Yellow Mountain Imports Magnetic 19x19 Roll-up Go Set (19x19, 1.12kg) with Single Convex Stones

What it is and why you might want it

This Yellow Mountain Imports magnetic 19x19 roll-up travel Go set is aimed at one thing: getting a proper 19x19 board game experience outside your usual table. Go (Baduk/Weiqi) can be surprisingly hard to take on the move, mostly because boards are usually big, flat and awkward to store. Here, the board goban rolls up at just 0.1 centimetres thick and fits into a tube-shaped carrying case.

It’s the kind of set you’d consider if you play casually but still want a standard-size playing field, not a simplified board. The stones magnetically attach to the board, which should help reduce the usual “pieces everywhere” problem when you’re travelling.

Key takeaways for buying decisions

The magnetic board and roll-up design are the headline features, and they matter in real life. On paper, the board rolls out flat when you’re ready to play, and you can also mount it up on a dry erase board or even on a refrigerator to study lines and ponder strategies.

That said, it’s not a luxury production necessarily—this set is more practical than precious. Also, if you prefer having a wide, permanently laid-out board space at home, the travel-first design may feel like a compromise compared with a standard rigid goban.

The essentials: board size, stones and field

You get a 19x19 playing field for standard gameplay, plus single convex Go stones. The set includes 180 white stones and 181 black stones, so you have the full complement you’d expect for 19x19 play. Stone size is listed at 5 x 17 millimetres, which is fairly substantial for easy handling.

If you’re new to Go, there’s also Karl Baker’s beginner classic booklet included. It’s a helpful extra when you’re learning rules and basic strategy—useful on a first outing where you don’t want to rely on someone else explaining everything.

What stands out in everyday use

In day-to-day terms, the biggest win is portability without losing the core 19x19 format. The whole set weighs 1.12kg, and the board comes with a tube-style storage bag plus a shoulder strap for transport.

There’s also a practical tip for maintaining the board’s flatness: after each use, alternate the side and direction that you roll the board. If you’re taking it to a park, to a Go club, or using it on a trip, that kind of care instruction is exactly what helps prevent the board from becoming annoying to lay flat.

Limits to consider before you buy

Magnetic solutions can be brilliant for travel, but they also change the feel of the setup. You’re relying on the board surface holding the stones in place via magnetism, so this is best understood as a “take it anywhere” approach rather than a traditional board experience.

Also, while it’s designed for smooth roll-out and easy storage, the board’s thin profile (0.1 centimetres) suggests you should treat it gently in transit. If your priority is heavy-duty, museum-like solidity, you may find yourself wanting a different style of goban.

Who it suits (and who should look elsewhere)

It makes sense if you: - want a travel-friendly way to play 19x19 Go without downsizing the game - attend clubs, meet-ups, or bring games on journeys - like studying positions during downtime, including on surfaces like a dry erase board or refrigerator (as suggested) - want an included beginner booklet for learning alongside the set

It might not be for you if you prefer a rigid, permanent board layout at home, or if you dislike the idea that the setup is optimised for portability first.

FAQs

Usage tips and common questions

How portable is this set?

It’s built around a roll-up board and tube-shaped case, with the full set weighing 1.12kg and including a shoulder strap for transport.

Does it support standard 19x19 gameplay?

Yes, the playing field is 19x19, and the set includes single convex stones in the listed quantities for that size.

Are the stones secured when travelling?

The stones are described as magnetic, attaching to the board so you can play on the go.

Is there anything included for beginners?

Yes—Karl Baker’s beginner classic booklet is included with essential rules and strategies.

Is it worth it?

Worth considering if you want a genuine 19x19 Go set that’s built for mobile play, with a roll-up goban and magnetic stones to make “taking it with you” actually practical. You’ll likely appreciate it most if you travel with games, visit clubs, or want to keep Go sessions going whenever inspiration strikes.

You may want to skip it if your main goal is a traditional, rigid board feel and you don’t care about portability. In that case, a more permanent-style board setup is probably a better match for how you play day to day.