Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5-Inch Travel Chess Set with Folding Board, Storage Box & 2 Extra Queens
Product description
If you’re tired of trying to keep a chess set together while traveling, this Chess Armory Magnetic Travel Chess Set is designed to make it feel simple again. The board folds in half, and the pieces can be stored right in the board—then everything goes into the included storage box. It’s a compact setup that’s clearly aimed at play on the go.
The essentials
This set uses a compact 9.5" x 9.5" magnetic-style travel board made from smooth, sturdy plastic. Each square is listed as 1.1" x 1.1", and the board folds so you can pack pieces inside when you’re done. That “fold + store + box” approach is the big idea here: fewer parts to misplace, less hassle when you’re moving from home to a trip, and a more tidy way to carry pieces.
On the pieces side, the set includes Staunton chess pieces (plastic) with attention to detail. The King is listed as 2" tall, and each piece has a felted bottom meant to help protect the board from scratches. There’s also a practical bonus: 2 extra Queens, which is handy in real games—especially if you’re learning rules (or you just hate the idea of “missing” a piece when time is limited).
Key takeaways (what you’ll notice)
The board’s compact size is great for travel, but it also means it’s not trying to mimic a full-size board experience. In day-to-day use, you’ll likely appreciate how quickly you can set up: open the folding board, place the pieces, and you’re playing. When you’re finished, storage is built into the same object rather than relying on a separate bag and hoping everything stays put.
The felted bottoms are another detail that matters more than it sounds. On a plastic board, it can help reduce the “scrape” factor when moving pieces around—so the board stays looking cleaner over time.
Still, keep expectations realistic: this is a travel set. If you’re trying to run long, serious sessions on a large board or you want maximum presence on the table, the small 9.5" x 9.5" format may feel limiting.
Tech specs
- Name: Chess Armory Magnetic 9.5 Inches Travel Chess Set
- Type: Folding travel chess set with storage box
- Board size: 9.5" x 9.5"
- Square size: 1.1" x 1.1"
- Piece height (King): 2"
- Material (board): Smooth and sturdy plastic
Where it shines (best use cases)
This set is positioned for people who want to actually play chess outside the living room.
It’s a solid fit if you plan to bring chess to: - trips where you need compact storage - casual play sessions where you don’t want to carry a separate piece container - school, family visits, or downtime activities
The description also calls out kids ages 8–12 for travel chess games, which makes sense for the “pack it and go” design—plus the added queens can reduce the stress of losing or needing extra pieces during learning games.
Here’s a practical example: you fold the board, drop the pieces into the board’s storage area, and place the folded board into the storage box. Then it’s backpack-ready. No searching for that one pawn in the bottom of a bag.
What to consider before buying
The main limitation is the size. A 9.5" x 9.5" board is compact, so if you prefer a larger board for visibility or more comfortable piece handling, this may feel cramped.
Also, while the pieces are described as having felted bottoms to protect the board, the set is still made of plastic and designed for portability. If your priority is a more premium feel (materials, heft, or a more “classic” board presence), you may find this stays more in the travel / everyday category than in a “display-grade” one.
And if you’re the type who likes lots of customization (extra pieces, different styles, or specific tournament expectations), the description only mentions 2 extra Queens—so it’s best to treat this as a complete travel set for general play.
Final verdict
Worth it if you want a genuinely portable chess setup where storage is part of the design: folding board, pieces that can be kept inside, and a storage box for transport. The felted bottoms and Staunton-style plastic pieces are also sensible touches for everyday handling.
You may want to skip it if you’re after full-size board comfort, maximum table presence, or a more premium, heavy build. This one is built for travel and convenience first, and that focus is exactly where it earns its keep.
Mini FAQ
1) Is this board meant for travel?
Yes—on paper the folding design plus the included storage box is specifically for carrying and keeping everything together while you’re moving around.
2) Can the pieces be stored with the board?
The description says you can store the chess pieces inside the foldable chess board, then move the board in the storage box.
3) What’s included besides the chessboard?
It includes Staunton-style plastic chess pieces, and it also includes 2 extra Queens.
4) Does moving the pieces scratch the board?
The pieces have a felted bottom intended to protect the chess board from scratches.
5) What age range is it recommended for?
The description calls out travel chess games for kids 8–12, and it’s also framed as a set for new and seasoned players.