Cheap Boards... do we have a winner?
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@BadBishopJones3: that's a nice set. Do you have a store link or something? (edit: I mean for the wooden travel board in the zip case, not the vinyl mat - I have one of those 
@jamesbout: Without a picture, I find it hard to visualise why it wouldn't be square. What's in the extra 2.6" on the non-square board?
Those larger boards as shown are cheaply made. Over use they will possibly break/ crack or the hinges break. If really on the go or needing a quick set up in any location- the Drueke is the way to go ... and substantially at a lower cost I imagine.
@JugglinDan: I don't have a picture, the same square photo is used (as in the middle picture) as a number of companies make that particular one, and make them in some different sizes but use the same photo. I can't figure why it would be longer either.
If eye candy is desired go for the larger plastic folding models. For practicality Drueke has long been the standard. The depicted travel set is quite nice , functional. The magnetic pieces serve well.
Seems like perhaps a place is in mind for a new set. If it’s not to be moved about- go with what is most visually appealing. The boards are plastic- keep in mind.
jamesbout wrote:
Eyechess.. what do you mean the black/white one wouldn't be good for studying because of the colors? B/W are traditional. Thanks for the thoughts.
Huh ???
Black and White boards traditional?
Traditional is green / brown. There is no contrast by Black pieces and Black squares. Indicates the manufacturer is out of touch.
@Jones3 Yeah, all but the bottom one is plastic. Only thing keeping me from the bottom wood one, is how much space might be given up for those big decorated borders... must be at least an inch of the 9.4" so now it's 1inch squares....
Oh, I always though Black & White was traditional, that and black/white on red are all I ever saw until I watched Queen's Gambit 8P
Hahahaa... I was going to buy one of those Green/White Magnetic Wallet sets too, from chessusa.com, until I put it in my cart and was $41US Shipping!
Traditional display
The leather wallet travel sets are very nice and practical. Most all professionals carry one . For$40 a lifetime of use can be had.
That display I like !
Wallet - yeah, looking for Green/White one, or the light/dark brown board with white/black pieces -- with realistic shipping, not $41 (only a few bucks to mail in reality).
Why play with any other board/ pieces! But then I grew up with the green/ faded yellow. Notice the light squares are not White as pure white would present no contrast. (Same for Black pieces if squares were dark.) The selection is available in custom settings.
Perhaps you’ve misread the details. $41 shipping can not be right.
Sadly, that was the cheapest option.
Lot of US stores are doing that to Canada, even for the smallest items.
Lot of time because they only go by US Priority prepaid standards, or UPS with customs (even though there is no customs).
Reality is USPS 1st Class, or simply putting in a bubble envelop and mailing would only be a few bucks. But no one will do that.
Even on Ebay, they are charging $20 for 1st class (I can ship a board game for that much....)
It's sad.
The only affordable ones are these, but it's b/w on b/w
