Check out our recommended resources below that will help you take your chess game to the next level!