HoldenArt Magnetic Bamboo Chess Set w/ Hinging Shelves

I just opened this chess set as it is going to be a birthday present for a friend and I wanted to put all the pieces on the magnetic strip.

I have no idea where these other reviews came from.For the price I paid ($90) for this item, the quality stinks.The bamboo board has scratches all over it.The wood is not sealed in any way to protect from future damage.The entire product screams CHEAP.

The "hand carved" pieces look like they were carved using slave labor in India. I am returning this item.

EDIT: The maker of this product responded to my Amazon comment.I respect that.I may not like a product but I appreciate a well thought out comment.If Mr. Holden creates a higher quality/more expensive version of his chess set I would consider buying one.

This is a great, high quality chess set with unique, one-of a kind features.I especially love the hinging shelves that secure my pieces during play and travel in addition to the bamboo that is used for the playing surface which gives the board a natural, durable appearance.Other reviewers have noted some minor manufacturing imperfections that may detract from its aesthetics, however I personally think the set has a wonderful handcrafted appearance and prefer this since I'm not looking for something that is precisely machine manufactured.Coupled with the unique design of this chess set, what really makes it stand out is the customer service.Upon receipt of the set, Mr. Holden contacted me himself to ensure that I was completely satisfied with the product.While I was, I inquired about the strength of the magnets in the pieces which seemed to be weaker than expected thereby not allowing for a strong bond between the pieces and the playing surface (note: when the pieces were on the hinged shelves, the bond was very strong and more than adequate for proper retention).On his first reply to my inquiry, he offered to ship out a new set of pieces with stronger magnets which sure enough, addressed the issue.The new pieces that I received now "snap" to the board and provide for much better retention during play.Mr. Holden's personal attention and follow through in resolving any questions and concerns associated with his product to ensure 100% satisfaction is refreshing in this day and age.For that alone, I would strongly recommend this product for the discerning consumer.

Buy HoldenArt Magnetic Bamboo Chess Set w/ Hinging Shelves Now

I posted my first review of this set about a year and a half ago, making a point to mention flaws in the carving of the pieces and the way they stuck to the board. However, Mr. Holden recently contacted me far beyond the limit of the return policy and offered to send an entire set of new pieces free of charge. Naturally, I accepted, and I am far from disappointed.

The new and improved pieces not only stick to the board more reliably, they are slightly redesigned to look even prettier, and the quality of the carving has improved. There are unsightly errors on two of the pieces, but I intend to ask for replacements.

I highly recommend this set. If there any problems with the one you order, Mr. Holden seems determined to ensure that everything is set right.

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First, let me qualify this review. I have been playing chess for well over 40 years. In all that time I have purchased many chess sets. This is, by far, the best overall design for a portable set that I have come across. I study chess several hours a day and need a portable set that is easy to set up and take down. What I most disliked with all the other sets I have been using was there was nowhere good to put the captured pieces. I would often drop or misplace the captured piece or even lose them. This set changes everything! There is a built in magnetic shelf that holds each piece. The magnets are extremely strong. The bamboo board looks indestructable and should last a long time even if abused. It's heavy and sturdy.

I will say that I am not crazy about the overall length of the pieces. They are too tall and take a while to get used to. Also the set would look much better if the stain used for the black (brown) pieces was solid versus the tiger-striped stain used. I think it cheapens the overall look of the set.

These two complaints are minor. I use this set everyday and have received many compliments for the unique design.

I have not seen anything like this set before and this very reasonable price. It is indeed unique and a best buy if you are looking for an extremely useable set and conversation piece all in one.

Well done!

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We received our chess board on time, and we are very happy with it. We are impressed by the craftsmanship and the exclusive patented design. We were looking for a board to take out when we go to the park or to the beach, and we love the sustainable aspect of bamboo. The clever hinging shelves are just as advertized, and the magnetic squares were also something we wanted. Finally, the pieces are beautiful and superior to the plastic or cheap pieces you often get with boards of this price range. It's the right size and it's fun to play chess on such an elegant board. I highly recommend this product.

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