Magnetic or wooden chess set: which should you choose?
Contents · 7 sections
Choose a magnetic set if it has to travel, be used by children or hold a game in progress without the pieces moving. Choose a classic set, with heavier, non-magnetic pieces, to play often at home or practise for the club.
In fact, the real question isn't "magnetic or wood": many magnetic sets are made of wood, with magnets hidden under the pieces. This guide compares the two systems and helps you choose. To see the models, browse our magnetic chess sets.
- A magnetic set hides a magnet under each piece and a metal sheet under the board.
- Magnetic and wood aren't opposites: there are magnetic wooden boards and pieces.
- Magnetic: ideal for travelling, with children, in the car or outdoors. Classic: better feel, bigger and heavier pieces.
- Small magnets aren't suitable for young children who put things in their mouths.
How a magnetic chess board works
A magnetic chess board relies on two things. Under each piece, a small magnet sits in the base, often hidden under the felt. Under the surface of the board, a thin metal sheet attracts these magnets. The pieces don't stick to each other: they stick to the board.
How well they hold depends on the size of the magnet and the thickness of the surface above the metal. On a good model, the pieces stay in place when the board is tilted or jolted in a car. On a cheap model, they slide as soon as you tilt the board.
Magnetic or classic: the comparison
| Feature | Magnetic set | Classic set |
|---|---|---|
| Stability on the move | excellent: train, car, outdoors | the pieces fall if the board is knocked |
| Feel | slight "click" when placed, a little resistance when moved | piece slides freely, more natural feel |
| Weight of the pieces | often light, except weighted models | from light to very heavy (weighted pieces) |
| Available sizes | mostly 18 to 39 cm, king of 4 to 8 cm | from travel to tournament size |
| Club and competition | not well suited: pieces too small | the standard |
| Children | fewer lost pieces, but magnets to keep an eye on | no magnet-related risk |
Swipe the table to see all columns.
When to choose a magnetic set
Travelling and on public transport
This is what they do best. On a train or in a car, every jolt knocks over the pieces of a classic set. A 24 to 29 cm folding magnetic board slips into a bag, and the game carries on even round a bend. To go further on size, our guide to chess board sizes sets out the dimensions for each use.
With children
A child often knocks the board when reaching across. With magnetic pieces, the position stays put and the game doesn't end in an argument. A board with coordinates on the edge also helps them learn notation.
For a game that lasts several days
A board on a shelf, a correspondence game with someone close to you, a puzzle to study: magnetic pieces don't move when someone walks past, the cat included.
When to prefer a classic set
For playing often at home, nothing beats non-magnetic pieces: they glide without resistance and you can choose them heavy and weighted, with an 8 to 10 cm king. It's also the only sensible choice for club practice, where games are played on flexible boards with tournament pieces.
Finally, a classic wooden set is a nicer object: the beautiful maple and walnut boards featured in our guide to the wood of a chess board are rarely made in a magnetic version.
Can't decide? Some sets come in both versions with the same board. That's the case with our 39 cm folding wooden tournament set: same size, same Staunton style, with or without magnets.
Pitfalls to avoid with a magnetic set
- Magnets that are too weak. If the product page doesn't say the pieces hold when the board is tilted, be wary. Customer reviews are more reliable than the description here.
- Tiny pieces. Below 24 cm, the king shrinks to around 4 cm: perfect for a bag, a pain for a game at home.
- Magnets glued on rather than set in. On cheap sets, the magnet is sometimes glued under the piece and eventually comes off.
- Toddlers. A small swallowed magnet is dangerous, especially if there are two. Follow the age given by the manufacturer and keep the set out of reach of young children.
Our pick
A magnetic pocket set, a magnetic set with wooden pieces for the home, and a classic wooden set for those who prefer free-moving pieces.
