Chess on the Trail

[-Animal]

Any Chess players hiking in 2014? I’m thinking about carrying a Chess set as a luxury item. In 2012 I managed to find five fairly good opponents on the trail. I played professionally for two years, and I teach Chess, so I usually give odds to even the game and sometimes free lessons.

[Wise Old Owl]

Hi Animal, yes what people do is get a ruler or t square & Sharpie and make a large game board at the top of the self inflating mattress. Then just carry the pieces... However with the younger crowd its more card games. DSCF0206.jpg

[Deadeye]

My Dad & I played chess on our hikes of the LT. We had a small travel chess set, about the size of 2 decks of cards, with plastic chessmen that plugged into holes in the board. I don't see anything similar on the internet now - seems most are magnetic - but there's probably a travel set that's light enough to work.

[Starchild]

In some circumstances yes I would play you, but on the AT because of the demands of time that would be a bit unlikely, and if I did I would be rushing thru it not realy on my game, but that is me. YMMV

[-Animal]

In some circumstances yes I would play you, but on the AT because of the demands of time that would be a bit unlikely, and if I did I would be rushing thru it not realy on my game, but that is me. YMMV

Thanks guys. I was thinking of making the board on top of my bucket with black tape and then carrying some light plastic pieces. The players I met were eager to make time to play me several times.August.jpg

[Slo-go'en]

I suppose it would be a good way to kill a rainy afternoon if you didn't feel like going out into the weather. I have a backpaker's Backgammon game which is in a roll up cloth board I bought many years ago. At 4.5 oz, it wouldn't too unreasonable to carry but I never have.

[theinfamousj]

Granted, I am just a section hiker, but I have a bandana that has a board on it and then I carry a sharpie. In the field I collect random bits of nature (rocks, acorns, stick bits) and sharpie the type of piece they are on them.

I can play chess and checkers this way, and everything serves multiple uses.

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[Autummyst]

Any Chess players hiking in 2014? I’m thinking about carrying a Chess set as a luxury item. In 2012 I managed to find five fairly good opponents on the trail. I played professionally for two years, and I teach Chess, so I usually give odds to even the game and sometimes free lessons.

I would play if we crossed paths on a zero day or nero day. I don't really know what I'm doing, but it's fun to me regardless.

[jimmyjam]

I noticed this summer that the shelters from about Maupin Field to Cow Camp Gap all had chess/checkerboards intricately craved into the floor .

[Dogwood]

I have no time to toy with you on a hike Animal. Check Check Checkmate. Pay up the Knorr's Side and tuna packet you owe me now.

[whisper walking]

Even though I happen to be the third worst player in the history of the game, I still love chess. I carry a water-resistant, paper set in my pack.

[Zep]

I would love to play if we ever cross paths! I was in chess club in HS, and play every once in a while now, but I'm actually planning on taking my mobile set as well. It's a leather roll up board w/ leather covered cardboard pieces (pieces are round w/chess symbols/checkers flipped) and they go in a zip up pouch on the side of board. It's very light and compact, but not very good when it gets wet, as I learned on my last excursion. Not sure where I got it but it's one of my most prized possesions.
I'm leaving March 15th NOBO, hope to meet you (and any other chess players) out there!

[SunnyWalker]

This is what I use for entertainment: http://www.esnarf.com/3908k.htm However, If I met up with you I'd love to take a break to play chess with you.

[Zep]

This is what I use for entertainment: http://www.esnarf.com/3908k.htm However, If I met up with you I'd love to take a break to play chess with you.

I'm also down to play some blackjack, texas hold em, spades, or rummy!

[tiptoe]

Somewhere in New Hampshire south of the Whites I believe there's a double privy with a chessboard between the seats. So if you make it that far, all you'll need are the pieces.

[-Animal]

Somewhere in New Hampshire south of the Whites I believe there's a double privy with a chessboard between the seats. So if you make it that far, all you'll need are the pieces.

…and a need to sit for a while
Thanks everyone for the replies… if you see me- me.jpg
-and I’m hard to miss. I will be ready to play.

[HooKooDooKu]

With a little bit of effort, there's all sorts of possibilities for taking games on the trail.

Here's an example of a Monopoly game I put together for playing with my kids when we go on camping trips. It's total weight is 6oz with MORE than enough money and pieces for 4 to 6 players.

Monopoly.jpg
The board was created in Microsoft Paint using some graphics I found online, printed on card stock (you can see the creases where the board folds up). The properties were scratch built using an Excel spread sheet printed on card stock. The money was printed on colored paper using graphics I found online. The Chance/Community Chest cards were scanned from an old monopoly set (I don't like the design that comes with a modern monopoly set) and printed on colored card stock. Houses and hotels are simply colored paper clips as are the playing pieces. The white envelopes are to hold money and property together while playing. All paper was treated with a map sealer. The dice come from a modern monopoly set. I specifically wanted the 'speed die' as it easily makes a full blown game last only 45-60 min.

[beaud]

Animal, if we run into each other out there I'd be happy to give you a run for your money. I'll have no chance with a former pro, but I love a good match.

NOBO starting in early March...I'll keep an eye out for you.

[HikerMom58]

Hey Animal.. I do believe I remember hearing about you hiking some last year too. I think I remember seeing Green Mountain Hostel put up a picture of you as one of their guests. You are well known for carrying that bucket if you are the same person as last year.

[4Bears]

Easy enough to make a board, just find some checkered cloth, then use the pieces from a small travel set, probably be 3 ounces. Then just bundle it up together with a rubber band or twist tie. The occasional game would be a fun diversion.