Have you ever immersed so much in the game of chess, wishing you could just indulge in the strategic battle of the mind wherever you go? Well, Chessboard is something that is a symbol of prowess and becomes an even more enticing companion when paired with the portability offered by folding chess boards.
In the game of chess, where every move holds significance, it is quite crucial to choose the right chess board. Now, there must be several questions running through your mind. How do you strike the perfect balance between tradition and modernity? How can a folding tournament chess board enhance your gaming experience? Well, to get all your answers solved, we have come up with this guide.
Types of Folding Chess Boards
There are a wide variety of folding chess boards with each of them having different pros and cons. Let’s discuss about them in detail below:
1. Traditional Folding Board
The traditional folding chess board with storage comes under the category of most classic type of chess board which consists of two halves attached. The squares are typically inlaid into the wood and hence the board might or might not have algebraic notation.
2. Magnetic Folding Board
There’s not much difference between a traditional chessboard and a magnetic chessboard. Although both of these folding boards have similar characteristics in this one, the squares are embedded magnets that hold the pieces in place. Furthermore, this type of chess board is useful for playing on the go as it would prevent the pieces from being knocked over.
3. Roll-up Chess Board
The roll-up chess board is usually made up of flexible material like silicone, vinyl, or vintage folding chess board. If you are looking for portable options, you should consider a roll-up chess board as it offers ease during traveling.
4. Travel Chess Board
Many people have a habit of playing games on the go. Are you among those? If yes, then a travel chess board would be the best for you to buy. Why? Because it is lightweight and easy to carry. However, in some travel chess boards, the pieces can be attached to the board itself, offering an ease of carrying.
5. Themed Chess Board
People often love to play on themed chess boards with their favorite characters such as Harry Potter, Star Wars etc. Buying this game and playing it with your friends would add a sense of fun to your game. Agree?
Size Matters: Selecting the Right Dimensions
Choosing a folding chess board means even more than the aesthetics. Well, the size of the chessboard matters too. Let’s consider some factors to consider when selecting your ideal chess companion:
1. Folded Size
Well, the first thing which you must think about should be how much space you have for storing the chess board. If you are buying the chess board merely for travel purposes, a compact board would be an ideal choice, which would be rectangular or pocket-size square.
2. Good Quality
A good quality chess board with a good material like wood or metal would offer a premium gaming experience. Prioritize the materials such as vinyl or silicone.
3. Weight
If portability is what you are buying in the chess board, you should go for lightweight chess boards as they tend to be more stable rather than heavyweight.
Useful Tips to Clean Your Folding ChessBoard
Merely buying, playing, and keeping the best folding chess board won’t fulfill the job, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned so that it does not get tarnished very soon. Let’s have a read to some of the cleaning tips below:
- Follow the concept of gentle wiping. For this, using a clean and soft cloth should be used. The cloth can be lint-free which would help in cleaning the entire surface of the chessboard. Clothes like these would not just help in cleaning the dust without scratching the material but also help in extracting the dust from the chess board.
- You can even use mild soap and water solution to clean the chessboard. With the help of a dampened cloth, just wipe out the affected or dirty areas on the chessboard. But make sure you avoid excess use of moisture, especially on the folding wooden chess board.
- There are certain harsh chemicals that you must refrain from using. Why? As those can damage the surface of your chessboard. Just stick to chessboard-friendly and mild cleansers only.
- You must check on your chessboard’s outer packaging to see if the manufacturer has recommended any specific cleansing product to clean the surface of your chessboard. If so, use the same cleanser to maintain the quality of your chessboard.
- There might be situations when your chessboard might face spills or stains. Hence, rather than just wiping it with a damp cloth, you should prefer spot cleaning. This would prevent the stain from settling down completely on the surface of the chessboard.
Characteristics of Folding Chess Board
Let’s have a read at what characteristics a folding chess board holds:
1. Foldable Design
The main characteristic of a foldable chessboard is that it can be folded in half, allowing for portability.
2. Hinge Mechanism
There are usages of hinges so that smooth folding and unfolding can take place. This ensures an ease of usage.
3. Magnetic Surface
Magnetic Surfaces are best to make use of when carrying the board while traveling. Some folding chess boards offer a magnetic surface where the chess pieces can be placed during the play. This prevents any kind of disruptions during traveling.
Conclusion
As we have reached the end of this blog, we believe that we have cleared the concept of the folding chess board in your mind, did we? As there are ample varieties of foldable chess boards, you must not just buy a folding chess board like that. First, analyze your requirements and understand your personal needs before you select one.
Let the mind boggle begin!
