Chess is as old as it is classic, so why not consider it the perfect travel game? Sure, it’s limited to two players and if you’re traveling in a larger group, perhaps something more like Cards Against Humanity might be in order – if you can stomach the raunchy humor. But as the title suggests, Chess is the thinking man’s game, and I am a thinking man. Therefore, I absolutely adore Chess. I love the strategy. I love being able to outthink and outwit my opponent, and to setup an attack over the course of half a game that they never saw coming. There’s something elegant and beautiful about the way the game of Chess is played.
I believe I’ve found the perfect Chess set for travelers and even diehard backpackers who give no thought to the extra (unnecessary) weight in their pack. My friends at Chess Bazaar have sent me their Travel Series Folding Magnetic set and I have to say that it is beautiful, well-crafted, affordable and designed with travelers in mind. Chess Bazaar is known for crafting some of the most stunning Chess sets and ornate game pieces in the world. They work with woods of all kinds, from all over the world, and are based in India. If you’re a Chess nut, like me, you won’t be disappointed – believe me when I say that I’ve spent hours on their site, simply drooling over their amazing sets.
I’ve already said their Travel Series set is designed perfectly for travelers, now let me tell you why… The travel set is small; the board measures 10-inches across, and folds in half. The board is essentially a wooden box with beautiful wood inlays, which opens and closes, storing the chess pieces inside. The wood they used for this particular travel set is Sheesham and Boxwood. Two metal latches hold the set together, and one opened, a green felt-covered foam is revealed, with each game piece held in its own proper spot. The Chess pieces are small, with the king reaching just shy of 2-inches tall and the pawns measuring a little shy of 1-inch. The game pieces are carved, stained and finished and look lovely for such a small, inexpensive set. Sure, Chess Bazaar specializes in extremely high-end, intricate sets and pieces, and while this set is among their low-end, I still find it a beautiful game set.
I’ve already said their Travel Series set is designed perfectly for travelers, now let me tell you why… The travel set is small; the board measures 10-inches across, and folds in half. The board is essentially a wooden box with beautiful wood inlays, which opens and closes, storing the chess pieces inside. The wood they used for this particular travel set is Sheesham and Boxwood. Two metal latches hold the set together, and one opened, a green felt-covered foam is revealed, with each game piece held in its own proper spot. The Chess pieces are small, with the king reaching just shy of 2-inches tall and the pawns measuring a little shy of 1-inch. The game pieces are carved, stained and finished and look lovely for such a small, inexpensive set. Sure, Chess Bazaar specializes in extremely high-end, intricate sets and pieces, and while this set is among their low-end, I still find it a beautiful game set.
Do note that I’m no pro Chess player, and would likely be totally destroyed if I were to play a professional, but I have played off and on for nearly two decades and (being totally honest) am the second best Chess player I know. So I have some knowledge of a good Chess set, I’d like to think. In all seriousness, a good Chess board and game pieces is in the eye of the beholder, because a great set should speak, like art, to the owner and the player. If you love Chess as I do, then perhaps a more professional set is best for you.
If you’d like to find out more about Chess Bazaar, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
If you’d like to find out more about Chess Bazaar, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
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