Arched Travel Chess and Backgammon Set with Carry Handles

Arched Travel Chess and Backgammon Set with Carry Handles — Handmade in Armenia

Closed, a dark arched case with a carry handle at the top; open, this travel chess and backgammon set is a rounded board with a handle at each end, chess on the outer faces and a line-work backgammon field inside. 40 × 40 cm / 15.7″ × 15.7″ open, handmade in Armenia, with pieces, 30 checkers, dice and a bag.

Each half of this wooden chess set is cut with two rounded corners, so the pair meet as an oval with a slot handle through both ends, the frame stippled all over inside a punched bead band that follows the curve. The squares are inlaid pale and brown wood with the coordinates cut into the border, and the pieces are turned in pale and black-stained wood, sized to the field.

Turn it over and open it the other way for the second game: points cut in line work with a scalloped rail behind them, a large floral wheel drawn in the middle of each half, the checkers and dice in the troughs along the ends. Two games in one hand, on brass clasps.

Specifications

• Size: 40 × 40 cm / 15.7″ × 15.7″
• Material: beech wood in a dark brown stain, with inlaid pale and brown squares
• Carving: rounded ends with a cut-out handle at each, stippled frame, punched bead band round the edge, cut-in coordinates; line-work points and a floral wheel in each half inside
• Pieces: 32 turned wooden chess pieces, pale and black-stained; 30 wooden backgammon checkers, pale and dark; pair of dice
• Folded: 20 × 40 cm / 7.9″ × 15.7″
• Carry handle: cut through each end, one at the top when closed
• Hardware: brass hinges and clasps
• Craftsmanship: handmade in Armenia

What's Included

• Folding arched board — chess outside, backgammon inside
• 32 turned wooden chess pieces, 16 pale and 16 black-stained
• 30 wooden backgammon checkers and a pair of dice
• Carrying bag

Why You'll Love It

• A shape of its own: rounded ends and a handle in each, so closed it carries like a small case.
• Two games, one grip: chess on the outer faces, nardi with checkers and dice inside.
• Light enough to travel: folds in half and goes in the bag with everything inside.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Is the carving real? The frame is stippled by hand and edged with a punched bead band, the handles are cut through the wood, the squares are inlaid, and the points and floral wheels inside are cut in line work. Nothing is printed.

What about shipping and returns? Shipping is free worldwide and tracked. Every set is covered by our 30-day returns policy.

How do I look after it? Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Wipe with a dry, soft cloth and store it closed.

Also known as nardi (нарды), nardy, tavla or shesh besh.