WE Games Mini Chess Set – 10 inch Foldable Pocket Chess Set, Flat Magnetic Ch...

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).

Having been through a few of the checkbook size sets, my expectations were not high. This larger set was to make it easier to handle and see the pieces. This set does that well. The pieces are large enough and clearly printed so a quick look is enough to see the board accurately. Manufacturing quality is pretty good. The mid board seam is very slightly off center, but not enough to distract. Mechanically it is solid. The magnet strength is surprisingly good for sheet magnets. Unlike some sets of this type, these pieces are not going to be dislodged or shifted in normal handling. They will stay where you put them, and can be deliberately moved easily. For the price and purpose it is perfect.

This is a magnetic folding chess set about the size of a checkbook that easily fits in a pocket. I had an earlier version that I carried with me on three tours of Europe. On long bus trips it was a wonderful alternative to reading to pass the time (I’m an avid reader, but even I need a break now and then). I bought the new version because I lost several pieces from my old one. The new model adds something to help avoid that problem: a third magnetic panel to hold pieces as they’re removed during play (the old model had just a loose plastic pocket from which I managed to spill a bunch of pieces). It’s a perfect travel companion, whether you use it to play with other passengers or just as an analysis board to play through games before you go to bed. The set comes with a pair of extra queens and extra blank pieces.

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.