If you’ve ever tried taking a full-sized wooden chess set on the road, you know the struggle. Pieces get jostled around, boards warp, magnets don’t always cut it—and yet most travel sets just don’t capture the elegance of playing with wood. That’s where the A&A Deluxe Wooden Travel Chess Set comes in. It gives you the portability you need without sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of quality craftsmanship. When Bryce reviewed this set, it was clear from the start that it stood out from the usual travel board options, and if you're someone who appreciates good design, sturdy construction, and thoughtful details, this set might surprise you in the best way.
From the moment you open it, you can tell this set was made with care. The case itself is walnut wood and measures just 15x5 inches when closed, which means it easily fits in a backpack or carry-on bag. The hinges are smooth, the magnets hold the two halves firmly shut, and the whole unit feels like a premium item you’re proud to own, not something you picked up just to kill time in an airport lounge. The exterior is finished with a light gloss that brings out the wood grain, giving the case a nice visual warmth.
Inside, you’re met with a red felt-lined interior that adds a bold contrast to the brown tones of the board and pieces. It’s a small thing, but the color choice gives it a certain flair without being over-the-top. The set also includes extra touches like a rulebook, postcard, stickers, and a business card from A&A, which adds a more personal feel to the purchase. It's like the company wants you to feel like part of something rather than just another customer.
But of course, the real highlight is the chess pieces themselves. Each one is handcrafted with a smooth, polished finish that looks and feels great. They’re weighted just enough to stay stable on the board without being cumbersome, and they glide across the squares in a satisfying way. The inclusion of extra queens is a detail you'll appreciate the moment your pawn hits the 8th rank mid-game. These pieces aren’t just placeholders—they have character. The bishops have those classic deep miters, the knights have an expressive cut, and the kings feel solid in the hand. The design sticks close to Staunton standards while adding just a hint of flair.
One particularly clever feature you’ll appreciate when setting up to play is the tab system built into the joints of the foldable board. Foldable boards often come with a raised center or an uneven playing surface, which can be frustrating when your pieces start wobbling during play. But here, the tabs lock into place in a way that keeps the board level and flat, so you’re not fiddling with it every time you make a move. It’s a subtle engineering fix to a common annoyance, and once you experience it, you'll wonder why more boards don’t include something similar.
Now, you might notice that the board doesn’t come with algebraic coordinates. If you're someone who likes tracking games or teaching beginners, that could be a small drawback. Bryce points this out in the video and walks you through how to orient the board correctly, which is helpful if you're not used to playing without marked files and ranks. But on the flip side, the absence of coordinates adds to the clean, elegant look of the board, and for casual or travel play, it’s hardly a deal-breaker.
This set isn’t trying to be a flashy gadget or some gimmicky reinvention of the wheel. It’s meant to bring the traditional chess experience into a form that’s genuinely portable and satisfying to use. Whether you're heading to a tournament, traveling for work, or just like playing in different environments—cafés, parks, trains—this set delivers the consistency and quality you’d expect from a full-size set without the bulk or fragility. It's built to go where you go, without compromising on the experience.
If you're the kind of person who gets a little excited by the idea of pulling a sleek, wooden chess set out of your backpack while waiting for a flight or sipping coffee outdoors, then this set is probably right up your alley. And if you’re on the fence, consider how rare it is to find something that combines real wood, thoughtful design, and portability in one product. Bryce, who’s reviewed quite a few sets in his time, doesn’t just praise it for looks—he actually enjoys using it, and that says a lot.
If you're interested in picking one up, there’s a discount code "10CUS2024" you can use at checkout. Bryce includes this in the video description, along with his affiliate link to the A&A Chess site. It’s a small way to support the kind of content that helps you find gems like this, and hey, who doesn’t like saving a little money?
So whether you’re a tournament player who travels often or just someone who wants a chess set that looks as good as it plays, the A&A Deluxe Wooden Travel Chess Set checks the right boxes. It’s functional, compact, and built with a level of detail you don’t always see in travel sets. There’s a kind of quiet joy that comes from playing with something well-made, and this set delivers exactly that. No frills, no gimmicks, just solid chess anywhere you go.
BUY THIS CHESS SET (Use 10CUS2024 for 10% off)
A&A 15 Inch Deluxe Travel Set
🛒 Amazon