StonKraft Wooden Chess Board Game Set with Wooden Magnetic Chess Pieces (12" X 12" Inches)

I believe there are a few companies selling reasonable quality, affordable chess sets and other wooden gaming products, manufactured in India. One of these is SouvNear, another is Stonkraft. They appear to have similar products with similar ratings and reviews: overall, you're getting a pretty nice wooden set at a lower price point, but buyers report occasional inconsistencies in quality and manufacturing. I purchased SouvNear's small 7"x7" magnetic set, and was quite pleased with it, though it really is very tiny and bought for portability. I decided I wanted to get a slightly larger set, and this time opted for the 12"x12" Stonkraft set.When the set arrived I was immediately impressed by the evident quality of the board, the fastenings and hinges, and the pieces initially looked very good as well. However, once I got them out of their cozy slots in the foam underside of the board, I noticed some of the problems described by a few other reviewers. Specifically, one of the black bishops was pretty lopsided due to an unevenness of the magnet at the bottom, and the two black rooks were noticeably smaller than their white counterparts, with slightly splintered crenellations around their castle tops. Overall, this detracted from the appearance of the set.I immediately contacted the seller in India and reported the issue. Honestly, given the distance over which we were communicating and my somewhat nit-picky complaints, I was not optimistic that my issue would be resolved. However, I got a very prompt response requesting that I send photos of the substandard pieces, which I did. The seller then informed me he would have his colleague in the US send me replacement pieces. As promised, I received a tracking number confirming the pieces were on their way. I was expecting just to get two replacement rooks and one bishop, but instead received a complete set of replacement black and white rooks AND bishops, for no charge, not even shipping. The pieces were all uniformly high-quality, and I now have a very attractive, uniform chess set.On the whole, I have to recommend this set because for the price, even with the potential for slight manufacturing issues, you're getting a very nice set. But more importantly, if you do have complaints, the seller is fantastically responsive, and in my case addressed my problem promptly and efficiently. For those on here who have experienced issues with the set, I would encourage you to reach out, because there is a good chance you can get replacement pieces.

The chess set is made really nicely. I really like the curved corners of the chess board. The pieces have strong magnets, so they stick to the board very well. It's a perfect size for travel, being not too small and not too big. At under $50, the price is also a real bargain, in my opinion.

Pros:Quality construction on exterior. Pieces are well constructed, well magnetized and fit well in storage compartment, for now... but doesn't seem durable; made of plastic and foam material, not felt. There is no gap on hinged area when expanded open.Cons:The only con is that the board is not lacquered or glossy as in the photos, but is of a flat surface; unless you like it that way.

I bought this for my 8yr old nephew last Christmas and when I was down there this year visiting his younger brother of 6 was also wanting to play since his older brother had taught him. All the pieces still looked in good shape, the boards finish was still un blemished from what I could see. However, the cheap velvet on the in side of one half o unglued but I reassured my nephew that's not bad after a year of surviving three boys under the age of 9 pulling pieces in and out of their home in the foam.

After watching The Queen’s Gambit, of course!, I mentioned to my husband that I didn’t know how to play chess, or the rules. And for Christmas I received this fabulous chessboard. And I’m learning now! And I discovered how much fun and interesting game this is (I don’t see the pieces moving in the ceiling yet).

This has worked very well for playing in a Motorhome even while driving. The magnets are pretty tough and they don't move when you don't want them to. Also nice when at home when younger kids can accidentally bump the table. The foam holders in the storage are also nice as one can instantly tell if a piece is missing. Some reviewers had issues the hinges, no problems here.

I think the pieces are hand made but they are not all uniform, some are pawns are taller tan others. The board does not lie flat when opened on the table it rises up off the table a bit in the center. The magnates are good and seem to hold the pieces on the board. The board does look nice and will play just fine but I think they could do a little more to improve the quality.

While it came quickly and the pieces themselves were great, the board was a mess! the hinges were loose to the point that they came apart upon first opening. One side looked as if the hinge had been smashed together with a hammer. very disappointing. it would have been a great set had the board assembly been of better quality. Seeking refund.