This stylish magnetic backgammon set is definitely a step up from mass-market versions. It’s a very playable size (no tiny checkers here) but is still ultra portable. The Contender is larger than our original Backgammon Travel set and smaller than our Champion attache. It features 1.25″ checkers with embedded magnets to help your game withstand the challenges of jostling knees in the coffee shop or choppy waters on the boat. The Road Trip has a fresh Aegean flair that’s perfect for your beach house or summer vacations by the shore. The Contendor features our rich and elegant Legacy Hops colorway that would feel right at home everywhere from a ski lodge to a speakeasy.
This premium travel backgammon set ships with a pair of our snap-up chestnut leather dice cups, red and amber 14 mm precision dice, 30 of our hand-made checkers with imbedded magnets (15 burgundy and 15 gold/butterscotch), and a coordinating doubling cube.
Magnetic Travel Backgammon Measurements
Open: 20 3/8″ x 13 5/8″ x 1″
Closed: 10 3/16″ x 13 5/8″ x 2″
Sam Fraulino (verified owner) –
I bought the Magnetic Travel Backgammon – Contender for my 52nd Birthday! Playing backgammon for years, I wanted a high quality handmade set. This did not disappoint. The workmanship, the detail and the amazing connection with Crisloid made this a fun and exciting experience. Every time I wanted an update or ask a question about my set they always got back to me quickly and with exciting news about the progress of my backgammon set.
I will never shop anywhere else when it comes to my next backgammon set, looking forward to ordering another one here in the near future. Keep up the amazing work, and this totally made my birthday the perfect day ! Thank you !
If I was to have one issue, the doubling cube is a bit off color and not so attractive in my set due to some color variations, other than that a PERFECT build! Love it.
Kevin (verified owner) –
Most travel boards feel like a compromise between playability and portability, but for me this board strikes the perfect balance—it’s large enough to still be enjoyable to play on, while easily fitting into a bag to take on the go.
Before receiving the board, I was a bit worried about the strength of the magnetism, but this also strikes a good balance—the magnetic force is strong enough to keep the checkers in place and add a sense of weight to gameplay, while still allowing for easy sliding and maneuvering of the pieces.
In terms of quality, the board I received is seriously impressive, and actually exceeded my expectations. Note, however, that the gold checkers I received were translucent, as opposed to the opaque checkers pictured in the product shots; while I would have preferred opaque checkers, this style looks great as well.
The leather dice cups are also well made and feel great to use with the included precision dice. Some people might complain about the lack of a trip lip, but I don’t think this is a major issue.
Overall, I highly recommend this set if you’re in the market for a travel board. You really can’t go wrong!
Carol (verified owner) –
This was my first Crisloid board, and it did not disappoint. I’m not sure what the outer case is lined with (I think it is synthetic leather), but whatever it is, it has a great feel. I love the snake/alligator texture and how it feels.
While it’s a smaller travel board, I was surprised by how heavy it feels – very substantial. That’s a minor inconvenience if you plan to take this to many places in a backpack or tote or something, but for me, it’s not a problem since we use it mainly in the house.
The checkers are beautiful; they do look like candies. The color is great (I was afraid I wouldn’t like the butterscotch very much, but I do like it). The magnets are strong enough to keep the checkers from moving if the board is jostled, but they are not strong enough to tilt the board vertically (or close it) and have them reliably stay in place. Some will stay in place that way, but many won’t.
The cork playing surface has a smooth finish (maybe wax?). The checkers move smoothly over the surface.
The leather snap dice cups are a great touch. It is very portable and works fine. The precision dice that came with the board were well-matched, and I’m happy with them.
There is one thing that I did not end up liking. The board comes with one (fantastic) “lucky piece.” The problem with that is that my boys end up fighting for it. It’s annoying and made worse because the lucky piece seems to really be lucky! Crisloid, PLEASE allow folks to purchase extra lucky pieces.
Andy C. –
Just got mine and it’s stunning. Love Crisloid’s craftsmanship!