Two Kind of Small Chess Sets for Studying

I'm looking for the ideal kind of small chess set (two of them) for studying at, say, a table at a coffee shop. Not too small though, and not too big. I want them side-by-side on a table at a cafe so when I am going over chess books one can be used for the main line and the other for variations.

Any suggestions?

Look up Analysis chess sets and library chess set.

I have a blue plastic set (approx. 5 3/4" x 7 1/2") with red and cream pieces; King height 9/16" .

There are some negative aspects:

1). the lid does not clip onto the base

2). the lid does not clip onto the top (I secure it with elastic bands when transporting).

3). there are no extra queens, and extra sets of pieces cannot be bought separately from the board

4). captured pieces are kept in trays in front of each player's first rank.

I would prefer there were holes so that I could keep the unnecessary pieces in a more orderly way.

To me those are minor niggles andI like the set a lot.

The pieces have pegs on the bottom (I don't like magnetic sets).

I went through this a few years ago and decided that 12" magnetic sets are the way to go.  I started with 7", cheap and very portable, but frankly too darn small.  Already had a 14" board, and well, that's just a shade too big.  Why magnetic you ask?  First they're cheap ($20  roughly) so if you lose a piece or two, no big deal.  Second the magnets mean you can move the boards around without the pieces falling off; this can be important in a cafe where you're eating.  They're all over ebay.  I would recommend losing the portability factor (they're mostly folders), again to make it easier to move them around, but that's up to you.  Mine have been glued, doweled, and duct taped permanently open.  Easy to throw in a small bag along with some plastic baggies to hold the pieces.   My $.02, your mileage may vary. 

Oh, at the library where tables are bigger, I use a standard set for the main line and a 12" for variants.  Haven't been there for awhile there though.  I got a little tired of the "What you doing man, playing with yourself" followed by manic laughter.

This thread struck a note in me that until now had never sounded: How about a side-by-side smallish set (1.5" squares). Two boards and two sets of men. Using magnets to attach, you could break it down for transport by just stacking it.

It's such a specialized use that you'd have to make it up for yourself, but if you want such a thing you could have it, with a modicum of crafting skills.

I could go for regular pieces, or pegged, or magnetic. The board can be wood or even a nice leather affair.

(Mmmmmm...leather affair...but I'm getting off topic.)

How about that! What seems like a novel idea in the chess.com forums instead of just another rehash!

Interesting thoughts. If you guys have any links to something specific you have in mind, please share. Maybe one thought/link to a set of less expensive sets for taking out...and perhaps another thought/link to simething a bit nicer for home study, but still not full-sized. Thank you.

Go to wwwuscf.org and check out what they have.

http://www.uscfsales.com/chess-sets/travel-analysis-sets.html?src=left

I have a board similar to the 12" FOLDING WOODEN MAGNETIC Travel Chess Set that you see, near the bottom of the page.  (Howver, my board is closer to 14 inches.) 

I love this set.  First, it's very easy on the eyes.  Second, the magnetic pieces are very strong.  You can turn the board completely upside down and they will still stick to the board. 

Sometimes I use this board on my lap, while in bed.  It works great under those circumstances.  It would also work good in a moving vehicle, like a car or a train. 

Although I have a 14" set, I suspect the 12" and the 10" size are just as nice, and seem to be exactly what you're looking for.   (You don't want anything smaller than ten inches... that would be too small for serious analysis.)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chess-Checkers-Folding-Magnetic-Travel-Set-12-5-/261566503919?pt=Games_US&hash=item3ce6941bef

Not my favorite Ebay vendor, and I'm certain I didn't buy mine from them, since I'm on their customer blacklist for asking a question about another product (despite being a previous customer).  This is the set that I have though.  I actually prefer nicely molded plastic to cheap wood, but that's obviously a personal preference.  I'm sure other vendors still carry this, but didn't feel like looking further.  Think I paid $20 each for mine but with free shipping.

Thanks. That's pretty much perfect I think...12.5 inches x 12.5 inches. Two of those would fit side-by-side on a small cafe table I think. I certainly wouldnt want to go any bigger.

This site may be worth looking at. I've never dealt with them so I don't know about their quality or service but I've always thought their sets looked nice.

http://www.chessmate.com/chessmate1.html

This one really deserves a separate thread and not sure wrt price and size, if this is what C_M is looking for but still posting it here.

This was a kickstarter project last year. Its a folding board with special hinges.

$220 for a 16 inch board.

http://www.diaxi.com

Here is a set I own and carry in my laptop bag.  

http://www.chesshouse.com/9_Milled_Leather_Travel_Magnetic_Chess_Set_p/gwmg1.htm

I like it because the 9" size is big enough for good play.

That's a good suggestion too, Luft.

I think chessbazaar is well-respected, but I have not personally used them.

Hi Rishi9,  I just found this post and thank you for referring my board to the crew.  (I think it is a good board too ;) ).

I'm updating my website and plan to bring more different size(s) of boards to the market soon... we don't do magnetic but do do 3.5inch Kings of great tripple weighted quality.

Thanks again Rishi9... NH.

Wow, those are beautiful (the diaxi). Different. That would be my stay-at-home board - artwork. I bought a couple of cheap ones to take to a cafe that I don't have to worry about.

I have just ordered a 7.5 inch magnetic set from The Chess store 

http://www.thechessstore.com/category/00054-travel-chess-sets.wood_magnetic_travel_chess_sets/Wood-Magnetic-Travel-Chess-Sets SKU TPD75.

and a 2.5'' weighted chess set with extra queens from Jaques of London  (excellent customer service by the way). This set is to replace a useless unweighted set that came with a 10 3/4" folding board.

Both sets on the way. Will post further when I have received and had a chance to use.

@NH-diaxi - Beautiful set. Different and very desirable. Good luck with the business.

thanks guys... yes, more to come here, great to receive first hand encouragement!!  have a good weekend to you all.

what on earth are you talking about