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Journey with kings and queens by your side, with Jaques of London’s beautifully designed range of travel chess sets. Crafted with the same majestic beauty as our legendary Staunton designs, our mobile chess sets allow for new and experienced players alike to enjoy the strategic battles that lay ahead, wherever the challenge begins.
Our travel chess sets are available in both compact and foldable designs. Each collection stands as a testament to the long-standing heritage of Jaques, as the earliest games manufacturer on British shores.
Presented in stunningly detailed presentation boxes, our travel chess sets are built for players of all ages to enjoy. The ultimate on-the-go brain training, few games have such broad benefits for maintaining a healthy mind. From improving problem-solving and strategic planning to boosting memory and critical thinking, chess has truly earned its moniker as the king of board games.
Each set comes with all the required pieces to play, whilst including the traditional instructions that have graced our finest sets for centuries. For the ultimate chequered challenge, look no further than Jaques and out exquisite travel chess sets.
Travel Chess Set: your questions answered
What age is a travel chess set suitable for?
Most travel chess sets suit children from around 6 years upward, once they can follow the basic rules. Younger children enjoy learning on a compact board, and the sets are equally comfortable for adults. If buying for a child under 6, check piece size carefully as small pieces can be a choking hazard.
Why choose a wooden travel chess set over a plastic one?
Wood is heavier in the hand, which makes pieces feel deliberate and satisfying to move. It also ages well: a quality wooden set develops character over time rather than looking tatty after a few years. For a gift that is meant to last a decade or more, wood is simply the more honest choice.
How do travel chess sets keep pieces from getting lost on the move?
The best designs use a magnetic board that holds pieces in place during play, or a folding board that doubles as a box so pieces are stored inside when you close it. Check whether a set uses both methods combined: magnets for play, a secure clasp for transport. That combination suits long journeys particularly well.
How do I care for a wooden travel chess set?
Keep it away from prolonged damp and direct sunlight, both of which can warp or fade wood over time. Wipe pieces with a dry or very slightly damp cloth. Occasional light application of beeswax polish to the board keeps the wood nourished. Avoid dishwashers, soaking, or leaving the set in a hot car boot.
Is a travel chess set a good gift?
It is one of the more reliably well-received gifts because it suits a wide range of people: commuters, students, families who holiday together, older relatives who play at clubs. A wooden set in a neat case also presents well. If you know the recipient already plays, check the Staunton piece standard so it matches sets they own.
How do I choose the right size travel chess set?
Think about where it will mostly be used. For a jacket pocket or a small bag, look for boards under 20 cm square. For a kitchen table or a holiday cottage, a slightly larger folding board is easier to play on comfortably. Piece height should feel proportionate to the square size: crowded pieces make the game harder to read.
What makes a travel chess set genuinely heirloom quality?
Solid wood construction rather than veneered MDF, weighted or hand-finished pieces, proper dovetail or brass-hinged boards, and a maker with a verifiable history of craftsmanship are the markers worth looking for. Jaques of London has made chess sets since 1795 and codified the Staunton standard in 1849, which gives the pieces their familiar, internationally recognised form.
Jaques of London · Britain's oldest games and toy maker · Est. 1795