Games
VentureBoard XL Magnetic Roll-Up Full-Size Chess Set
Product description
Patented roll-up design
This chess set uses a patented rolling mechanism that lets the board curl into a rigid cylindrical shell while the magnetized pieces remain in their starting formation. Because the pieces stay in place, you can store or carry it without rearranging the pieces each time. U.S. Patent No. 12,303,796.
Portable dimensions and storage
When open the playing surface measures approximately 10.6 inches long by 10.0 inches wide, providing a true full-size experience in a compact footprint. Rolled up, the set forms a cylinder roughly 3.75 inches in diameter and 10.6 inches long, making it simple to tuck into luggage, a backpack, or a shelf. The shell houses the board and the pieces together for neat storage and fast setup.
Components and materials
The set ships with 32 chess pieces that are magnetized to adhere to the flexible board. The board itself is constructed to bend and lock into place when rolled, with panels that interlock on several planes to add structural strength. The outer shell is a hard cylinder designed to protect the contents while traveling.
How it’s used
Unroll the cylinder to reveal the board with pieces already arranged in their starting positions — no assembly required. The magnetized pieces hold steady for play on the table, in the car, at the beach, or outdoors. When finished, simply roll the board back into the shell to secure everything for transport or storage.
Quality and gifting
Built with portability and durability in mind, the VentureBoard XL is presented as a refined travel chess solution that also makes a striking gift. Its concealed storage and tidy rollout make it suitable for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.
Pros
- Rolls into a rigid shell with pieces secured
- Full-size 10.6" x 10.0" playing surface with 32 pieces
- Strong magnets keep pieces in place during movement
Cons
- Surface can show scratches with regular use
- Occasional reports of magnets popping out
- No integrated carrying handle or separate case
VerdictThe VentureBoard XL delivers full-size play in a highly portable package: a 10.6" x 10" magnetic board that stows with pieces in their starting positions inside a hard shell. Engineering that interlocks the panels when rolled gives it more rigidity than typical fold-up boards, and the strong magnets keep pieces anchored during transport. Some buyers report magnet loss or surface scratches over tim
Reviews
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James Mortellaro 5/5
A must-have
By far the best chess board I've owned.
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Colt P. 5/5
Perfect birthday surprise
My son is obsessed with chess and said this was the coolest set he’s ever gotten. He liked that it’s magnetic and already set up inside the shell — no fiddling to start a game. It was his favorite present.
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Andres 5/5
Excellent travel set; XL suits bigger hands
I have both the XL and the smaller 6-inch Black & Gray model. The XL is easier to handle if you have larger or thicker fingers — the pieces and board give more comfortable play and the updated XL pieces make the king and queen simpler to tell apart. The 6-inch is slightly more compact and feels a bit sturdier when opened, which is handy for tight spaces like cars. The XL trades some portability for a better playing experience. My suggestions: add felt pads under pieces to prevent surface scratches and improve base grip.
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Verbal Roots 5/5
Solved the small-set problems
We upgraded from the smaller model because pieces would sometimes wobble or fall over. The XL handles much better and we added a simple modification to stop the board sliding on smooth tables. The pieces are pleasant to hold and stay put during play.
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Andres Guerrero 5/5
Bought the XL after liking the regular
I already had the standard VentureBoard and liked it enough to get the XL. The larger version is well worth it — excellent product.
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Delicious Pancakes 5/5
Best full-size portable chess board I’ve used
This board is brilliant for taking a game on the road. It rolls down to roughly the size of an insulated bottle yet opens to a full playing surface. The components feel durable, it’s lightweight, and you can pause a match and carry it to resume later. Worth it if you want true portability.
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Doc 3/5
Very handy but scratches easily
We use this for quick practice sessions and at tournaments to sketch ideas. The pieces look great and the magnets are strong, but the board surface scuffs up quickly. I also wish a carrying case with a handle were included.
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Jonathan 4/5
Good idea but a magnet failed
I inspected the set before gifting it and one magnet popped out the first time I opened it. That flaw was disappointing, but the concept and construction otherwise look solid and should please the recipient.
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Fernando Salas 5/5
Ideal at-home pastime
The set arrives in a cylindrical container and even included a couple of extra queens. It’s the right size for home use; since the pieces stick to the board you can simply roll it up after playing and everything stays in place.
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Veras 5/5
Great for travel and busy households
I put tiny felt stickers on the bottoms so the board and table don’t get scratched — the magnets remain strong even with the felt. I like the larger size here; pieces actually look like proper chess men. With kids running around, the strong hold and roll-up storage are very useful.
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