Novag Star Beryl

The Novag Star Beryl is a sleekly designed chess computer, all of the buttons are waterproof, and a flush with the surface. The smallish dimensions of the chess computer (12 3/8"x10"x1") would suggest that it was made for travel. Although not great for during travel it packs well. It is not a super powerful unit, but it holds it's own against beginners, to intermediate players. I would suggest that the Novag Star Beryl is a good unit for youngsters that need a chess computer while on the move, it's durable, easily packed and affordable.

• ELO Rating: 1750128 Playing Levels
• Single Chip Microprocessor
• Sensory Board move input
• Random generator
• Receive hints with Hint Key
• Referee Mode
• Training mode
• 25 move takeback
• Setup position mode
• Solves most Mate in 6 moves
• Power: 6AA Batteries (or buy optional AC Adapter)
• Size: 12 3/8" x 10" x 1"

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Travel Chess Sets Review

Finding the right travel chess set can be hard, if not frustrating. There are so many out there, but which one is right for you? There are so many options to be sifted through, and so many travel chess sets have their own unique features not offered by any other travel chess sets

The first thing to do is narrow down what you want out of a travel chess set. If you want a small travel chess set, a large travel chess set, a magnetic travel chess set, or a really expensive nice travel chess set.

It helps to have a good selection of travel chess sets to browse through to help give you an idea of what you really need out of a travel chess set. Chess House offers the largest selection of Travel Chess Sets ever! Whatever you are looking for in a travel chess set, whether its a cheap travel chess set, or a travel chess set made out of exotic wood, you can be sure to find exactly what you are looking for. And the one of the great things about the travel chess sets you find at Chess House are the customer reviews, customers oftentimes will leave a review on the products, so you can see for yourself if they were satisfied with their purchases, or if what they bought gave them a negative impression.

Travel Chess and Checker Set

Comes with a custom fit carry case, this travel chess and checker set is a good choice for portable entertainment. I am well known for bringing a travel chess set with me and playing chess in restaurants while I wait for my food, it's a great way to pass the time.

The chess board folds compactly in half, when it's set up it has a perfectly flat surface, thats not always the case with folding chess boards. Inside the carry case there is compartments that keep things nicely organized for the next chess game.

Travel Chess Set

This Wood Travel Chess Set is extremely good looking, it is a travel chess set that you might expect to really pay out for. The wood quality and the magnetic chess pieces combine to make a really nice travel chess set.

This travel chess set is also great for analysis to, the border of the chess board is algebraically notated. It's great to use on a long flight or road trip with a chess puzzle book and work out mate in 3's and other chess puzzles. And it is hinged, this wood travel chess set folds in half and closes with a little golden clasp. The magnetic chess pieces store neatly inside in their own little slots made of felt. Because it's magnetic, has algebraic notation and its easily stored into a backpack or purse, it makes the perfect travel chess set.

Travel Chess Computer: Finding the right one

When you have a long road trip or flight ahead, there is nothing like a travel chess computer to whittle away the time. Regardless of road trips and flights, it can take a lot to occupy an active child's mind. It can take a lot to occupy an active child's mind, but the very best way to do that is to give children something that will educate them rather than dumb them down like a Nintendo Gameboy.
That's where travel chess computers fit the bill perfectly, face it, chess is a game that takes all the mental facilities, and chess really requires a lot of focus and concentration. Travel chess computers are the perfect substitution for the new Nintendo games that do nothing to improve your IQ, rather than improve I tend to think that they turn kids into vegetables!

So we know that Nintendo is a no go, and that travel chess computers are great to substitute for a Nintendo. But then a question quickly arises. Which travel chess computer should I buy?
A good question, I will do my best to advise you, And I have used each and every one of the chess computers I am going to mention.

First we need to find what your price range is for a travel chess computer. I will start with the cheaper chess computers and I will move on to the more expensive but better chess computer.

Chess Station Travel Chess Computer:
First of all this is the very cheapest chess computer I would ever recommend that you ever buy! The Chess Station travel chess computer is great because it offers versatility that other chess computers don't. The best part about this travel chess computer is that you get a handheld, portable chess computer unit, and you also get an electronic chess board as well! This enables you to carry the handheld chess unit anywhere you want without pieces and be able to play chess. But then if you want to play with a real chess board with real chess pieces, rather than the LCD screen that the handheld travel unit, you can just plug the handheld unit into the chess board. Then the Chess Station travel chess computer becomes an electronic chess set! Fairly powerful and easy to use, with many fun options, this travel chess computer is pretty nice and for a great deal. You are able to play VS the computer or another human. The LCD screen on this travel chess computer however is not as detailed as others. Chess Station travel chess computer is made by Excalibur Electronics.

Deluxe Talking Travel Chess Computer:
This Talking travel chess computer is an extremely nice chess computer, and great for kids to use. The talking feature of the Talking travel chess computer is very handy for kids and eliminates a lot of confusion that could ensue without it (the talking mode is optional). The Talking travel chess computer tells you when you are in check, if you are trying to make an illegal move, this travel chess unit makes a lot of sense. And the LCD screen is the second best I have seen on a LCD travel chess computer that I have seen in this price range. The Deluxe travel chess computer is operated with a stylus, this stylus makes the Deluxe travel chess computer super simple to operate the entire unit. This travel chess computer is also super simple to put on player VS player mode instead of player VS computer. Also there are several adjustable playing levels to this travel chess computer, and it can be turned up to an extremely high level and is far to hard for me to beat! New Feature! The Excalibur Deluxe talking Chess Computer now has a backlight screen for nocturnal play!

Maestro Travel Chess Computer:
The Maestro travel chess computer has the best LCD screen ever for it's class of chess computer, each chess piece is easily distinguished. As for playing power it is about the same as the Deluxe travel chess computer. It does not talk, but it offers anther feature that is just as nice, or nicer for adults. The LCD screen has an optional backlight, so you are able to play in any lighting, anytime! (watch out for kids playing in the dead of night!) You can set up chess puzzle positions with the Maestro travel chess computer as well. This is a great feature, it enables you to work through a chess puzzle book and let the computer play as the opposing side and make the forced mate in 3 moves for you! (the Deluxe travel chess computer can do this as well).

*New* Mon Roi chess computer:
The Mon Roi chess computer is the ultimate of all travel chess computer. It is a personal chess computer that can even be password protected. You can automatically save all your chess games in it's database, and later upload them to a computer for further analysis using a USB cable! This new little chess gadget is the most high tech piece of chess equipment available! Mon Roi chess tournaments are hosted and all the games from these tournaments are veiwable online. These tournaments are hosted, and the players games are all picked up by a wireless gadget and are automatically able to be seen online! This new chess technology is available to buy, but it is expensive, and I would only recommend it to the most avid of chess players!

Wood Magnetic Travel Chess Set

This wooden magnetic travel chess set is a mere 5" square! it is so small, yet that does not detract from it's good looks. It has only 1/2" squares and the chess pieces that come with it were designed with just the right bases to fit the small squares.

There is a small drawer to store the chess pieces, it's hard to believe that such a small compact chess set could have a drawer in it, but it really works well! All the pieces fit in their own little spaces.

A very cute compact wood magnetic travel chess set.

Wood Travel Chess Set

This wooden travel chess set is a great little travel chess set. You can leave it in whatever position you want to and still shut the cover over it. That is a key factor in choosing a travel chess set. While traveling oftentimes a game is interrupted, say for a rest stop, bathroom break, you know what I mean? This little wooden travel chess set just folds nicely up and saves the positon intact. Also this little wooden travel chess set is made of good varnished wood, it's a very pretty chess set.

Instead of being magnetic the chess pieces have pegs on the bottom, these pegs fit perfectly into little holes that are in each square of the chess board. In addition all the pieces in this travel chess set have their own storage space off the board. That way during a game when you capture an opponents piece you can take it off the board and put it into the row of little holes that are off to the sides of the chess set. That chess piece storage system ensures that your chess pieces never get lost. The case/board is made in sandwich style, so it closes completely and can be held together by a little golden clasp, the hinges on this chess set are pretty sturdy to.

Magnetic Chess Demonstration Board

This Magnetic Demo board is state of the art chess teaching equipment. This is the easiest demonstration board ever. It is so easy to use, that it has replaced all the other chess demonstrations boards.

The pieces that come with the magnetic demo board have a large magnet on the back of each piece. The demo board itself is made with strips of magnet inside the vinyl surface, because it is made with strips of magnets it is easily rolled up and put into the travel case that is included with it.

Cheap Touch Chess Computer

This cheap touch LCD screen travel chess computer has got to be the cheapest travel chess computer available. At only $16.95 this LCD screen touch screen chess computer is even pretty strong. It has an average rating of about 1600, not bad for a cheap travel chess computer. One of the reasons it is so cheap is probably because all the newer travel chess computers are all operated with a stylus that looks like a pen. Instead this small travel chess unit is operated using buttons on the front panel. And you don't have to play against just the computer, you can play VS real people taking turns passing the unit back and forth.

Travel Chess Computers

In the last 3 years, travel chess computers have advanced from toys, to powerful gaming and tutor systems. The Processors of the latest travel chess computers are highly developed, to give you the stiffest competition ever seen in travel chess computers. Travel chess computers like the Maestro travel chess computer, made by (Saitek Mephisto) and the Deluxe Talking travel chess computer, (by Excalibur) have not only improved their game of chess, but they also offer more features. These features have made these two computers outshine their competition by a mile! I have operated both chess computers, I like the Maestro travel chess computer the best, but both the Maestro and the Deluxe Talking travel chess computers have undeniable features.
The reason I like the Maestro travel chess computer the best is because it has a great backlit screen, so there is never a problem playing it, ever! I have played many LCD screen chess computers, it is really annoying when you can't quite see the pieces because of bad lighting. The backlight LCD screen really is a great new feature. It sucks more juice out of the batteries of course, but it is an optional feature, so you only use it in poor lighting condition. Read All Maestro Features.
The Deluxe Talking travel chess computer has good features to. The sound element involved in the game, makes you more aware of what is going on in the game. I cranked up this chess computer to the max level and got creamed! I eventually was able to beat the Deluxe Talking travel chess computer after I turned down the level to about 1100. I really like how detailed each individual piece was, each piece looked like a Staunton chess set should. Read All Deluxe Talking travel chess computer features.

Both of these handheld travel chess computers are the top of the line, the very best of their class. They are in fact very similar to each other, they are both about the same strength, in a post in the near future I am going to pit one against the other in a chess game and see which one wins. I will write an article on the results of both travel chess computers.

Large 22x12 Chess Bag on sale 60% off!

This is an expensive chess bag selling for very cheap! The large carryall chess bag is the biggest chess bag on the market with the most room. You can carry quite a bit in this chess bag, you can fit most 4" sets but 4" chess sets with extra queens sometimes don't fit in the pouches made to carry the chess pieces.
60% off is quite a deal and one that can't be beat! there is so much room in this bag you can store any size chess clock, any type of scorebook, you could even carry around all your chess gear with your travel chess computer inside!

DGT Chess Set Storage Bag

DGT products has Designed a carrying case specially designed to carry the entire DGT Chess Set! It has the space to carry special equipment and was designed to carry the DGT signature products like the DGT XL Clock, the DGT chess board, DGT chess pieces and all the cables required to connect you to the world wide web or just to your computer for analysis.
Manufactured to carry the DGT chess set, this DGT carry case is the only bag that fits the DGT chess board perfectly. Face it, you spent lets say maybe a little more than $700 for your electronic DGT equipment and you decide you want to go for a vacation to iceland and want to take along your DGT chess set, securing the right accomadations for your DGT chess set for such a trip might be hard, look at it this way, you sign into you 5 star hotel and in you walk with a DGT chess board wrapped in sheets or maybe your super soft bathrobe.
Not a comfortable situation, not very professional, very eccentric! This DGT travel chess bag solves all your traveling problems easily, it has great padding, comes in 2 colors, all the pockets, hidy holes, zippers, buttons, everything! Except protien bars, you will have to get those somewhere else.

Hand Held Chess Computer

The Chess Station Chess Computer is a great hand held chess computer it has awesome features that can't be ignored if you are interested in purchasing the ultimate travel handheld chess computer. It is a small palm sized Hand held chess computer with an LCD screen. It's really cool, the handheld unit can be played like other handheld chess computers, in you hand! But then it plugs into a chess board and plays old school chess with real pieces!
One of the features is a teaching mode and a hint mode, designed to improve your game of chess. The only thing this hand held chess computer lacks is a stylus, you controll the pieces with buttons on the computer. Its just one less piece you have to worry about losing. The Chess Station has a processor chess rating of about 1750.

If you prefer a hand held unit that has a stylus or higher playing strength the Maestro Travel Chess Computer or the Deluxe Talking Chess Computer are the best of their kind.

Travel Chess Computer

So what's the best Travel Chess Computer you ask? well first of all lets narrow down the category. What are you really looking for and expecting out of a travel chess computer. I will run down a list of the most popular chess computers, i'll give you all the facts on the advantages and disadvantages of the leading travel chess computers.

Maestro Travel Chess Computer: More Statistics.
The maestro travel chess computer is designed to use in all lighting conditions, whether you lighting is good or whether its bad, I can still be able to play a game of chess with a friend or against the computer itself. I'm able to do this because the maestro travel chess computer has the coolest backlight feature, it wont matter if its pitch dark you can still manage to play chess with it. Just a warning to parents, if you buy this travel chess computer for a child, you might want to peep in on him/her at night, just so they get some sleep! It isn't shockproof, and it sure isn't waterproof! It also comes with a leather carry-case. Maestro travel chess computer can play a tough game of chess, and you can tone down the level if its to hard.

Deluxe Talking Travel Chess Computer: More Statistics.
supposedly the worlds best chess computer, the Deluxe Talking travel chess computer has a great estimated chess rating of 2000! I don't think its quite as user friendly as the Maestro but it whups it at a tough game of chess, it doesn't have the backlight feature though. But there isn't called Deluxe Talking chess trainer for nothing! Yep this travel chess computer really does talk, it's great for people who cant see as well. Another great feature is the LCD screen on this travel chess computer has more detailed chess pieces than any other LCD screen chess computer so once again its great for people that cant see as well. This travel chess computer comes with a leather carry-case as well. Newly added feature! The Deluxe Talking Chess Computer now has a back light screen for nocturnal play!

Mephisto Expert Travel Chess Computer: More Statistics.
With this travel chess computer I never have to puzzle over which piece is which. it comes with 3D peg style pieces, The only disadvantage with this is the pieces can get lost. I lost some but phoned Saitek and got the replacements so that worked out fine. The 3D chess pieces fit snugly into place on the holey chess board if it gets a little bumped around, say in the car or plane, they will stay in place and only if it is jarred pretty badly will they ever come out. Another great feature of the Expert travel chess computer is the great lid design; the lid is designed to be placed over a game of chess while the pieces are still in place! So a game is easily stored and saved. The designers of this chess computer knew people would be worried about losing their chess pieces, but they wanted a travel chess computer with real in-your-hand chess pieces, so they conveniently made 30 little holes off the actual chess board. So whenever I capture an opponents piece, i place it in one of the little holes off the board. You might be thinking why 30? there are 32 pieces! well, the kings never come off the board!

There are several other styles of travel chess computers but the ones I have chosen to post on are in my opinion the best travel chess computers made. I have had the opportunity to play and operate each individual chess computer, and have been using them for years. The travel chess computers I have posted on have excellent feedback not by just me but by many other satisfied people. But thats not to say those are your only options there are several other travel chess computers.

Scholastic Chess Tournaments, Be Prepared!

It's almost here! Get ready! School chess tournaments will be here before you know it, if you or your child aren't involved in scholastic chess tournaments you really should consider it, chess tournaments are great family fun, they host food bar's soft drink stands and chess game vendors, and of course the chess matches. Almost all scholastic chess tournaments are 5 game rounds with 30 minutes per player (if they are using chess clocks) so it's an all day event of food, fun and games. Be prepared to face the crowds, traffic, food, and travel. Also be prepared and ready for these exciting events by getting the right kind of chess gear, at the tournament they have chess sets already set up, but those are for tournament play only, you can have your own Full Size Tournament Chess Set or go with one of the popular Magnetic Travel Chess Sets to play with of the record or go over your games to analyze what you did right or wrong, or what your opponent did right or wrong. Take it a step further and buy Chess Training Books that teach you how to demolish your opponent (figuratively speaking). There are many ways to improve your chess game, so dont limit yourself, get into the game, and have fun!

Glass Electronic Chess Computer

The Glass Electronic Chess Computer is a very stylish looking electronic chess computer, and its not just good looking, the glass electronic chess computer has an official USCF rating of 2000, that's a high rating by most peoples standards! the glass electronic chess computer offers several different playing modes and levels including analysis modes and other handy features. The chess pieces that accompany the glass electronic chess computer are finely crafted from glass, the light pieces are clear glass and the dark pieces are transparent blue. Each square on the glass electronic chess computer has a red LED light integrated just under the surface of the board, when a piece makes its move the LED lights, light up the path its going to travel on to reach its destination, so lets say a rook is going to move from a1 to a8, a string of red LED lights will light up the pathway all the way to a8. This is very handy because you don't need to reference an LCD screen to find out where the computer wants to move. This glass electronic chess computer is strong enough to handle mate in 8 positions, you have the option of playing against the computer or against a friend, while playing with a friend the computer acts as a referee making sure all the rules are being followed. In a nutshell I'd say this could be a great analysis and training tool, but also a great looking electronic chess computer, one that wouldant be all that out of place in a sitting room set up, ready for a game.

Chessboard Reviews

Wow there are tons of Chessboards out there, which one to choose can be hard sometimes, and online you have to worry about the chessboard being an imported piece of junk! I am writing a review on chessboards and I am going to give you the links where to find the chessboard i'm writing about. I have hands on access to all these chessboards (and all the products I write about) and I can give you the info you need to make a wise purchase, a purchase you will be happy with once you have it. The first factor to buying anything is price range, I will start off with the cheap chessboards and work my way up the more expensive ones.

Vinyl Chessboard: The vinyl chessboards are more often used for tournament chess sets or travel chess set's, they are very handy because the roll up for storage and several Chess Bags are made just to carry the vinyl chessboard. The vinyl chessboard is also very cheap, but you have to watch out buying cheap vinyl chessboards, many of them are made in china and are imported. Generally the imported cheap vinyl boards aren't to bad but there is one vinyl chessboard that is made in the USA that is better quality. The USA Vinyl Chessboard only comes in one color, green, that is the standard tournament chessboard color. The Imported Cheap Vinyl Chessboard has several different colors to choose from, but not all of them are cut perfectly and they tend to mark up more than the USA vinyl chessboard. All of the vinyl chessboards are rigged for algebraic notation

Floppy Mouse Pad Chessboard: These mouse pad floppy chessboards are the best way to go for a travel roll up chessboard, they are made in a thick mouse pad style that is crease resistant and yet they are soft to the touch, the underside of the floppy chessboard is made from a material that seems to grab the surface it is sitting on and it wont slide ever (unless you are really pulling hard). The floppy chessboard also has algebraic notation.

Wooden Chessboard: Lots of people buy wooden chessboards to dress up their sitting or living rooms, the best wooden chessboards are made by Drueke. The Drueke Wooden Chessboard by far outranks their smaller competing wooden chessboard companys, with each wood chessboard the squares are hand inlaid to perfection and the edges are beveled to percection, they are crafted from solid walnut and pine, Drueke has truly made a legacy out of their chessboards, they truly take pride in their workmanship. Some people don't like the price that is always attached to real quality, and that is where the cheaper wood chessboard company's get their buyers. The Cheap Veneer Wooden Chessboard is a good choice for a cheap wooden chessboard, it is way thicker than most wooden chessboards and has a good flat surface, they are not always cosmetically perfect though. There is also a very good tournament size Cheap Walnut Chessboard, it is a pretty good chessboard the only downside being that it is a little thin, it has four little legs on the underside so it's raised above the surface of the table.

I hope this information was useful to you, enjoy your shopping and good luck.

Club Chess Sets: Club Chess Set Combos Used In Schools

Club Chess Sets Combos used by school have a very small range of products used, they always use green vinyl roll up boards, black and ivory chess pieces and a cheap chess bag or Chess Piece Pouch. The chess pieces are always the classic Staunton design, you can get weighted Some chess stores have put together chess set combos that have the same chess pieces and boards with different better chess bag options. you are still able to buy the chess set without any bag at all but the extra options are very nice.

The most common chess bag in use is the nylon starter chess bag, it has a zipper pouch with handles and a sleeve, the vinyl chess board easily rolls up for travel and is put in the sleeve, it hangs on the underside of the pouch on the outside of the board. There are two factors that make this chess bag less desirable, the pouch is to small to store a chess clock inside and the pieces are all in one big pouch, black and white pieces jumbled together.

The best chess bag to go with is the Carryall Tournament Chess Bag, the chess board is stored inside of the bag, the pieces have their own pouches, one pouch for black and one for white, the pouches zip up and are very roomy, they are easily capable of storing 4 inch chess pieces. There is a middle pouch for storing the chess clock that zips up as well, also there are 2 small sleeves inside for storing pens or pencils, there is also a separate area for putting chess score sheets, this chess bag has it all. There is even a slot for putting a buisness card! The interior is padded, when full it is able to expand about 4 inches. Lastly it has a strap and very sturdy handles for easy traveling.

All of these Tournament chess set combos are great for travel and the easiest chess sets to store.

Xiangqi chess set: Chinese Chess Sets & Chinese Chess Boards & Pieces

Chinese Chess is captivating and enjoyable! Like traditional chess, Chinese chess is very mentally demanding taxing all the mind powers of both contestants. Chinese chess has quickly become accepted in the Western world, both by Asians and Americans. For those of you that have never played Chinese chess, the symbols on each piece quickly become familiar. Chinese chess sets can be obtained from a number of sources. Chinese shops commonly carry a cheaper variety of Chinese chess that has a paper board and wooden pieces, with the customary red and black inscriptions. There is a new generation of Chinese chess sets coming out that has brought together a selection of more desirable and durable Chinese chess sets.

Chinese Chess Sets
This Folding Travel Chinese Chess Set is great for mobility, it conveniently folds in half for storage or travel. Most folding chess sets have a clasp to keep them shut, this folding travel Chinese chess set has powerful intergrated magnets located near the corners on the underside of the board. The board is made of quality wood, the lines in it are actually carved into the board, not cheaply painted, the dimensions of this Chinese chess set are as follows: 12 1/2" x 3/4" x 12 1/2". The pieces that come with this Chinese chess set have the customary red and black symbols and have a substantial weight to them; they are crafted out of ground stone.

The Chinese Chess Set & Traditional Chess Set Package comes with the same ground stone pieces with black and red Chinese chess pieces. The Chinese chess board however can be flipped around revealing a traditional 64 square chess board; this package comes with the reversible Chinese chess board & classic chess board, Chinese chess set, and classic chess pieces. On a rateing of 1-5 i would rate the classic chess pieces at a 2, not all that great. but the chess board has algebraic notation on it and is really a great board, the squares and lines on the board are gold and the wood has a burgundy/red hue to it. Both sets of pieces come with a satin drawstring bag and rules on how to play.

For those of you who don't care to spend as much money on a game you may not have ever played, but would still like to get the game to learn it and enjoy it, the cheaper Chinese Chess Set is also available. This Chinese chess set comes with the heavy plastic Chinese chess pieces, a plastic case, and a thin paper foldable Chinese chess board. This Chinese chess set is obviously a cheaper version and really all you would get that will last is the pieces. It also comes with a set of rules

Chinese Chess History
History of Chinese Chess
Chinese chess, also known as Xiangqi, is a very popular game of the Orient. Tens of millions play this game in Thailand, Singapore, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong and other Asian countries. Xiangqi means "elephant game" and is pronounced "Shiang-Chi".

Playing Chinese Chess
Chinese chess rules have the Xiangqi board made up of ten horizontal lines and nine vertical lines. These are divided horizontally with a line called the "river". Two "palaces" are positioned in the center opposite sides of the Xiangqi board. Each is made by crossed lines connecting it's four "points".

Traditional chess is played on squares while Xiangqi chess pieces are played on intersecting lines called "points". The pieces consist of 2 Rooks (or chariots), 2 Knights (or horses), 2 Elephants (or bishops), 2 Mandarins (or advisors/assistants/guards), 1 King (or general), 2 Cannons, 5 Pawns (or soldiers).

Chinese Chess Rules

• Red moves first
  
• Win by checkmate or stalemate of the opponent's King
  
• Perpetual check is not allowed and you cannot check your opponent more than three times consecutively with the same position on the board.
  
• You can't force an enemy piece to move to and from the same two points endlessley in order for them to avoid capture. This rule avoids perpetual check type draws.
  
• Game is drawn when checkmate or stalemate are impossible.

Saitek Mephisto Chess Computers

Saitek Mephisto Chess Computers are endorsed by Garry Kasparov and are well known for their strong play. They come in a variety of sizes prices and playing strengths. But there is one thing they all have in common, Quality!

The Saitek Mephisto Master Travel Chess Computer is the highest ranked portable chess computer made. Matched against the Novag Star Diamond Chess Computers the Saitek Mephisto Master chess computer wins 75% of the time. This portable chess computer boasts the highest playing level ranked at 2400 and has the most playing features and options. This Mephisto Saitek travel chess computer has in internal chess clock, coach mode, hint button, and tons of playing modes. In addition this Saitek Mephisto master chess computer comes with an AC adapter and a vinyl carry case.

This Saitek Mephisto Talking Chess Academy is a great chess computer and has the highest rank of all talking chess computers; it gives you the benefit of visual and vocal instruction. The training features in this talking chess computer are the reason it is in such demand, and with a ranking of 2200 this talking chess computer has the right to teach! This Saitek Mephisto talking chess computer has auto sensory technology for easy and casual play, auto sensory senses the piece you pick up and where you put it down, pushing or button punching required.

The Saitek Mephisto Maestro Travel Chess Computer has the best reputation of all hand held travel chess computers and is the most highly recommended. This hand held chess computer features an approximate playing strength of 1800. The most winning aspect of this hand held chess computer is the incredible LCD screen graphics; the pieces are operated with a stylus and are the most clearly defined and detailed of any other LCD screen hand held chess computer. And that’s not all! The LCD screen has a backlight so no matter what the light conditions you will be playing in are like; you will always be able to distinguish your chess pieces, even in pitch dark! this is the only hand held chess computer available with a backlight. In addition this hand held chess computer comes with a quality leather case.

Travel Magnetic Chess Sets

Wood Travel Magnetic Chess Sets have a classy look to them that the cheaper plastic ones don't have, wood magnetic chess sets also generally are more sought after because of the quality look they maintain. Wooden magnetic chess sets can be good for both chess analysis, casual play and of course travel! The thing that distinguishes a wooden magnetic travel chess set most is the piece storage feature. Generally wooden magnetic travel chess sets either fold or have drawers for the magnetic chess pieces.


Plastic magnetic travel chess sets are strong and very durable. Most people buy plastic magnetic travel chess sets because they are fairly inexpensive. plastic magnetic travel chess sets also are easier and cheaper to find replacement pieces for and so they are a great choice for kids. Because they don't have to deal with the thickness wood magnetic chess sets have, plastic magnetic travel chess sets most of the time have better magnetic fields and stick to the chess board better.

This Plastic Magnetic Travel Chess Set is on of the best magnetic travel chess sets on the market; it features a 6 1/4 raised algebraic chess board with black and silver squares. This plastic magnetic travel chess set comes with a free unique chess bag that fits the chess board and the chess pieces snugly.The pieces that come with this travel magnetic chess set are silver and brass colored and when this chess set is set up it is truly stunning, the piece design is great and very detailed.

This 8x8 Travel Magnetic Chess Set is the best customer rated travel magnetic chess set and is the most user friendly. The lid to this travel magnetic chess set can cover the game while the pieces are still in position! There is a very strong magnetic field on this magnetic travel chess set and you never have to worry about positions changing on you. The pieces for this magnetic travel chess set are very finely detailed for a travel set and look great.

This Ultimate Magnetic Travel Chess Checkbook Style is the ultimate pocket magnetic travel chess set. This magnetic travel chess set is shaped like a checkbook and fits anywhere you want it to practically. the pieces for this travel magnetic chess set are 2 Dimensional. The travel magnetic chess set can be shut and stored while the pieces are set up for play. This convenient factor makes it easy and fun for traveling.

View all Magnetic Travel Chess Sets

Staunton Chess Sets

Staunton Chess Sets Are great for casual play and travel, these paticular Staunton Chess Sets are plastic and are good for all types of chess and generly are very tough.

The Hastings Staunton Plastic Chess Set has beautiful heavy chess pieces! The chessmen are very finely detailed, especially the new knight designed by House of Staunton. Overall this chess set has a quality look and feel to it that surpasses all other Staunton chess sets in its price range. The king stands 3 7/8 inches tall and the total weight of the chess pieces is 44 ounces, this chess set looks and feels great to play with! There are two color options available a stunning red and ivory and black and natural.

The Ultimate Staunton Chess Set is almost the heaviest set of chess pieces available. This Staunton chess set is highly recommended for blitz chess, the heavily weighted chess pieces don’t fall over as easy, the king is 3 5/8 tall. Overall this chess set is very stable weighing in at 3 pounds 7 ounces.

The Drueke Staunton Plastic Chessmen made by Dreuke this Staunton chess set is Dreuke quality. These Staunton chess pieces are made of very high quality plastic. This Staunton chess set features weighted bottoms with felt, the king stands 3 ¾ inches tall and the total weight of the chess pieces is a hefty 3.75 pounds.

Plastic Chess Sets

Plastic chess sets are great for all types of chess. They aren’t easy to damage and stay like new for a long time. Generally speaking they are very user friendly.

This Basic Club Plastic Chess Set is inexpensive The king measures in at 3 ¾ tall with 1.5 inch felt base, the plastic chess pieces are light and durable making this plastic chess set great for travel.


These Weighted Tournament Plastic Chess Pieces are triple weighted and the whole chess set weighs in at a hefty 2 pounds! In addition this plastic chess set comes with extra queens of each color. You can’t go wrong with this heavy plastic set chess set.


The Quality Club Special Plastic Chess Pieces are the most widely used scholastic tournament chess set in the USA, this plastic chess set is solid and virtually indestructible! The chess pieces are standard 3 ¾ height with a dull finish.


This Executive Staunton Plastic Chess Set is beautiful! The chess pieces in this set are finely detailed and make a great living room chess set. This plastic chess set is so heavy that altogether the chess pieces weigh nearly 4 pounds! The king in this plastic chess set stands 3 7/8 inches tall. In addition this fine plastic chess set comes with extra queens.

The vinyl roll up board and carryall tournament chess bag, are great additions to these plastic chess sets.

Whats Hot in Magnetic Travel Chess Sets?

Plastic Magnetic Travel Chess Set with Carrying Case
A very distinctive chess set combining the good looks and grace of a home decor set with having the incredible features that make it great traveling tournament set!
This set features a raised 6 1/4" chess board with algebraic notation in each square and synthetic chessmen. Weighing 2 pounds, with a 1 1/4" king. The Pieces look as if they had been forged from solid silver and brass.
In addition to the value of this quality set is the nylon carrying case. The case measures 9 3/4" x 8 ½" x 1", featuring a full zipper compartment to store the board and pouch for the chessmen.
The outstanding combination of the design, quality and cost assures this set to be conspicuous in any chess collection and makes it the one of the finest gifts you could give to anyone that plays chess.

Travel Chess Set Magnetic - 8x8
Rated the #1 Magnetic traveling chess set on the market!
This set is ideal for any roving analyst! Sturdy plastic casing and metal playing surface manage to make it virtually indestructible.
Not only are the 3d pieces extremely magnetic, but they are also short enough to fit beneath the cover while still saving the position. Give it a shake and they are still in position.... strong magnets!