Magnetic Chess Sets

Magnetic chess sets offer the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern convenience. These innovative sets use discreet magnets to keep every piece securely in place, ensuring your game stays intact even on the move. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, our curated collection of magnetic chess boards and pieces promises a secure, stylish, and enjoyable chess experience anywhere.

Magnetic Chess Sets: Elegant, Practical, and Travel-Ready

Discover an exquisite range of magnetic chess sets that marry form and function. Each set is crafted with an eye for detail, delivering the timeless appeal of a traditional chess set with the added practicality of magnetised pieces. The result is a chess board that is not only a delight to look at but also incredibly practical for everyday play. No more accidentally knocked-over pieces during an intense match – the subtle magnets ensure each chess piece stays put until you make your move.

Our magnetic sets are as travel-ready as they are elegant. From compact tabletop designs to larger folding boards, there's a magnetic chess set for every need. Pieces are fitted with magnets that provide a firm, but not obstructive, grip on the board, making it possible to pause and resume games without losing track of positions. This practicality makes these sets ideal for playing at home, in the office, or on the go. Plus, with their striking designs – including classic Staunton chessmen and beautifully finished boards – they serve as an eye-catching centrepiece in any room. Notably, magnetic chess sets are also fantastic for novices – serving effectively as chess sets for beginners – since the fixed pieces let new players practise without fear of accidental piece spills.

Magnetic Chess Sets for Travel

For chess lovers on the move, a magnetic travel chess set is a game-changer. Designed to be portable and compact, these sets allow you to enjoy chess in the car, on a train, or even on a plane without worrying about pieces sliding or falling off. Our collection features a variety of travel-friendly options, from pocket-sized sets that slip into a backpack to mid-sized folding boards that offer a larger playing area while remaining lightweight. Every magnetic chess board in this range ensures that bumpy rides or turbulence won't disrupt your game – pieces remain firmly attached, yet are easy to lift and move when it's your turn.

Many of our travel sets double as beautiful display pieces when you reach your destination. The clever design of magnetised pieces and boards means you can play a serious game anywhere, then fold or pack it away in seconds. Looking for even more options? Explore our Travel Chess Sets collection to find models tailored for journeys – from robust foldables to roll-up boards. A magnetic set is particularly useful for commutes and holidays, as it keeps everything organised and ready to play at a moment’s notice. It’s the ultimate companion for travellers who don’t want to pause their passion for chess.

Folding Magnetic Chess Boards: Easy to Store, Easy to Carry

Space-saving design meets convenience in our range of folding magnetic chess boards. These sets are perfect for those who want a full-size playing experience that can be effortlessly stored away or carried along. Each folding chess board opens up to reveal a smooth, level playing surface and closes securely with all the pieces tucked inside. Thanks to the magnetic chess pieces, you can even close the board mid-game – the pieces will stay in position until you're ready to continue. This feature is fantastic for saving a game in progress or transporting it without setting everything up again.

Our folding chess sets with magnetic pieces offer durability and style in one package. Sturdy hinges and clasps keep the board firmly shut during transit, while internal compartments or insert trays ensure each piece has its own place. You’ll never have to worry about missing pawns or knights rattling loose in your bag. The folding design not only makes these sets highly portable, but also means they take up minimal space at home. Slide your folded chess board onto a bookshelf or into a drawer when not in use, and simply unfold it for an impromptu game. It’s never been easier to carry quality chess equipment wherever you need it.

Handmade Wooden Chess Sets: Classic Meets Modern Function

Our wooden magnetic chess sets perfectly blend old-world elegance with new-world convenience. The boards feature exquisite details, from decorative trim to smooth lacquered or burnished surfaces, making them delightful to display on a coffee table or desk. Yet beneath the surface lies the modern innovation of a magnetic chess board, ensuring practical, spill-proof play. These sets are not only popular among chess enthusiasts for their quality and aesthetics, but also among gift shoppers looking for a thoughtful present. A wooden magnetic chess set makes a memorable gift, symbolising strategic fun and lasting quality – truly the best of both classic and contemporary.

Where to Buy Magnetic Chess Sets

If you're searching for high-quality magnetic chess sets in the UK, look no further than chess-set.co.uk. We are proud to offer a carefully curated collection of magnetic chess boards, handcrafted pieces, and travel-ready sets — all selected with both quality and practicality in mind. As a UK-based store, we offer fast and reliable delivery, responsive customer support, and a satisfaction guarantee with every purchase.

Whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift, our magnetic chess sets combine traditional craftsmanship with modern features like folding boards, internal storage, and hidden magnets. With hundreds of happy customers, competitive pricing, and unique designs not found elsewhere, chess-set.co.uk is your trusted destination for premium magnetic chess sets.

Premium Materials: Beech and Birch Wood

Many of our magnetic chess sets are crafted using high-quality beech and birch wood — two of the most respected materials in European woodworking. Beech is known for its strength and smooth grain, making it ideal for crafting long-lasting boards with a clean, polished finish. Birch, on the other hand, offers a light, elegant tone and exceptional stability, ensuring the playing surface remains flat and resistant to warping over time.

All our wooden boards and pieces are handmade by experienced artisans, using traditional techniques that highlight the natural beauty of the wood. From the precision carving of Staunton-style pieces to the fine inlays of each square, every set reflects care, heritage, and craftsmanship. The result? A magnetic chess set that looks stunning, feels satisfying to play, and lasts for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are magnetic chess sets good for travel?

Absolutely. Magnetic chess sets are one of the best options for travel. Thanks to the magnets in the pieces and board, the chessmen stay firmly in place even if the board is jostled. This makes them ideal for playing on trains, planes, and road trips. You won’t have to worry about pieces sliding off with every bump. Many travel enthusiasts consider magnetic sets a must-have for on-the-go chess, as they combine portability with reliability.

What size should a travel chess set be?

The ideal size for a travel chess set depends on finding the right balance between portability and playability. Many players prefer travel chess sets in the range of about 6 to 12 inches (15–30 cm) for the board. A smaller set (around 6–8 inches) is ultra-compact and easy to pack, perfect for backpacking or flights. Slightly larger folding sets (10–12 inches) provide a bit more room for comfortable play while still fitting in a travel bag. The key is to choose a set large enough that the pieces are easy to handle, but small enough to carry conveniently. All our magnetic travel chess sets are designed to offer that perfect balance.

What is the best material for a magnetic chess set?

It often comes down to personal preference. Wooden magnetic chess sets are highly regarded for their durability, classic look, and heft. Woods like walnut, mahogany, beech, or birch give the set a premium feel and make each piece satisfying to move. The magnets in wooden sets are typically well integrated, so they don’t detract from the traditional aesthetic. On the other hand, magnetic chess sets made from quality plastic or metal can be very lightweight and resilient, which is great for frequent travel or for children. They often cost less and can handle a bit of rough use. In short, if you value a luxurious feel and timeless style, a wooden magnetic set is best. If you need something extremely durable and light, a good plastic magnetic set could be the right choice.

How do magnetic chess sets work?

Magnetic chess sets work by using small magnets or magnetised metal in the pieces and a board that is lined with a metal sheet or opposite magnets. Each chess piece has either a magnet or a metal disc at its base. The chess board contains a thin magnetic layer or metal underneath the surface of each square. When you place the piece on the board, the magnetic attraction holds it in place.
The connection is strong enough to keep pieces steady if the board is tilted or bumped, but gentle enough to move the pieces smoothly during play. Thanks to this design, a magnetic chess board and pieces can even be turned upside-down without the pieces falling off!

Are magnetic chess sets suitable for children or beginners?

Yes, magnetic chess sets are excellent for children and beginners. For children, a magnetic set can make learning chess less frustrating – pieces won’t easily tip over or get knocked out of place mid-game.

This allows them to focus on the fun of learning strategies rather than constantly resetting the board. Beginners of any age also appreciate how the pieces stay put, as it reduces accidental mistakes and keeps the game organised.

Our magnetic sets often include durable pieces that can withstand enthusiastic use, and many are crafted with materials and sizes that are comfortable for smaller hands. Always supervise very young children with any chess set (as small pieces can be a choking hazard), but for school-age children and up, magnetic chess sets are a fantastic, user-friendly choice to start their chess journey.