Chess Guides & Advice · · 5 min read
Magnetic or Standard Chess Set: Which Should You Choose?
Magnetic pieces that don't slip, a case that fits in a bag: the magnetic chess set has real advantages, especially for travel and with children. But at home, a standard set keeps the advantage of comfort. Here is how to choose.
You may have experienced it already: a gripping game on the train, a rather sudden bend, and the whole position ends up on the carriage floor. That is exactly the problem a magnetic chess set solves. Its magnetic pieces stay on their squares, even when the table moves. But does that mean giving up the standard set? Not necessarily. Here are the advantages, the limits and the best uses of each format.
How does a magnetic chess set work?
The principle is simple: a magnet is fitted in the base of each piece, and the board contains an element that attracts those magnets. The pieces therefore "grip" the square they are placed on slightly. You move them normally, by hand, but they resist jolts and a slightly tilted board.
On some models, the pieces are both magnetic and weighted: they gain stability and feel better in the hand, which brings the playing sensation closer to that of a standard chess board.
Wooden models combine this system with a folding board: once closed, the chess board becomes a case, often with a fitted insert where each piece has its place.
The advantages of a magnetic chess set
- Stability: the pieces don't slide and don't topple at the slightest knock.
- Compactness: most models fit in a bag, and the smallest even in a pocket.
- Storage: a fitted insert stops you losing pieces and lets you check at a glance that none is missing.
- The game in progress: on a table, you can leave a position in place and resume it later, even if someone bumps the furniture.
The limits to be aware of
- A smaller format: the squares are smaller than on a living-room chess board, which is less suited to long study sessions.
- A different feel: the slight pull of the magnet changes the movement a little, something some players used to large sets notice.
- Less presence: a travel set makes less of an impression on a coffee table than a large carved set.
Who should choose a magnetic set?
Travellers
Train, plane, camping, a windy terrace: the magnetic set is the ideal traveling companion. On the train, place the open case on the tray table and play without fear of braking. The Nomade noir measures 27 × 13.5 × 4 cm closed, weighs around 0.6 kg and combines hornbeam and sycamore pieces, weighted and magnetic, with a 55 mm king. For an even smaller format, the Petit Nomade vert measures just 20 cm, with hornbeam pieces in Staunton style and notation around the board.
Children
With younger players, magnetic pieces limit spills, and the insert teaches them to put the set away properly. The Apprenti, designed as a magnetic school set, offers a folding wooden board, 27 mm squares and a 50 mm king: a size suited to small hands and learning sessions.
Players who analyse
A small magnetic set placed next to a book or a screen lets you replay games or keep a study position in place for several days. The alphanumeric coordinates, found on several models such as the Nomade ébène, make it easier to follow the notation.
Playing well on the move
- On the train: place the case in the middle of the tray table, with the hinge perpendicular to the direction of travel, so that both players see the board face-on.
- On a terrace or when camping: magnetic pieces withstand gusts of wind that would knock over light pieces.
- To resume a game: write down the position in algebraic notation before putting the set away, or photograph it; the board's coordinates make it easier to set up again.
- On your return: put each piece in its slot and close the case flat, without forcing the hinges.
Who should keep a standard set?
At home, nothing replaces a large wooden set: taller pieces that feel better in the hand, wide squares and real presence in the room. If you play often, for a long time, or at a club, a standard set in No. 4 or No. 5 format remains the most comfortable. Our guide to choosing the right chess board size will help you find the right format.
A standard set also has an emotional side: it is often the one left open in the sitting room, the one on which you teach children, the one you pass on. A travel set, by contrast, is a tool: you like it for its practicality more than for its presence.
Quick comparison
| Criterion | Magnetic set | Standard set |
|---|---|---|
| Stability of the pieces | Excellent, even on the move | Good on a stable table, improved by weighted pieces |
| Size | Very compact, 20 to 28 cm case | Larger, case or board of 30 to 50 cm and more |
| Playing comfort | Good for short games | Ideal for long games |
| Travel | Designed for it | Possible with a compact model |
| Decor | Discreet | The centrepiece of a living room |
And why not both?
Many players end up owning a large set for the home and a small magnetic set for traveling. The second does not replace the first: it simply lets you play anywhere. The Nomade marqueté, with its inlaid wooden chess board and 30 mm squares, bridges the two: a travel set that keeps the look of a beautiful chess board.
Frequently asked questions
Do the magnets damage the pieces or the board?
No, the magnet is built into the base of the piece. As with any wooden set, simply avoid damp, heat and direct sunlight.
Can you take a magnetic set on a plane?
A compact wooden chess set packs easily into luggage. If in doubt, check with your airline.
Is a magnetic set suitable for learning to play?
Yes, it is even an excellent choice for children: the pieces stay in place during explanations and storing the set is simple.
Conclusion
For playing while traveling, on the train or with children, the magnetic chess set is the obvious choice; for long games at home, a standard set remains the most comfortable. Discover our magnetic chess sets and all of our travel sets.
