I don't know if this thread should go here or not since this isn't a puzzle but it is related to puzzles.

I sometimes enjoy working puzzles when in the company cafeteria, the bookstores, or the coffee shop. Yeah, I could take a roll up vinyl board and a sack of chess pieces but I was wondering about getting a magnetic travel chess set. (I would also use it while going through chess books.)

Would the magnetic travel set be significantly more convenient than a vinyl board and pieces or not worth the expense?

What are the pros and cons?

If you recommend a travel set which set(s) can you recommend?

Thanks.

The magnetic travel set would probably suit you best. I have no idea which brands are the best for magnetic travel sets though.

Yes, if you use them often then they are worth the money.

It's probably the best option, although I've had bad experiences with magnets falling out.

I have an old USCF Passport - I think they are still available at Chesscafe Shop. I believe Bobby Fischer would carry one around with him (not recently of course).

It is the size of a checkbook, opend it has a sloted board and the pieces are flat with a tag on the bottom to slide into the slots. Very convienient, unobtrusive and portable.

dusty

Do you have an image of the set? I'm lacking a good magnetic set myself (same problem with pieces missing) so I'll probably buy one when I start to need it.

The passport is not a magnetic set, but it is very convienient here's a link to it:

Passport Travel Chess Set {Original} - ChessCafe.com

There is a similiar one that is magnetic here:

Wallet Pocket Magnetic Set - ChessCafe.com

For just sitting in the cafeteria going through games I use the passport and have it with me quite a bit. I have not lost any pieces in the 4 years I have had it - but I recall seeing someone else with one who had and he made a replacement piece cut out of a heavy plastic and drew the figure on with a permanent marker.

dusty

Thanks dustypawn - I used to have the set in the 2nd link, but I lost some pieces from that set, so I might switch to the Passport set. Also, I prefer the colours used in the first set.

It's interesting to note that the advertisers decided to show a typical middlegame position from the ...Qd6 Scandinavian. That position shouldn't be any worse with Black to move, and White having the move shouldn't make much of a difference since Black is so solid and well developed.

I got my magnetic travel chess set in the mail yesterday and used it to go through a game at the coffee shop before work this morning.

You know how every once in a while you get something and wonder how you ever got along without it. This is definitely one of those!

I have a magnetic set, but I don't really like it much, and never use it for anything. And it got me stopped by security at the airport once.

I've seen those magnetic passport sets at tournament vendors. Maybe I'll get one of those some time - it seems smaller and more convenient than what I've got.

--Fromper