Post your Travel Chess Sets

Aha! Are they about the same height? I'm not sure from your pictures, but your skinnier pieces look like they might be a little taller, maybe? Also, are those other pieces available somewhere?

Thanks, Jon

Yes, some of the pieces are taller.

Here are some pics (the pieces I now use are on the left):

Unfortunately, the pieces came from another travel set and I forget where I got it. It may have been Amazon. 

[EDIT] - Found it - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0008550P2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Wow-- the differences in the pawns is amazing. The one on the right is like a sumo wrestler compared to the one on the left. Thanks for the info, Rsava.

One more quick question if you can, Rsava: On amazon some people are complaining about the magnets on those pieces being weak. How do they compare with the ones that come with the milled leather travel set?

Thanks, Jon

On the board they came with, I would agree. But on this board, I do not see an issue. Look:

Great! And also interesting. Apparently it's not all about the magnets, but also the board. Thanks, jon

Yes, thank you very much for that info, Rsava.

I own this set and could not quite figure out why I would not use this set even though I had it with me.

When you pictured those pieces side by side and on the board it was extremely apparent how much better and nicer that smaller set fits the board.

And also thank you for the link as I now have those pieces on their way to me via Amazon Prime.

I saw this set in an auction last week in eBay and lost it in the last second since I do not use one of those snipping tools that are available.  Been looking for this set for years but it was the first one I bid on because it was like new. All the rest I have seen except for yours Chuck are in terrible shape.  So  I was pissed at myself for losing the auction so I found this on etsy for really cheap although it is a peg in set from West Germany vs the magnetic and will need some refinishing of the wooden case, but inside looks great, and red and white my favorite.

Mike, there are a couple of magnetic sets like mine on Ebay right now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Russian-Vintage-USSR-Travel-road-Pocket-Magnetic-CHESS-games-set-/252554041323?hash=item3acd64d7eb:g:R34AAOSwmfhX3C4A

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Travel-Chess-Set-Magnetic-Small-Folding-Vinyl-Case-Made-in-Japan-/112109200196?hash=item1a1a3aa344:g:ufMAAOSwFc5Xv5wk

What a great thread, Robert!

Saw those and the price is way out of line for the Russian set and neither one looks great. I guess I should have bid more on this German set but thought I had it.  The set that was made in West Germany during the 60's was super and this was in like new condition. Oh well the above set will be nice and I have a project to refinish the wooden case as it is all scratched up, but the inside looks great. Set is actually made in Germany too. 

Thanks, Chuck, I'm glad you approve.

Best,
Bob

I agree this is a good thread. A lot of people look for travel sets at some point.

Hello Mr. Vuolo:

Pocket sets may be the most convenient of all travel sets since they can quite literally be carried in the pocket.

Pocket sets with raised chess figures attached to red and white disks are not that rare; they've been listed on eBay more often then you'd think over the last three years.

EBay listings have advertised sets ranging in condition from fair to like new or in the case of Russian Chess House, brand new.  These listings allowed me to collect some nice sets in various sizes manufactured in three countries: Japan, Germany and Russia.  Below is a photograph of three Japanese, one German and two Russian pocket sets (note: the photo can be downloaded and enlarged)

The top three increasing in size from left to right are labeled Japan, the lower left model about the same size as the largest Japanese set is labeled Germany, and the remaining two are labeled Simsa and from Russia.  The most common size is approximately 7 inches by 4 inches closed and 7 inches by 8 inches open. 

The smallest set is thin and has a snap to keep it closed.  Though it doesn't appear to be the largest set because it is new and won't lie flat, the Russian set is zippered and thicker than the other five so the disk figures don't touch when closed.  I feel it is the most substantial of the six, and the good news is it is still manufactured.  It can be purchased from Russian Chess House via Amazon Marketplace here.

A warning if you decide to purchase a used set.  Sometimes the vinyl will get stretched and not lie flat against the metal backing as seen in the closeup of the Japanese top center set (below).

Such stretching prevents pieces placed on one of these 'humps" from staying in place, particularly when the set is closed.  I'm replacing the ceramic magnets with strong -- perhaps too strong -- rare earth magnets from a hobby store that will stay in place.

I wish you good hunting for the set you want.

Best,
Bob

 Thank You Bob for the information, I did not realize that the Russian set was available brand new.  Of all the searches I have done in the years I never have seen it offered brand new.  Since you have all 3 types I have ever seen and feel the Russian set is the best that is offered new on Amazon this sounds like the winner.  I am sure that is the last one of its type that is still made. I noticed the Russian set curves in on each end, must be the way it is manufactured. 

You're welcome, Mr. Vuolo.

By the way, it's the zipper that makes it appear the set curves in on each end.  If you zoom in on the Amazon image you get a good idea of the way it's designed.

Just so you know, the dimensions of this set are approximately 8 inches wide rather then 7, 3-1/2 inches wide when closed and 1 to 1-1/8 inch thick (most are 3/4), which makes it 8 x 8 when open.

I hope this helps.

Best,
Bob

hi bob

personally, I don't care for the previously posted vinyl pocket sets (the russian and japanese ones) because -- of the problem you brought up, that the vinyl can form a crease and it's hard to place a piece on the crease. Although a more powerful magnet might solve that problem --- i would find it annoying to have to use more effort to remove the pieces from the board. And the Chessmate sets someone else commented on look great but the poster (if i recall) said the captured pieces can fall off... That would be beyond annoying - to lose a piece! Also, those sets are pretty expensive. For my checkbook set, I just use one of those cheapo Chinese sets, available for $5 to $10. They're uh.... useable, but you have to varnish the pieces (the ink denoting piece  rubs off quickly).

Great thread! I love travel sets --- they just don't seem popular w anyone i know!

Hello Mr. Nakanishi:

I've had few problems with vinyl except on the set mentioned; the pocket sets I won on eBay have, for the most part, remained flat.  The Russian set currently manufactured will never have the problem because the material appears to be bonded to the metal.

Travel sets aren't as popular as they once were because they've been replaced by portable electronic devices with apps that sport digital chess boards with pieces.  Add to that the many millennials who live their lives through these devices and you can say goodbye to quality tangible travel sets.  Sadly, these devices have also put a dent in billiards and bowling leagues because each sport can be played vicariously on a handheld device.  So it goes.

Best,
Bob