Post your Travel Chess Sets

Folks this might help..Draft of a messed proof pieces chess..For kids even below 5 years of age...Learning tool playing tool..Safe no loose pieces...

Hello blamm09:

Thanks for the clear photo.

I once saw a physical set listed on eBay that was somewhat similar to your draft, though I can't remember if the pieces were flat and disk-shaped like yours or traditionally three dimensional.  The pieces moved along tracks between the squares and were not removable so nothing got lost.  I was going to bid on the set, but for some reason decided not to; I can't remember why.

I think a "slotted" board is a fine idea and not sure why the concept never took off.  The only thing I could think of is that the pegs holding the pieces to the board became stuck, broke off or too worn over time.  No doubt the width of the slots must be precise, not too tight or too lose, so a piece moves smoothly and easily when grabbed and lifted to the chosen square; it must also remain in place on the square and not have a tendency to lift and relocate when carrying or jostling the board.  I know I'd buy a set if someone manufactured one for a reasonable price.

By the way, you'd need more space for captured pieces off the ends (or sides) of the 8 x 8 board.  You'd probably want a little space as well between the first rank (or eighth) and the storage area.

Again, thanks for posting this.

Best,
Bob

Hello Bob,

Thank you for your positive feeback..Sad to say,due to financial incapacity , that draft will remain a draft..I am no craftsman,and i tried hard just to draw that draft to show to all what it looks like and how it possibly works..If someone try it..I will be thankful..Since when i was a bit younger..i wish to see a chessboard that always complete the pieces..we play chess with my friends then but after several days or weeks the chess set we use ended up always one or two or more pieces missing..And it discourages us to play it anymore..I like playing chess for my father always said...Those who played it and good and best of it are lucky..They have the coolest mind and brain..You won't be good at it if your mind is disturbly corrupted with your daily burden..Thanks again...

Here is a magnetic travel set I've had for many years that I didn't mention before. The board is 4.75" square. The drawers are interconnected so when you push one open the other comes out on the opposite side. The problem with this set is that the attraction of the pieces to the board is very weak, and the pieces tend to slide together and stick to each other instead of to the board.

Thanks for posting Bob.  I have a set that's the same size with the same pieces, same board and drawers and even the same retail box, but there is one big difference -- it's peg-in style.  I had no idea you could buy a magnetic or peg-in version because all the sets I've seen auctioned on eBay are peg-in; that's where I got mine.  The box certainly helped keep your set in good condition.

Shelby's Super Secret magnetic Pocket Set.  Since I own about every magnetic pocket set there is and then some I want to review it, yes it is an unbiased review. It is the basic green and white tri-fold set, the inexpensive one that many sell. What makes ACE's different. Well he does improve on it in a few ways. I posted a picture of it  

The pieces are coated (guessing sprayed) to help the pieces be rub off resistant.  Yes the old ones had that problem I know I had two.

Extra Queens...only one at this level to have this. 

Instead of having a plastic pocket on the bottom this has the symbols of the pieces where you can place the pieces. Obviously you don't have to place them on their symbols but this way to store the pieces is superior. 

All in all doesn't sound like much of a change but for the opening price point for a "pocket magnetic chess set" it makes a world of difference.

Thank You Shelby for trying to constantly improve chess equipment be it something as small as this to the V-Tek clock.  I hope in a few weeks people will be reviewing the Ultimate Chess Set. 

Now for the picture, a scan a bit off center, sorry about that,not a perfectionist.

Late to the party. I love this brown vintage Drueke 550P I just received. Also the other hard plastic shell 877.10 got each for under $20. 

Love those sets Ronbo. I have been traveling with the one in the plastic case, so far indestructible.  Use it on the plane and hotel when traveling. The piece design never changed so they match perfectly the set that originally came in the wooden case then plastic, now hard cardboard.  

Thanks for posting this set, Mr. Vuolo.

Yes, it is superior to many I've seen on the market.  First, you cannot always distinguish between the two kings, but with this set it's not a problem.  Also, the green squares are darker than usual, which I like.  The pieces should be silk-screened, and these may be; the spray coating will help to preserve them.  Lastly, I like the storage method, much like ChessMate, that is if the storage area is like the board and will easily hold the pieces in place.

My only question is, who the heck is Shelby?  You didn't provide a link.

Best,
Bob 

Good price for the set, Ron, no doubt about it.  The bugaboo for me with these Druekes is the lack of storage for captured pieces and their odd octagonal bases and collars.  However, for a nearly indestructible magnetic set you can't beat it; much better than today's cardboard.  Good acquisition.

Note added later: Perhaps I'm wrong about piece storage.  Is the border wide enough to hold captured pieces without disturbing play?

Best,
Bob

Hi Bob, Shelby runs the American Chess Equipment site better known as ACE. Here is the link, I didn't want anyone to think I was advertising the set. I bought it in advance on Black Friday and received in the next week.

American Chess Equipment

Hi Michael,

American Chess Equipment , you say.  Post #35 shows their old model, which as you can see is rather cheap and doesn't hold up.  The current description on the ACE website of "new and Improved" is an understatement.  I may have to purchase a few.

Best,
Bob

It's still a cheap price and it is improved. Not bad for a truly pocket set.

Thanks for posting your Dal Negro set, 2Q1C; you certainly got it for a song.  My Dal Negro was purchased through eBay for $75, but it included a 10x10 board in the lid and 40 metal draughts for playing international draughts, a difficult game unfamiliar to most Americans.

Thanks too, RC, for bringing up Renaissance Wax, a microcrystalline wax used at the British Museum for their priceless objects.  It's not only excellent for metal sets, but wood, ivory and bone sets as well.  Though expensive compared to carnauba waxes, a little goes a long way.

Thanks for the post, Robert.  These are all attractive sets, none of which I own; their uniqueness adds much to the thread.  I particularly like the set meant to be used on steamships, which I find fetching despite the wear on the black pieces.  Frankly, I've never seen a set like this until you posted your photos.

I also lack a 12-inch Whittington and a Jaques In Statu Quo, probably because the ones I've seen on eBay are either too expensive or too worn for the discriminating collector.  I will probably have to look elsewhere.

Best,
Bob

Once in awhile you'll find a Kingsway Florentine Red and White figurine peg-in set with board listed on eBay.  The pieces look like the ones seen in the photo below but are quite a bit smaller.