Drueke Magnetic Chess Game Box

The problem with this set is a visual one. As long as the dark gold and dull black are the colors of this board's squares, they make distinguishing between the black pieces (one example: pawns from bishops, etc) very difficult. They ought to change the board colors to white and medium green ... and they would have an absolute hit on their hands ... they would sell wouldn't be able to make them fast enough.The decision to manufacture the surrounding case of this classic in cardboard, instead of the sturdy plastic it originally came in (I just found out about this) is about the poorest, perhaps even dumbest, business decision I encountered in nearly 70 years.

I give this item 5 stars because I knew what was being sold to me when I ordered it. I accept the fact that the box is made of cardboard - and cheap cardboard at that. A drop of water or oil from your hands will soak right into it. And that's the downside of this once classic that was at one time made of hard plastic. The upside is that the board appears to be coated with a clear plastic, thus reducing scratching from the pieces. Also, the pieces stick very well. Finally (and as one would expect), the top slides under the bottom for convenience and maximizing space. I don't recommend this as a travel set but as something that would help with game analysis when accompanied by a larger set. As stated above, the box is fragile. But with extra care, I expect it to last years (emphasis on 'extra care"). And by the way and as usual, Amazon shipping and packaging was outstanding.

I ordered this because the paint had worn off the board of a game box I had purchased several years ago. As noted in other reviews, the sturdy plastic box has been replaced by a cardboard box that does not promise to be long lived. I hope I don't step on it or it doesn't get crushed while traveling. The magnets seem stronger and I like the new color scheme for the white pieces I will try recoloring the board on my old set with a magic marker and using the new pieces with it.

This magnetic travel set is about as close to perfect as you can get. The old version had a plastic shell with lid that protected the set. The newer version went to a cardboard case that was much more likely to take damage, especially water. The pieces are good representations and easy to distinguish. I am so sad that these have been discontinued and have actually searched for used ones as I sometimes give them away to students.

Only gave it a one because I could not give a zero.I had the predecessor of this set ,the glue on the magnets was not good enough and the board scratched too easily, it was still good enough to get a 5 star rating. Instead of correcting the flaws they changed the hard plastic case to cardboard. it is now a cheap peace of crap.This should reflect on the Drueke brand , once respected now cheap crap.

The box may be cardboard, but I am quite happy with this chess set. It is easy to toss into my bag and take with me and the box itself of is sturdy enough. I would have been happy to pay more for plastic casing though.

I have the same travel chess set, purchased several years ago. It came in a sturdy plastic box with a plastic lid. This new version comes in a cardboard box with a cardboard lid. Not acceptable as it will not last long. Don't buy it.

Smooth from start to finish. HIGLY RECOMMEND!!! thanks much