I have at least a half a dozen chess sets and didn't really need another. I have a hand-carved, wooden set my father acquired just prior to World War II (it's the one he used to teach me how to play), and I have others, including a couple of small travel ones with magnetic pieces. I really like the size of this new set. As described, it is small enough to take on a trip. It's also large enough to make it seem like you're playing a "real" game of chess. The chess pieces are plastic, but not flimsy. The classic Staunton design is my favorite. The pieces are magnetic but not enough to attach pictures to the fridge door. I was able though, to carry an open board with a game in progress down a thirteen-step flight of stairs without mishap. The board is well made and forms a box for the pieces, when closed. The set comes with a 12-page set of instructions (with tips) of how to play each game - chess, checkers, and backgammon. I haven't read it cover to cover, but it seems well done and doesn't require a magnifying glass. I might have to read the backgammon instructions. It's a great, ancient game. The last time I played backgammon was decades ago against an Iranian, shortly after the Shah's overthrow. I lost, badly. I don't like losing chess games, though. In my opinion, chess is the greatest game of all. Among other things, it's a quiet, intimate game that involves planning and anticipating, and there is no luck involved.
