A $79 magnetic travel chess set, and when a nine-inch board makes sense

Chess House listed its nine-inch magnetic travel set for $79, with $89 shown as the regular price. It pairs magnetic wooden pieces with a soft folding board. Nine inches is small enough for a tray table, which is the reason to consider it and the first thing to check if you’re used to a full-size set.

Try the size before you buy

Mark out a nine-inch square on your table. Picture two hands reaching across it and a crowded opening position. The magnets can help when the surface gets nudged. They won’t give you more space between pieces, so see whether you’d be comfortable picking up a knight without brushing a pawn.

Where it makes sense

For trips or an occasional game on a small table, the folding board earns its place in a bag. For longer games at home, a larger roll-up board may be more comfortable. Check the product listing for availability, delivery, and the current price before ordering.